We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

DJ AFRICA | DJ, Producer & Entrepreneur

Ever since I was a little boy, I loved music. Anything that made sounds/beats would grab my attention. I remember when i was little, I would grab empty buckets and use them as drums to make beats. I was surprised because nobody in my family has a music background and that’s how my curiosity in music began. Read more>>

Abel Flores | Photographer

I pursued artistic/ photography path for a combination of personal passion, creative expression, and the desire to capture and share meaningful moments with others. Read more>>

Dee Mendez | Professional Organizer

My professional background is in technology, but I have loved organizing since I can remember. It became an outlet to be more artistic since you’re not really able to do that being in the technology field. I would organize for myself mostly, but I found myself doing it more and more for family and friends. So, one day I thought, can I actually do this for a living? I brought up the idea to a few close friends and to my surprise they all agreed that this was something I should go forward with! From there I came up with the name dee-clutter as a play on words with my nickname since everyone calls me Dee, and the rest is history. Read more>>

Anna Estrin | Fashion influencer

It started with creating her women’s clothing brand, Annie Couture NY. The main task was to dress Jewish women fashionably. After all, there are a lot of religious nuances that need to be respected in this look. But all of us still want to create trendy and stylish outfits. This is the idea I decided to realize, and I succeeded with tremendous success. We opened our collection at NYFW. Our clothes first conquered New York and then the world, where a religious community of different denominations existed. I took the brand to the international market, and then I handed over the business to keep it going because I decided to do more style and fashion in the direction of journalism. I have always had a passion for journalism, so I decided to combine this passion with my second love, fashion. So I started writing fashion reviews for newspapers and magazines. At the same time, I was developing my Instagram blog. My audience grew, and I focused on content for my page. Read more>>

Mariko Nobori | Chief Cookie Officer (Baker and Owner of Short Street Sweets)

I always loved drawing and I took ballet for over 20 years, but I never considered myself an artistic or creative person. I always planned on being a pediatrician, and in fact, I even went to medical school! But midway through, I was so unhappy and asked myself what I would do if I could do anything, and my answer was: illustrate children’s books. Which isn’t what I did next, but it did lead me into children’s media (LeapFrog, Pixar) and into a more creative space, which I realized I loved. I have never looked back! What I do now (decorating cookies) also feels very full-circle to me, because I get to tap into my childhood love of drawing when I am sketching out designs and then piping them on the cookies. Read more>>

Paige Michels | Engagement and Wedding Photographer

Ever since I was a little girl I knew I always wanted to do something creative. I also always knew I wanted to have my own Business. I didn’t know what that looked like or what it would be in. It took me a long time to figure out what that was for me and to get the bravery to take the leap. Growing up artistic careers were painted risky, and lazy. I was always told if you want to make it in this world you go to college for something practical and I did that. I ended up going to school for computer science and I tried to convince myself that it was creative enough for me. During that time in college I got more and more into photography. I never knew it could become my career, until one day a friend mentioned that I should go for it. For some reason I took that and ran with it and have not looked back. I feel so incredibly lucky that I get to photograph people as my job. It is truly a dream. Read more>>

Tarek Turjman | Comedian

I have had an interest in performing since I was a kid. I did television commercials in elementary school, and theater throughout middle and high school. I pursued a Real estate career after college, but I never lost my passion for performing. In 2019 I discovered the VIllain Theater where I became a company member and where I do improv and stand up on a weekly basis. Ve been performing professionally all over the city ever since. My drive to perform is really my frustration with the state of the world. I am a Guatemalan and Palestinian and I am queer, so my comedy is really an outlet for me to talk about my experience growing up and about the cases that affect me. Read more>>

Foday Sillah | Actor/Model/Producer

Honestly I just wanted to do what I love for as long as I can. Read more>>

Danielle Asfour | Graphics Designer & Digital Artist

I have always been interested in art and being creative. Art has always been a captivating and inspiring medium for me. From a young age, Art has a unique way of allowing me to communicate and connect on a deeper level. Read more>>