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.

Ainae Nielsen

Entering college, I was confident that my calling was to be—a singer-songwriter. I started at Howard university in the fall of 2017 and sought out every possible open mic and singing opportunity. I usually performed as a solo act, but I soon found myself auditioning for a talent show and realized that I needed to form a band to stand out amongst everyone I was competing against. I took to every group chat and friend to find a drummer, guitar player, and bassist. Within a few hours, I had found all three. Our first rehearsal was seamless, and we went on to perform. After the show, I knew God had been speaking to me and that these people would be a part of this musical journey. Read more>>

Samia Omari

The first time I earned money for a performance as an artist was while singing in Gospel and soul choirs as a soloist. I loved the collective experience of singing ensembles and learned so much from being part of a collective, getting to perform some solo parts with the support of the group, as well as contributing to supporting harmonies for other soloists. Even if it was just a stipend at the time, it felt like hitting a milestone to be paid for a stage job. Read more>>

SilkSoFye

The first time I saw any significant money from music was after my song “Forever” went viral in 2016 & 2017. That was the first time I saw thousands of dollars in my distribution account, that’s when I knew this was a possible career for me. Read more>>

Kevin Turcios

For almost 2 years I did most of my creative work for free. It was a total investment in what I believed I could be great at. I sharpened my skills, connected with other creatives in the city, failed a bunch and had many regrets in the process. When I finally decided to pursue a job where I would have to strike a deal, I didn’t feel any pressure to just tell them what I charged. I got connected to a non profit in Austin, Texas who sponsor people with disabilities. What they do is incredible. They help those who are disabled who are also unable to afford helathcare, pay for their outpatient physical therapy. Read more>>

Kamran Shaikh

My first project as an actor was Captain America Civil War. I was approached by someone who took an interest in my look when I was working for Deloitte as a business analyst. I was under the impression that I would have to pay someone or it would cost me money to do the work, I had no idea that being an actor would be so lucrative, I was very skeptical. I was hooked. Not only did I love the whole process of it but the reward was ridiculously satisfying, even though my whole scene was cut from the movie. But it is always a constant struggle to book work as any actor would know. The real work is doing the audition, the frosting on top is booking the work. Read more>>

Shaun Mathis

The first dollar I remember earning as a creative was in 2015 when I co-wrote and co-produced a short film for 2 Chainz, Bankroll Fresh & Street Execs called Take Over your Trap. It was $500 and I made a copy of the check and it hangs on the wall in my office to this day. I felt accomplished when I got the check. To be working with a major recording artist and getting the opportunity that I positioned myself to receive was amazing. It made me realize even more that I could make a living being creative. Read more>>

Scotty Roller

The first time I was compensated for doing any sort of art was in 1986. It was late into my freshman year in high school. I was given a set of used skateboard wheels, that I could never afford on my own, for drawing a keg party flier for this local band called Play-Dough Party. The first time I was ever paid any money for doing any art was that same year maybe a month or two later. Read more>>

Francisco Munoz

My first sale for my brand was for a bar on Main St. in Downtown Houston. The manager said he wanted 10 shirts for his bar staff. Me and a friend were outside on the front patio about to go to the next spot. As we were chugging our drinks, someone started giving me mad compliments on my shirt. He asked where I got it and if I was taking orders. I said “Yea, I am.” And he replied “I’m the manager of this bar and I want 10 of those shirts for my bar staff!” That’s when I said to myself, Ok, I think this can work. Read more>>

Burgess Chase

The very first time I ever got paid for my creativity was when I booked my older brother, Bryce Williams, for his first U.S. tour as a recording, touring artist. Beforehand, I was only able to get him on open mics and a few frat shows here and there, then I finally landed him a big gig to open for a major artist and after the show, a talent buyer contacted me about getting him on the road and touring with a number of different mainstream artists. From there, I lined up the dates and shows and got Bryce and the rest of the team to agree to the select dates, after that, it was pretty much a done deal. Read more>>

Christa Lusk

My first time I sold one of my paintings was actually at my very first art event. I didnt expect to sell anything. I was going just to get my feet wet, so to speak. My friend M’ria invited me, and told me I could share a tent with her. I was very nervous, which she knew, so I was not ready to have my own tent. The thought of it, made my heart race. I didnt have that many pieces anyway, so having just one wall to fill was more than enough for me. There was a decent amount of foot traffic, a lot of people coming in the tent, admiring the artwork, asking questions, but no sales. Read more>>