Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

Iliyana Apostolova

Ever since I was really young, I loved entertaining and doing little things to make people laugh. I would dance in a funny way or make silly faces just to get a reaction from my family, and I got addicted to that feeling — making people laugh. I always knew I wanted to bring that kind of joy to others. Read More>>

Dontae “DON” Fletcher

Growing up, I never felt like I was good at anything. I often struggled to find where I fit in or what made me stand out. But when I discovered art—specifically through beauty, creativity, and self-expression—it was like something finally clicked. It was the first time I felt seen, capable, and confident. Read More>>

Emanuele Liccardo

From a very young age, I was drawn to the idea of transformation , not just how we look, but how we feel when we see ourselves fully aligned with who we are. I didn’t choose grooming as a career just to cut hair. I chose it because I was always curious behind the phycology of one specific affirmation that everybody whom usually wants to belong always claim “I’m different !” Read More>>