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.

Jordan Sims | Director / Producer

I decided I wanted to pursue the film industry as a Director / Producer when I was 10 years old. My younger brother and I would spend our free time making videos with the family camcorder and gather the neighborhood kids and begin shooting. There was such a thrill in making up a world with characters and scenarios that you come up with. Looking back on this time now, I honestly became addicted to it. I was not a very happy kid growing up, which I still don’t know why since I grew up in a loving family and always managed to make new friends despite how frequently we moved for my dad’s work. No matter what was going on in my real life or how I felt, I loved watching film and TV and everything would melt away and I would feel reborn when the credits rolled. Read more>>

LadyLove® | Songwriter, Vocalist, Producer

I chose to pursue my artistic passion and creativity because all I could do was think of rhythm and music. It’s how I survived. I breathe and feel nothing but rhythms. I appreciate the way that it synchronizes my livelihood; music infuses in my daily routines and helps me to think and create a world where I’m able to balance logic and emotion. Read more>>

Ashley Miller | Aerialist, Dancer & Registered Health Practitioner

I have always been an artist in some capacity. I started dancing at age 11. The first time I performed onstage, the rush I felt solidified that performing was what I was meant to do. Dance has brought me full circle to becoming an aerial teacher, and back to dance again. I saw an aerial performance by volunteering for Jackson School of the Arts’ Fairy Festival with my ballet class when I was 16. I was commuting out of town for aerial lessons by that summer, and have been ever since. With no access to higher dance training in adulthood, I diverted my focus to aerial performance, which gave me the creative freedom and expression that I valued from dance. I traveled the country for certifications, and now I’m teaching a new art form at the studio I grew up dancing at, in a town that did not previously have aerial classes. Read more>>

Suhair Alhaidary | MAKEUP ARTIST

From my early childhood, I cherished playing makeup games with my sister, always taking on the role of the makeup artist. As the years went by, my love for makeup grew, and I found joy in assisting family and friends with their makeup needs. Fast forward to a period where I dedicated five years to being a stay-at-home mom. Once my kids started school, I realized it was the opportune moment to pursue my passion professionally. Encouraged by the positive feedback from those I had helped, I decided to embark on a journey to transform my love for makeup into a fulfilling career. Read more>>

Cortney Joi | Licensed Hairstylist & Owner of Anthem Salon

From the very moment of my birth, the gift of creativity in the form of music, hair, and art was woven into the fabric of my existence. It was an inherent choice bestowed upon me by fate, and the purpose it held resonated deeply within me at an early age. As a young girl, my memories are painted with a love for all things musical, and beautiful, a passion that led me on a unique journey. Being a second-generation stylist and salon owner provided me with a front-row seat to the transformative power of beauty. Witnessing women being renewed, refreshed, lifted, and made beautiful was not merely a profession but a profound experience. It went beyond the physical transformations; I saw the restoration of their mental and emotional well-being. In that salon, they weren’t just clients; they were embraced by a community of women, uplifted and encouraged. Read more>>

Antwan “CMC GUAPO” Green | Versatile Creative & Certified Community Health Worker

It’s really natural for me to be creative, so once I realize others loved what I’m doing it was easy to keep going Read more>>

De’Mi Alyse | Singer/Songwriter

It kind of feels like a creative career pursued me. I’ve always felt really good when I sang and I realized it’s the only thing I want to do. I feel so certain and comfortable when making and performing music I don’t think there’s anything else I would rather do. Read more>>