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.

Sumera Jiva

Although I taught dance throughout my life and continue teaching monthly workshops, I officially turned my passion into a business by officially launching Sumera Jiva Choreography and began offering wedding choreography services. The South Asian wedding industry here in Atlanta has offered me an endless amount of opportunities and networks with clients and vendors. My first official client was in December of 2021, one year from today. Read more>>

Caroline Brown

Back in 2015, it was the fall of my senior year of college, and it seemed like everyone around me was getting job offers already. Meanwhile, I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I was feeling increasingly stressed. I had wanted to be a writer since I was in second grade, and I had studied English Literature at college, not with any specific intention in mind but because I loved books. While other friends had clear visions for their future, I just wanted to be a storyteller — and there weren’t really any entry-level job openings for that (at least, that I knew of at the time). Read more>>

John Tyler

My first dollar as a creative was summer of 2015. I was 15 years old, a rising sophomore in High School. At this time, I was working on my debut album titled “True Art”. I was desperate for any live shows that could book me so I can show off my upcoming songs. Read more>>