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.

Alice Shupe | Founder of Boozy Bones & Brand Development Account Executive

dabble as a hobby artist myself and creative freedom in the workspace is super important to me. I’ve found that practicing art and free flow thinking has a positive ripple effect that inspires innovation in my critical thinking processes and business practices as well. So I am always in pursuit of creative projects or aiming to incorporate elements of creativity into any of my professional endeavors. Not only to fulfill my artistic needs but to also stimulate growth. Read more>>

Lex Holley | Cake Artist & Content Creator

I’ve always been extremely creative, but my cake decorating journey started when I was 16. I didn’t have a job yet, but I desperately wanted to show my mother how much I appreciated her on Mother’s Day. So I got a Betty Crocker’s box cake and some can frosting and made her a really poor interpretation of a cupcake floral arrangement; she loved it. I loved making her so happy with my creativity. After that, I just hit the ground running, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces with cake. Read more>>

Erisa Nicole | Female Smooth Jazz Saxophonist

Music has always been instilled in me from a very young age. My Father is a musician and music was always played in my house as a child. I learned how to play the piano and played for my church choir for many years. I was introduced to the clarinet which was very short lived and once I stopped playing I knew there was more that was in store for me musically, however, I wasn’t sure exactly what that was. My appreciation and love for the saxophone grew after attending a concert which featured a female saxophonist. From that moment I knew exactly what I wanted to play and I guess you can say the rest is history. Read more>>

Dhara Parekh | Writer & Creative Conceptualizer

I am not only a highly introverted person, but I am a hopeless hermit, which makes it difficult for me to meet new people, and that eventually disables me from sharing my thoughts or having my opinions heard. I am not wired to speak my mind. My head, however, is full of ideas, thoughts, musings, and reflections. I am a walking and breathing poster of introspection and interrogation. If I had a tattoo etched on my soul, it’ll read- ‘Why?’ Read more>>

Dréa Sheva | Music Artist

I think the arts chose me! It seems I was destined to be a performer. When I wake up music is on my mind. When I’m driving lyrics flood my head. When I lay down for bed I hear symphonies. I’ve been dancing and singing since I was a toddler. Growing up, I was a part of countless performance groups in dance, choir and musical theatre. I danced with my grandmother at her dance school and eventually stepped into the director role. Read more>>