Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Amanda Mireles | Optometrist & Children’s Book Author

I have been writing since I was 8 years old- mostly short stories and poems. It started as more of a cathartic way of working through childhood traumas. I never imagined sharing my writing with the world. It has been so close to my heart. Now that I am a successful Optometrist, writing had fallen to the background of my life. Until my daughter asked me to write a book for her for her fifth birthday. Read more>>

Luis Velasquez | Branding and Strategy Communication Specialist

I have always been a creative person. Art is an expression and an outlet for expressing feelings, emotions, and the human condition. Creativity is about merging art with science to explore how I can express my thoughts through my work. Also, it helps me get in touch with my emotions, clear my mind, and learn more about myself through creation. Read more>>

Jazzmin Amanda | Nail Technician, Esthetician, Beauty Business Owner, AND Beauty & Fashion Content Creator

Years ago, after leaving college & becoming a young mom, I got a job a local beauty supply store. Then another & eventually another one. I didn’t realize at the time, but I really believe working there was setting me up to be exactly where I am now in the beauty industry. When I came home from college unhappy with my “Plan A” I guess I was trying out new things out to see what I actually liked. Read more>>

Shelanda Brown | Content Creator & Nurse

Honestly, this isn’t something that I pursued on purpose. It just sort of happened. I have always been a person that loved to create and explore from a very young age. As I became an adult, those hobbies grew to be a part of my life consistently. I never quite understood how much of my life or how important it was to me until the pandemic hit. Read more>>