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.

TANYA HICKSON | alias: ChristinaCurates Music Enthusiast

I started creating playlists and mixes of songs that you don’t hear on mainstream radio stations. I wanted to introduce people to new artists and good music they may not have heard before. Read more>>

Ashlyn Lin | Fashion editor, stylist & photographer

People now live in an era of information explosion that changed a lot in the world. One of the most widely used forms is photography. I am fascinated by artistic careers because they can provide stunning visual images to audiences. Therefore, working in an industry filled with aesthetics has always been my ambition. More importantly, I find myself always intrigued by fascinated photos, which makes me want to be a person who can inspire others as well.

Lucas Velez | Master Barber / entrepreneur

I decided to pursue an artistic career as I grew up in the era of the 80’s and 90’s. I was privileged enough to have family on the island of Puerto rico and in New York City where everything started. I was exposed to hip-hop in the mid 80’s and then exposed to reggeaton in the 90’s. Read more>>

Rochelle Irons | Creative and Founder of Green Papaya Palace, Inc

I’m often asked about my choice to pursue art as a career. I remember knowing that I was an artist at the age of 7. It wasn’t really something that I did, it was something that I was. I didn’t want to be a ballerina or go to space….I knew I would create things. Read more>>

Ronald Sánchez | DJ / Producer

As long as I can remember, I was always drawn to the creative side of things; jumping from medium to medium until I found music. Read more>>

Danekki Bowen | Entrepreneur | Image architect

It has never been a easy choice pursuing a creative career ideas have always been a daunting feeling keeping me up at night with all that being said the feeling of expressing myself creatively has been rewarding giving me an opportunity to heal ,grow, and share my art with the world which is why I pursed a creative career. It is my happiness my purpose! Read more>>

Dorry Delos Santos | Enterprenuerher

It all started with my children. I didn’t like the fact of going back and forth to the stores to pick up their cakes for special occasions. And as I grew older, I became more aware of the effect of artificial food colourings used on the cakes from the commercial stores. I am not a fan of it. So, I decided taking basic baking classes at George Brown College 13 years ago. Since then, I’ve been making my children’s cakes and made cakes for my family and friends as a gifts. Read more>>

Travell Neal | Artist

I chose a creative career path because I’ve always had a love for music, fashion and creativity. It’s sorta like a creative career chose me. Read more>>

Aaron Burnett | Musician and music producer

I pursued a music artist career because ever since I was a child I always had a natural ability to excel in the arts. I began drawing and painting when I was about 5 years old in Greece and I’ve always been compelled to create art. I’m pretty surprised that after all this hard work I have two Grammy certificates and a solid resume. It goes to show that hard work does actually pay off! Read more>>

Stefano Brizzio Recchia | Graphic designer and illustrator

The first thing that made me pursue to be an artist and graphic designer was the fact that I could work for myself, I could have my own schedules, workplace, projects and choose my clients. The other thing that made me choose this career was the fact that you could always try different paths until you found what you love the most. Read more>>

Liz Santana | Makeup Artist /Hair Stylist /Educator

From an early age My mother new I was unique . Very strong willed , very passionate . Being born in a Caribbean country and having my roots instilled in me has played a huge role and who I am today. I went from living in Dominican republic at the age of four to moving to New Jersey and seeing it so much diversity. I was very eclectic when it came to fashion and beauty. Read more>>

Mina Dulce | Photographer & Visual Artist

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been creating and involved in the art world. I won my first award in a local art gallery at five years old, for a sculptural piece made out of cardboard boxes that I called “Science House”. I painted, used clay and found materials for sculptures, sewed, and drew. I was inspired by the world around me and my childhood friends were all creatives, and we would make art together. Read more>>

Johnna Moser | Resin artist

I’ve always done crafting then a friend offered me space in her boutique. I was successful there so decided to start doing art shows. At that time I was making jewelry. I was very successful with the jewelry but over time developed arthritis in my hands so I changed mediums a couple of times until I discovered resin. Read more>>