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.

Anna Patterson | Artist

I grew up with a skill and passion for the visual arts. In grade school I loved trying everything… from paint to clay. In college I was an art major, with a concentration in printmaking. Post college I went into film production but ultimately shifted back to a more creative roll as a self taught graphic designer, just as the adobe programs were being developed. From that career I transitioned into the roll of mom for a while until my creative drive, the urge to “make things” welled up again and I started to make prints again, this time on fabric. Soon afterwards, I moved towards painting, a space that I had not spent much time in the past. It felt exciting and new. It was also something that I’d always wanted to do, but somehow skipped over while in college.. I began with a few workshops, then continued to paint consistently while still block printing on linen and creating items like zippered pouches, tea towels and aprons. The pull to paint became stronger as my skills improved. People started to buy my work and then I knew I was on to something. Read more>>

Risa Friedman | Artist

I’ve always loved making art. Looking at art. Talking about art. For many years, however, I allowed art to live in the background of my life. It was always there but never a priority. Then after the birth of my second son, I developed rheumatoid arthritis. It took many months for me to figure out what was going on with my body and there were weeks at a time where I could barely walk. This new illness made me rethink how I spent my time and I knew then that I needed to expand my creative community and start prioritizing time for making art. Read more>>

Kimmie Garner | Founder / CEO

I chose this career in 2015, after learning that the majority of the skin products we are sold as ‘safe’ are actually toxic and dangerous. My daughter had a severe reaction to a product that is branded as ‘natural’, but a harmful ingredient (that is banned in most other parts of the world) was in the product she used. She was swollen and sick for several weeks – the toxins were stored in her liver and kidneys. After this incident, I decided I would start making our skin products. As I dove deep into my new hobby; it became a passion. After two years of research and development, Luxious Lemon LLC was born. Read more>>

Sharon Wehner | Professional Dancer, Dance Teacher, Yoga Instructor, GYROTONIC® and Nutrition Coach, Studio Owner

For me, it started with a simple passion as a very young girl who loved to dance. I had no idea what it actually meant or would take to become a ballerina, but I just knew it’s what lit me up and also piqued my desire to learn and grow as a human being. I was one of those rare examples of someone who had a dream as a 4 year old, and had the good fortune to realize that dream. Read more>>

Kari Miles | Musician and music teacher

I pursued a creative career in music because so much of my life was filled with beautiful places, people, music and art. I wanted to create a life of beauty and create beauty in the world through sound. I developed an appreciation for nature and the land. My youth was filled with drives through the countryside of Minnesota were my father and mother grew up. My brothers are like a mirror. My late older brother was a sculptor and college professor. My younger brother is also a college professor and sculptor. I studied music at Concordia College in Moorhead, Mn. I later studied flute in a Master’s program in Boulder, CO. Every good thing that has happened in my life was through pursuing music. It was in Boulder were I met my beautiful husband, Ron Miles. We have two children. Our daughter is a choreographer, dancer and our son is an artist. Our life was filled with creative energy. Music brought Ron and I together, kept us together and now being a widow, music has been a comfort. I remember my first piano lesson and how exciting it was to study music. As a teacher and performer my mission is to pass on the joy of music to my students and to those who hear me play in church services. Read more>>