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.

Veronica Camacho | Fashion Stylist

Well at first I wanted to be a dancer. However, my mother wanted me to have a more stable career, so I chose fashion. I studied Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Did my internship with Calvin Klein than landed a job as an assistant fashion director for a catalog Company. That was definitely the beginning of my styling career.I feel like my creative career chose me Thankfully Read more>>

Selena G | Herbalist & Medicine Woman

We are creators by nature. To create is to exist in your purpose as a human. Creation looks different to everyone.. anything can be artistic/creative and anything can be a career! To follow your own ideas, imagination and spirit is the path to self sufficiency and liberation. The beautiful part about pursuing a creative or artistic career path, is that yes you see it as a career but as a whole you see it as your life. You are your creations and you have the ability to choose what you want to bring into this world. I love that I remembered I can use my mind, heart and hands to craft healing modalities which elevate and awaken others. This path definitely comes with challenges and test but it builds great character and breaks through any inner fear, judgement & limiting beliefs. Read more>>

Shalisa Smith | Makeup Artist

There is something so fulfilling about turning your passion into purpose. In essence, it’s a calling. Being that creativity has always been one of my signature strengths, and makeup being a passion of mine, pursuing a career in makeup artistry was a no-brainer. In doing so, I experience “flow.” Serving others, and making them feel beautiful leaves me energized, focused, challenged, and it’s very rewarding. It allows flexibility, work-life balance, and the ability to express myself freely. Read more>>

Stephanie Hill | Content Creator

I started my 20s as a professional ballet dancer but switched to public relations due to the 2008 economic recession. I quickly realized corporate life wasn’t for me so I started a blog, which allowed me to express myself. Since then, my blog has become a place where I have developed a voice in fashion, solidified my work as a creative and found fulfillment outside of ballet. Today I hope to inspire others to do the same – to not be afraid of reinventing yourself because you never know where it will lead you – and that it’s possible to find joy and happiness in other careers! Read more>>