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.

Karima Jay

The first dollar I have ever earned as a creative was when I got paid to perform. Once I realized the high value of getting paid to perform, my entire business was formulated off of this experience. Of course I put in the work to get paid which is selling the “X” amount of tickets needed. It is a great feeling to not always be spending and spending and spending and actually seeing some of that money come back to you. Read more>>

Sean Rojas

My first dollar earned was probably the hardest dollar in my life to achieve. I started my career at 18 and didn’t get my first actual payment until I was 23. It took about 5 years for me to receive my first paycheck. It was only for $200 but that fact that my music alone got me money that at the time helped keep the lights on was a feeling nothing could beat. Read more>>

Steven Baboun

I remember the first paycheck I made for my creative work. I believe I was 20/21 years old and a friend of mine, who is an amazing Haitian singer, hired me to shoot her music video for the single she was releasing. I expected nothing, I just wanted to create with my friend. At the end of the shoot, she gave me my first paycheck! Read more>>

Rachel Becker

I was on set for the 1st time at 14 for a Chase Bank commercial. I felt so fancy being in costume, makeup, and hair. My parents were unaware that they needed to stay and chaperone me since I was a minor. I had to have the PA help me fill out my w2 form. I felt so proud when getting that check. Read more>>

Kennedy Kohlman

The first dollar I earned as a creative was somewhat recently actually. I was out in West Philly with my band running an open mic with an organizer we had networked with since the band really came together. Over the course of the past 6 months, we’ve found a decent underground following and were tryna turn that into some extra bread for creative activities. Read more>>