We asked insiders and experts from various industries to tell us something they think outsiders are unaware of and we’ve shared a few of those responses below.

Angelo Baxter

I have always been an entertainer of some sorts, even throughout my military career. When I made the decision to move out to LA and got my son into acting, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I chose to retire from the military and pursue acting, which was great, but I wanted to do more. I have always had a comedic background so I pitched a movie idea to an executive producer while on set, and he told me that it’s a great idea and to send him a treatment for it. I had no clue as to what that was, so I ended up going to school to learn how to write screenplays. I then wrote that movie in 2022 and now it’s being pitched to several networks. Read More>>

Banafsheh

The inner journey was my only choice — and it led me to art.
I was searching for my own philosophical questions when I found myself — and from there, art — without choosing it, and without knowing I was a creator.
Growing up in post-revolution Iran meant living under the heavy shadow of restrictions for women, artists, and thinkers.  Read More>>

Don Posillico

I began college thinking I wanted to pursue education. “Teacher” felt like the honest answer I offered at the dinner table. To stay connected with friends and family while away from home, I started a video blog and bought my first real camera, the Sony ZV-E10. I found editing to be my strongest suit—obsessing over each second of a timeline and always aiming to tell a story that would engage even my own toughest critic. Read More>>

Mehaa Mekala

I had to. It became not a matter of wanting but a necessity. I tried to do pursue medicine; I even went to college for it. I attempted many different paths and roads. What I found was I was not any less capable of studying or pursuing more academically rigorous paths like my peers, but when I didn’t have a creative outlet in my life (more specifically when I wasn’t performing), I lost sight of myself. I forgot who I was; I fell victim to the numbness and mundanity of life and work. Read More>>

Alan Roubik

As much as I loved playing the piano and composing music, I never intended to pursue music as a career—let alone become a piano teacher. My focus was on building a successful career in business, and I was working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at California State University, Los Angeles. That direction shifted unexpectedly after I met producer Joe Gottfried, co-owner of the legendary Sound City Studios. Read More>>

James Welday

First off, I want to thank you for this opportunity!
I’ve been a creative for as long as I could remember. While I love to read and enjoy a wide variety of music, film was always my mainstay. When a great film enraptures me with its storytelling, music and visuals, when all the elements are gelling into a satisfying, cohesive whole, I feel elevated! This is where the core memories of my creativity were born – in the movie theater. Read More>>

Camila Ruhl

I moved to LA from Buenos Aires, Argentina, about 7 years ago. When I made that decision, it was because I wanted to pursue my dream of acting. Since I was starting over, I thought, “I’m in the right city, so why not?”

It’s been my dream since I was a little girl, and I believe I came into this life to be happy. Read More>>

Pater Memphis

I got into the filmmaking career by mistake, and I don’t even know how or what got me to change my career goals. When I was younger, I wanted to be a soccer player, and I also wanted to be a pro fighter. I have a black belt in Karate. My career goal changed when I met a friend in high school; his name is Micah Senga. He’s currently a filmmaker too. It was him who gave me the idea of pursuing filmmaking as a career, and I started loving it. Read More>>

Thomas Overthun

I loved tinkering and was constantly drawing at a young age. I credit my Alfa Romeo driving high school art teacher Mrs. Rox for encouraging me to consider a career in the creative field. And, by pure chance, state owned German TV gave me a first glimpse into the wonderful world of industrial design, with a documentary about the biomorphic design maverick Luigi Colani.

Today I work at the design innovation firm IDEO, and I feel lucky to continue to do this work! Read More>>

Christina LaRocca

I pursued an artistic career because I am first and foremost a passionate artist—Singer, DJ and musician—whose love for music runs deep in my blood. Growing up in a musical family with my mother, aunt, and uncle in bands, I was surrounded by creativity from an early age. My journey took me around the world, performing at thousands of shows across the USA, Europe, the UK, Canada, and the Middle East.  Read More>>

Tanasha Allwood

I decided to pursue my artistic passion and create Grateful 4 Heels because art has the power to heal, transform and connect people on the deepest level. My project was born out of my own need and journey of resilience and the realization that so many women carry unspoken stories of struggle, strength, and rebirth. I wanted to create a platform that not only showcases beauty and artistry but also celebrates vulnerability, empowerment and community. My project, Grateful 4 Heels, is a merge of my passion and my purpose. I use my creativity to inspire others to step into their power, embrace their stories, and dance through life with gratitude and courage. Read More>>

Owen Shears

I chose to pursue a career of art because I feel like it’s in my blood. My father and both my brothers are musicians, so naturally I’ve been drawn to music and art for as long as I can remember. There was a part of my life where I tried to ignore the urge to do the same thing and explore other avenues, but it got to a point where I simply couldn’t resist the urge to be creative and stay creative, so I just gave in. One of the best choices I’ve ever made. Read More>>

Nathan Landaverde

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the performing. Whether it was singing, dancing, or acting, I loved making people around me feel joy. However, growing up in a traditional Mexican religious household, I was often told how not to walk, how not to speak, and how not to dance. I felt like I had to suppress that bubbly side of me. I felt like I had to hide parts of myself that brought me the most joy. Read More>>

Omar Noel

Some of the most powerful, inspiring, and memorable stories are conveyed through artistic expression. Creativity sparks life and moves it forward. The arts have the power to foster profound thought, feeling, and perspective that are at the roots of positive change. I chose to pursue an artistic career to continue this great work and contribute to the stories that color the world. Read More>>