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.

Yvona Gonzalez | Holistic Pole Fitness Instructor

I’ve been a dancer my whole life. My mother was a DJ/music producer so all I’ve known is music. When I was younger I would always put on shows for my family with a full choreographed dance and singing. My uncle is an artist and my brothers danced too, so it’s also nice being around an artistic family. I could never see myself doing anything else, but dance! Read more>>

Giannina Montanari | Salon Owner & Hairstylist

I grew up in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, a country that thrived in art & beauty. My mom is a very talented painter which influenced me to love the arts. My parents put me in a strongly cultured, musically-focused school that fostered creativity and where I grew-up playing the violin. I have very fond memories of those times. When I was 9 we moved to the United States and I became a young immigrant. I felt like I lost my community, and artistic expression was something I really missed and longed for. Read more>>

Monique Williams | Blogger

I pursued an artistic career in blogging because when I lost the use of my voice due to Papillary Thyroid Cancer; blogging and writing became a creative and healthy outlet for me to express myself. Read more>>

Susan Lewis | Floral Designer and artist

I have always been an artist. I studied painting and drawing in college. My passion for color and design attracted me to flowers. I find that I am always learning from them. The variety of flower types and of their colors never cease to amaze me. I am at my happiest working with my hands. I also love the temporary nature of flower designs. Like life, they are not permanent. A temporary creation of beauty exists for a short time, making it more precious. Read more>>

Billiam B | Artist, song writer, performer

I was born in artist, I eat, breathe sleep creativity. I remember as a child how I would wear dishrags on my head and tuck my blue jeans into my white socks and put on my hard bottom shoes so I could reenact Michael Jackson. I’ve always live for the stage. in high school, I was a musical theater and where I am from in the DMV we would have modeling competitions where you would have to incorporate choreography and a theme to your runway show. I was the captain of our team for four years and we placed first and second place at the competition every year. It was here that my passions found an audience, and an outlet. Read more>>