Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Olen Whitely | Photographer, Musician, artist and lover of living

I chose an artistic and creative profession over a traditional job because it aligns deeply with my passions, values, and the way I view life. Creativity allows me to express myself, tell meaningful stories, and connect with people in profound ways. A traditional job, while valuable in its own right, often felt limiting to my sense of freedom and self-expression. Read more>>

Flaminia Melchionna | Artist

Art has always been a huge part of my life. Ever since I could remember there was a brush in my hand. There was never a day where I wouldn’t draw or paint. As I got older my style developed and I started to make paintings and prints for my room and then my friends would want in theirs, from there the idea sparked that I should try to sell my pieces. Read more>>

Susy Castillo | Massage Therapist & YinYoga Instructor

Artistry is an expansive practice; for me is has been a pathway towards self discovery, mastery of craft and a commitment of being of service to the beautiful community I have created around me. Read more>>

Creative Experiences | Mindful Community

We pursued a creative path with our community events because we were inspired by the vibrant community gatherings we attended in Miami. However, living in Broward, we noticed a lack of similar experiences in our area. This sparked the idea to create our own events, a space for people to connect deeply with themselves and each other, to grow, and to remember that we’re all human and we’re all growing through something. Read more>>

Vendler Tattoo | Tattoo Artist

I began my journey as a graffiti artist at a very young age and quickly fell in love with the entire street art scene. From developing my unique signature style to building my reputation within the urban art subculture, it became a huge part of my life. The reputation I built opened doors to meeting many people, including a friend who introduced me to tattooing. What drew me to it was the idea that tattoos are the only true way of expressing our individuality in the form of art, unlike anything else we can buy or create. Tattooing gives people the opportunity to wear their story and identity in a way that’s completely unique to them. That’s why I fell in love with it-it’s a real, lasting form of self-expression. I realized that by utilizing all my artistic knowledge, I could excel in life and build a career doing what I love – creating. Read more>>