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

Emily McMannis

I love this question, my first dollar earned as a creative, I keep it in my wallet! When I was in college, I worked at a little yogurt shop down the hill from campus. It was the sweetest little place, and honestly the greatest job for a college kid. Being that we are in Nashville, there are songwriter rounds in nearly every little shop, and this place was no different. I don’t know how, or why, but one night my courage was greater than ever before – and I left my little station, took off my apron, and sang a song. Read more>>

Young XOX

Before I started rapping in October of 2021, I would cookup beats everyday after school, I sold a lease to a guy for $20 a few weeks after I started producing and sold a few more leases since then, I mainly focus on rapping now but I still Engineer and mix my own music, and cookup occasionally. Read more>>

Edda Davila

One afternoon, I remember the excitement and anxiety I had while I waited for my first check to be printed. I opened the enveloped and could not believe I made my first $308 from selling art. This was July of 2021, I started my art career in 2016. I was so excited I could cry. I lived in Sacramento and I found this amazing placed called ATRIUM who sole purpose is to help artist and support them. I found the store online and I wanted to apply. I though, my art is not good enough, I do not want to be rejected. Read more>>

Leme Nolan.

If I recall correctly, I believe my first paid event I did was March 2017 at a venue in Wilmington,NC. Prior to that in 2016, I was determined to be more active as an Independent Artist to request live event gigs. So I would go and walk downtown or call around and see if the venues were looking to book any local Artists. A few called me back and I was so excited. Read more>>

Jasmine Smith

After graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, my medium of choice was acrylic on canvas creating abstract art. I graduated in the heart of the recession and thus, spent my first couple of years after college as a barista at a café that allowed local artists to display their art throughout the store for sale. This was perfect for me being an employee and artist! Well, after having a few of my paintings up in the café for a week or so, I received an email requesting a commissioned piece of art! Read more>>

Chink Jones

Ok, the first dollar I actually earned from my music was not that long ago. In 2018 I debuted my first single called “Blicky” on the streaming platforms through TuneCore. I actually can’t tell you when I accumulated the actual first dollar because when I came back to check my earnings a few weeks later my sales from streaming had accumulated about $8. Read more>>

Jurni Bayoc.

The first time I got a commission through Chalk in the Lou was to do a happy birthday message for a little girl who lived in my neighborhood. I remember getting the dm and thinking it was a joke because there was no way someone would want to pay me for what I was doing and then reality hit me and I was like “woah, this is real”. I had no idea what I was doing in terms of pricing and all that, I was just excited to have the opportunity. Read more>>

Helen Holder

I had a few stories written that I wanted to see published. They were sent out and rejected by publishers. Self=publishing seemed the only way to go, but I didn’t know how to find an illustrator. For one of the books, I did the illustrating, but still found the self-publishing route daunting. I was ready to use my printer and bind a few copies for friends and family when I heard of Fox Pointe Publishing right here in my city! In March of 2020, I met with the owners and offered my illustrated manuscript. Read more>>