We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Tierra Hensley | Crafty Realtor

I transitioned from my successful Etsy shop to a career in real estate for a few reasons. While I’ve always loved the creative aspects of my Etsy business, I also have a passion for helping people. Read more>>

Taylor Perry | Certified braider & Entrepreneur

I am a braider, but I also am well versed in other areas of hair styling as well. I pursued this creative path because it was something that allowed me to be in a happy space. Whenever I am working, I am honestly in a more peaceful headspace. Read more>>

BRANDON OWEN | CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ARTIST

I CHOSE AN ARTISTIC CAREER BECAUSE I COULD NOT IMAGINE DOING ANYTHING ELSE. I TRULY ENJOY BEING ABLE TO MAKE SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY. IT ALSO LETS ME LOOK AT THE WORLD IN A DIFFERENT WAY, I APPRECIATE CREATIVITY AND ART IN GENERAL SO BEING ABLE TO BE IN THAT WORLD IS A GREAT JOY. Read more>>

Andrew Fleming | Drummer for The Aquaducks

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that music has always been the #1 pursuit for everyone in the band. We all met at Belmont in the music program and were all singularly focused on having a career in music. Read more>> 

Nita Perez | Musician and Singer-songwriter

Well, music has always been an integral part of my life—my mother used to play as a bassist in New Orleans, and she is featured playing on my upcoming single Lighthouse. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a singer and especially write lyrics that would have a positive impact on people. Read more>>

Earl Bowman | Alt-Country Act

I definitely never thought I’d be pursuing music like I am, but now that I’ve started, I don’t think I could do anything else. Read more>>

Taylor Hungerford | Artist

Well in all honesty, I had no other choice. Being a creative is who I am. It’s what I breathe. I have a band in which I pursue gigs and such but graphic design, filmography and photography pay the bills – and I love them all. Read more>>

Jane Donahue | Maker of BeeKissed Caramels

And so the adventure begins…. I don’t accept what is but I can respect it, and then I think how I’d like to change it. My view of things is in the endless variety change creates. The carousel of options, is me in a candy shop. Read more>>

Natasha Clay – Hill | CEO of Production Company & Playwright/Director

I chose to pursue an artistic creative career because it can be fulfilling for several reasons. It allows me the opportunity to contribute to the diversity of human expression. Through self expression I can express my emotions, perspectives and ideas. Read more>>

Nita Perez | Musician and Singer-songwriter

Well, music has always been an integral part of my life—my mother used to play as a bassist in New Orleans, and she is featured playing on my upcoming single Lighthouse. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a singer and especially write lyrics that would have a positive impact on people. Read more>>

Earl Bowman | Alt-Country Act

I definitely never thought I’d be pursuing music like I am, but now that I’ve started, I don’t think I could do anything else. Read more>>

Taylor Hungerford | Artist

Well in all honesty, I had no other choice. Being a creative is who I am. It’s what I breathe. I have a band in which I pursue gigs and such but graphic design, filmography and photography pay the bills – and I love them all. Read more>>

Jane Donahue | Maker of BeeKissed Caramels

And so the adventure begins…. I don’t accept what is but I can respect it, and then I think how I’d like to change it. My view of things is in the endless variety change creates. The carousel of options, is me in a candy shop. Read more>>

Natasha Clay – Hill | CEO of Production Company & Playwright/Director

I chose to pursue an artistic creative career because it can be fulfilling for several reasons. It allows me the opportunity to contribute to the diversity of human expression. Through self expression I can express my emotions, perspectives and ideas. I can produce creative work that has the potential to influence, inspire and provoke thought.  Read more>>