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.

Kendra “dro” Tate | Owner & Stylist at Vintagely Velma

I pursued a career in the creative arts field, fashion and styling to be specific here, because this has been apart of my life, my journey and my destiny since I was a child. I’ve adored vintage since I was a young girl being introduced to old cinema by my mother as well as a flare for fashion, and I found a love for history from my father. Bring that together and you have the vintage rockin’ fashionista you see today, Outside of Vintagely Velma, I am a multi-genre visual artist, a renaissance woman if you will, so everything I create and continue to merges together naturally and cohesively. Read more>>

Tyler (lowtde) Smith | Rapper & Producer

I am pursuing an artistic career because art is woven into every fabric of life, and I feel like it’s one of the few things that can fulfill my soul and spirit. Art helps bring people together, tell stories, and help paint a sign of the times.  Read more>>

Angel Anglero | HR by day and DJ by night

I’ve always had this sense of wanting to incorporate music into my life. My father’s side of my family were heavy into music. One of my uncles Roberto Anglero was a producer for a lot of Hispanic salsa groups like “El Gran Combo De Puerto Rico”. Music has gotten me through some of the lowest points of my life and has uplifted me in ways unimaginable. I believe that having a creative outlet allows you to expand your mindset and fulfills a lot of my creative needs. Read more>>

Arsenio Diaz | Musician

There are many reasons of why I became a musician.
I spent my childhood and youth in Cuba, a country that has been under a tyranny that has banned free expression, among other human rights. All the frustrations, pain, abuse, alienation, and denials received by that system were channeled, at that time, through music. Read more>>

Sylvester Long | College Sports Administrator, Motivational Speaker, Author, Musician, & Podcast Host

I wanted to use the gifts God gave me and impact the community and share my testimony while doing it for His glory and Kingdom. Being a motivational speaker, author, musician, and podcast host, I use my unique life experiences and my faith in God most importantly as my foundation to not only encourage and inspire but to also help others hold themselves accountable. My message is to let others know that the pain we experience in life is only temporary, but it is connected to the purpose that is destined, defined, and destined for our lives. The name of my first written book is “Out of Pain, Into Purpose” (which is also the name of my speaking business). Read more>>