We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Jaquie Ohh | Creative Director & Photographer

I did what we were told was the right way to do things if I wanted to be successful in life: I went to college, got a degree in Economics, and landed a job in real estate finance. As I was making my way through college, I was also a full-time model where I got to work with some amazing brands like Sports Illustrated and Maxim. Read more>>

Lmfao Slim | Comedian & Actor

I was in my junior year of high school, graduation date was coming up. I was failing, I been failing school since I was in elementary school. Time was running out and I had no direction in school or in life of where I wanted to take myself. I turned to God, I prayed and asked God to click something in my mind to do with my life. Soon after, comedy clicked. People been saying I was a comedian since I could socialize, the word was just too big for me to comprehend at the time. Read more>>

donnell dixon | Music Producer

I decided to pursue a career in music, because it was very dear to my heart. I always felt at ease while making music, and did it was many year, recreational before I decide to pursue it as a career. I was once told, find something you love doing, and try to make a living with it, and that stuck with me. Read more>>

Stephanie Gowdy | Visual Artist

Art has always saved me in my darkest moments in life. Ironically when I lost my eyesight it kept me sane and when on strict bed rest for three and half months and so many other time God used my talent to help see me through. Between the feeling art gives me and family confirming that I do have an actual talent I pushed myself to truly share my journey. Read more>>

Daźay B | Rapper Singer Actor and DJ

I’ve always been passionate about music and performing ever since I was young so it just made sense to pursue it. I was always very in tune with the arts nothing else really interested me enough to pursue it wholeheartedly. Read more>>