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.

Neraka Taylor | Founder and owner of Lady Hibachi

Throughout my life, I’ve had a knack for creativity and a deep love for both food and social connections, making it a natural choice for me to pursue a career in these areas. Read more>>

Miriam Benjamin | Artist

Because it’s who I am. It has been in me, and with me ever since I was born, and I used to try and stop it because it didn’t seem logical. Now I pursue it and I embrace it because it is all of me! It is what I know I will always be passionate about no matter what and it feels like a disservice to myself to not embrace this. Read more>>

Ryan Thewes | Architect

When I was a kid, I was always good at art and drawing. And being from a small town in Indiana, it was recommended to me from an early age that I should be an architect. People associated drawing with architecture. So, it was always something I was interested in.  Read more>>

Rachel Seiler | Christian Artist & Worship Leader

My love for music was there from the very beginning. It felt like it was deep in my bones ever since I can remember. The love for singing came first, followed by my love for songwriting. Another love that has been there for as long as I can remember is my love for God. Read more>>

OJR (I prefer to go by my initials) Oliver John-Rodgers | writer, musician, etc.

(Though I’ve found success and made money throughout the years as both a model and actor, I am known primarily for my career in music. This answer will deal specifically with my journey as a professional musician). Read more>>

Fabio Mariano | Ballet Dancer & Teacher

Being able to express myself has always been a necessity for me. I remember when I was younger being super expressive in art works in school, or the way I dressed myself, or the pictures I took… I was always looking for a way to do it. When I started dancing and experimenting dance as a form of expression, I fell in love with it. Read more>>

Kiara | Artist | Entrepreneur

I pursued a creative career because I’m so passionate about perfoming, making music, choreographing, and making people feel good when they see me on stage. I realized I couldn’t live without it cause it was what I would think about CONSTANTLY throughout the day. Read more>>

Hoodrich Hardaway | Hip Hop Artist

I chose to pursue music because I was always good at it. I can draw, paint and Ect. So music was more like painting pictures with words to me. The activities and environments in Memphis is what influenced my musical passion. Read more>>

Erin McLendon | Country Singer/Songwriter

I’ve always known since I was younger that I enjoyed being creative. Whether it was with coloring, singing, dancing, whatever, I just loved having and using creative energy. I’ve been singing ever since I could remember and when I realized it was something I could pursue as a career, I never looked back! Read more>>

Lauren Estes | Artist

It’s only been in the last few years that I have actively pursued an artistic career. I run a full-time business in the finance world but I have been in the art world my entire life. I realized I had not been doing any art or drawing or being creative for a while and I picked up jewelry making, then working with copper, and now I am a silversmith.  Read more>>

Taylor Lyons | Actor & Artist

I really think artistic things are a part of my DNA. It sounds a little silly, but on all sides of my family there different types of creatives that have had the ability to express themselves in really beautiful ways. Read more>>