Earning that first dollar is incredibly special and a moment many never forget. We asked some very talented creatives from the community to tell us the story of the first dollar they earned from their creative works.

Kaden Jordan

The first dollar I ever made from music was actually at the worst show I’ve ever done. I arrived at the “venue,” which was a park, only to find out we’d been double-booked with a birthday party and got kicked out. So, we went across the street to a 7-Eleven and held the show there. A guy pulled up in a pickup truck with a karaoke machine, and I performed my set—one original song and two covers. After the show, I got paid $30. To this day, that’s one of the most meaningful amounts of money I’ve ever made. Read more>>

Diana Vee

The first dollar I ever made was from a little girl’s mother who liked the shiny pink heart necklaces I was selling at a booth in a pink tent during a live music event. It was my first time out in public selling all the fun stuff I make in my room, so I was a bit nervous and then I turn around and there’s the little girl standing there smiling happy and carefree which some how broke the ice, of what a nervous wreck I was at the moment. It was then I was reminded I was where I needed to be and there was no reason to be nervous. Just having fun doing something you love. Read more>>

Tyree Traylor

My first principle photoshoot with LinkedIn changed my perspective on things. Creating an invoice for the first time, having a driver, meeting with the creative director and president, all those things in a way were eye opening coming from the inner city of Los Angeles I didn’t grow up with those luxuries or even the resources to know it’s possible. Read more>>

David Montgomery

It’s very funny how I came to be an artist, kind of a different path than most. I was in the entertainment industry and made great strides in a relatively short amount of time, but when the pandemic hit, I was not prepared in any way. I wasn’t pivoting – I was trying to stay sane. This is when my neighbor threw out her old paints and offered them to me. I had no intention of making money off of them, which is probably for the best. If I set out to learn the craft as a capitalist, I might’ve been discouraged right away and not have created so much out of love for the subject. Read more>>

Mackenson Henry

The first dollar I earned from acting was a moment I’ll never forget—it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary. It came when I landed a role in a holiday commercial with Disney. The entire experience was magical, from stepping onto the set to seeing the final product air in the heart of Times Square in New York and online. When I received my first paycheck, it wasn’t just about the money—it was validation. Someone had recognized and valued the years of training, effort, and passion I had poured into my craft. That feeling was priceless. What made it even more special were the messages and calls from friends and family, telling me excitedly that they’d seen me in a Disney commercial. Knowing that my work had reached so many people—and brought joy during the holiday season—gave me a sense of pride and fulfillment that’s hard to put into words. Read more>>

Jennifer Narr

For years, I poured my heart into painting, creating countless pieces, yet I struggled with the confidence to attach a price tag to my work. Instead, I gave my art away for free, finding joy in simply sharing my passion with others. After over a decade of working with acrylics, I discovered Zen Tangling—a meditative art form that added intricate detail and a calming rhythm to my creations. In 2019, a spark of inspiration struck: why not merge the two? This fusion of vibrant acrylic painting and delicate Zen Tangling became my signature style, a beautiful balance of color, movement, and mindfulness. Read more>>