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.

Sam Grillo | Yoga, Movement & Breathwork Facilitator

I decided to pursue a more creative route in my career because nothing else lit me up the way that teaching yoga & breathwork does. I always felt a rebellious pull from the societal norm and truly had no idea what exactly I wanted to do after high school! I went into trade school for esthetics and worked as a bartender & esthetician for around 7 years after school, during which I found a deep connection to serving & caring for people. I encountered some darker life events that drove me into pursuing a deeper yoga practice! I traveled solo to the jungles in Costa Rica for 4 weeks and fully immersed myself into a yoga & conscious living training which turned out to be one of the best things I ever did for myself! Read more>>

Peter Nepi | Filmmaker – 8Ball Films

Because I hate myself. No, in all seriousness it’s one of those situations where I truly couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Movies have always spoken to me in a way nothing else can, and has moved me emotionally in ways that have changed my entire life. To even be in a position where I can find resources and people to help me share my creative vision and messages through film is a massive opportunity that a lot of people don’t get, and I don’t take that for granted. If I can move even one person with my art the way that art has moved me, I have succeeded. Read more>>

Morgan Siekman | Abstract Artist

I began pursuing art as a career with MorganSiekmanArt because I’ve always been captivated by the world around me and how I could express it creatively. As a child, I would sit in the car and imagine drawing everything I saw, and I loved spending time outside coloring with chalk. Over time, I discovered my passion for abstract painting, where blending colors and creating rich textures brings me the greatest joy. Now, my favorite aspect of my work is incorporating texture into each piece, making it uniquely vibrant. Read more>>

Rj Berry | Musician & Entrepreneur

I’ve always had creative energy in my life. Since I was a kid, I loved music and art, so it seemed natural for me to continue those passions into adulthood. It’s just grown and expanded since then. These days I say I do a little bit of everything such as music, videography/photography, graphic design, art, custom clothing, and I sell curated vintage clothing. It’s rewarding to be able to say that I’ve followed my passions, but it never stops moving and growing. Read more>>

Liz Ferron | Media

I’ve always been creative, funny & outspoken. These traits didn’t get me far in the corporate world! I knew I belonged in the field of entertainment so I started stand up comedy & decided to get my degree in broadcasting. Read more>>