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.

M. J. Star

Why I started my business
If you care about the economic vitality, environmental health, and culture vitality of our nation and the world, keep reading. Not only is this why I started my business, you’ll get to see cute girls holding beers.
I’m M. J. Star: artist, designer, and something of a food critic. I draw personification of dishes, cocktails, beers, and wines I recommend that people in Colorado try. My neo art nouveau consists of intricate details about my subjects’ history, origin, and ingredients.  Read More>>

Dan Pasto

I really feel like I didn’t have a choice. Artistic and creative things, that don’t make lots of money, are hardwired into my brain in a way that’s difficult to ignore. Conversely, social and academic things, that do make lots of money, are removed from anything that I’m able to achieve without gritting my teeth and faking it. Read More>>

 Jill Callan

As the owner of Petit Parker, I chose a career in the creative arts because it allows me to express my passion for design and creativity. My journey began as a fashion designer in New York City, where I spent 20 years honing my skills, particularly in children’s fashion. I was drawn to this niche because it is so imaginative. This aspect of kids’ fashion resonated deeply with me, as it allows me to be creative while also allowing me to connect with the community on a personal level. Read More>>

Emilia Ealom

My career has come full circle in many ways. I began as a ceramic artist right out of college, but soon felt the pull toward what I thought was a ‘more professional’ path. I returned to graduate school and became a licensed mental health clinician, working as a therapist for over a decade. While that work was meaningful, life experience gradually revealed that true fulfillment comes from living in alignment with who I am at my core. That realization led me back to ceramics full time—a return not just to art, but to a way of being that reflects my strengths, values, and personality. Read More>>

Kevin Sgarro

I’m not sure, I suppose music was the only thing I was ever really drawn to and extremely driven about learning and improving at and it eventually became ingrained in my everyday life to the point that I couldn’t imagine wanting to pursuing anything else! Read More>>

Ximena Wheeler

Choosing an artistic and creative career has been a deeply personal journey rooted in my lifelong passion for expression and connection. From my early beginnings in dance at the age of four to signing my first ensemble contract at fifteen, I discovered a profound love for creating entertainment that resonates with people’s emotions. This journey led me to realize the transformative power of live performances. Unlike artificial intelligence, which is impressive in its capabilities, artistic expression taps into human emotions and connects with audiences in ways that transcend technological achievements. Read More>>

 The Vantage Team

Each of us came into the beauty industry on our own path, but what brings us together at Vantage Salon is a shared love for creating—and the belief that our salon space can be about so much more than hair.

These days, staying relevant as a small salon business means wearing a lot of hats—photography, hosting events, education, content creation…the list goes on. We see each of these not as tasks, but as creative opportunities and meaningful ways to connect with people. Over time, these connections grow. Read More>>

 John Freeman

My entry into the business aspect of Fine Art Wall Mural Photography actually came later in life in 2011 at age 60. I had always loved landscape nature photography since my early years starting in 8th grade when my parents gave me a camera for Christmas. In 2011, I began to experiment with Gigapixel Photography and realized that it would truly be a niche market place creating Ultra High Resolution photos for wall murals. Read More>>