Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart. Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice. So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Diane Arrieta | Visual Artist

I have been an artist as long as I can remember. The one thing that helped me decide to buckle down and be a serious full time artist was getting my master’s degree in Wildlife Health. I wanted to have some proficiency on the topic I address in my work. As a conservation biologist, my art practice centers on scientific research. The work engages in critical narratives surrounding the environment and shifting landscapes, together with female perspectives of the inequalities of society. The domination of women and the degradation of the environment are consequences of the patriarchy and capitalism. Read more>>

Kimberly Milan | Singer Songwriter Actor & Digital Creator

When I have imagined my life in the past and looking forward, I have always seen myself becoming a creative artist. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. I was born into the arts. My father, Fequiere Lucien, is a singer and owner of the band Volo-Volo De Boston. I watched my father in his creative process writing songs, recording in the studio, performing, interviews and more. From seeing my father do it, I knew I could do it too. I was always receiving high achievement awards in arts and music. I was scouted in the fifth grade by a musical company, The Boston Children’s Choir, at my elementary school. There, I began professional music training which consisted of vocals, music theory and instruments. My first professional singing experience was at 11 years old with The Boston Children’s Choir touring the state of Massachusetts and New England. Read more>>

Paulina | Singer-songwriter & actress

I realized I’m not happy if I’m not working on my craft. If I’m not dissecting a character or writing a song, I don’t feel fulfilled. I realized it’s my purpose in life. I remember listening to interviews about Michael Jackson always being in the studio. I heard this one story about him calling up his producer when inspiration hit and it didn’t matter that it was deep into the night. He would tell his producer that he needed to work on that song right then and there. His producer asked if it could wait until the next day, but Michael said no. He said that if he didn’t go and finish making the song, someone else would. I cherish the moments where it feels like a song, a melody, an idea chooses me. I feel like I have a duty to bring to life the art that flows through me. Read more>>

Chitarra Monroe | Celebrity Chef/Executive Chef and Owner

In a friendly challenge amongst my Uncle David and myself; this creative career chose me. My criminal justice field was my career to retire on so I thought. Until my love for cooking was challenge to be enhanced with the knowledge of culinary and that one challenge has opened so many doors for me. I truly thank my Uncle for seeing in me something great. Read more>>

Chernel “Tweety” Renfro | Licensed Full Specialist (Esthetician & Nail Tech)

The beauty industry was birthed in me, through the premature departure of my two best friends who were deeply passionate and in love with the beauty industry. Since their loss, I have acquired many skills, certifications and degrees. But none of those gave me a sense of fulfillment. It was just another means to a paycheck. I also have done many things to honor their memory, but nothing seem to fill the void of their absence in my life. As if that was even possible. I would find myself sad, wishing they were still here. Then my mind started overflowing with memories of how they made sure we beautified ourselves flawlessly before stepping on any scene and had the best time in those precious moments. I thought to myself I miss those moments and I miss them even the more. So much they became my why for coming into this industry with one mission: Becoming an esthetician. Read more>>