Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Jennifer Lamden | Embroiderer & Woodworker

I didn’t start my journey as an artist or a creative. I have always been a rule follower. Existing in the work force as an assistant to others and always behind the scenes. I’m an introvert at heart, and will always will be, but my creativity was always lying beneath. Waiting to come to the surface and shine. I think taking a risk, and the fear of failure is what keeps your talents pushed down. I also believe that as you grow older, more confident and observe others succeed, you find the courage to take more risks. I have also learned that if you find something that soothes the soul, you have a happy soul. A quote that has always stuck with me is “If you don’t build your dreams, others will hire your to build theirs!” Read more>>

Dayel B | Teacher. Coach/Choreographer. Investor.

I never actually felt like I had a choice. Not necessarily meaning that someone or something forced me to, but when you really love to do something and value the freedom to do it, you start changing the way you look at work and you ultimately have to arrive at a decision. Pursue that joy or be pursued by the regrets of having to deny yourself of that joy every day. When you put it like that, there really is no choice. I am living joyfully (even when it gets hard and tiring) with no regrets. Read more>>

Resette | Music Group

Art has always been a big part of our life since a young age. Our parents instilled the importance of art and music. In our teenage years in Caracas, Venezuela we both started to get involved in music projects. After moving to Houston we met each other in college and immediately began to collaborate in a variety of music bands. After having different musical experiences we decided to start a new project called Resette. Read more>>

Jeanna Hawkins | Graphic Designer & Business Consultant

Art it my passion, and has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. If it were not vocal, it was some other medium, ever since my primary years in school. My passion grew for being creative, the more I was exposed to. There is something powerful in pulling something from your heart, mind and spirit and making it real or tangible. There was always a desire to share those things with world. In my opinion, sculpting something out of nothing in a figurative and literal sense, bring joy to the world. When something you have created resonates with the public, whether that be many or few, most creatives will agree it brings them joy too. Think of it in the perspective of creating a child and watching that child as it develops into adolescence, then teenage years, on into adulthood. What you may think it would be when it first starts out may be totally different from what it becomes but there is much beauty in its’ becoming. Read more>>

Emily Fens | Artist

I’m fascinated by the mind and I’ve been an artist my whole life. I merge the two to create an open-ended space to explore concepts and ideas related to the mind. Letting my artistic practice lead the way, I am especially excited to collaborate with like-minded thinkers, fellow creatives, and related communities, institutions, and organizations to enrich and push these investigations. Read more>>