I got a chance when I went to a student’s local fashion show and the photographer didn’t show up. I was still experimenting with my SLR camera but got the amazing opportunity to photograph the event. I can’t say it is easy to make photography a career but with every small step I finally get to do something I love.
Jollie

Did I have to get an MBA to open a bike shop? Definitely not. But I still chose to get real and follow my passion.
Alan

To me the ocean has always been my home and my career. I chose to make surfing my life and spend my days in the water teaching others what I love. I’m happy to live the way I want.
Liz

Since my second year of college I have worked part time as a freelance graphic designer. It’s hard but it’s what I love to do. To me juggling all my responsibilities has always been worth it not only for the money but for the experience.
Julie

Opening a restaurant is far from easy. So I did it on a smaller scale with a cafe. With some good food, coffee and free Wi-Fi, I created a community cafe that brings the neighborhood together. I think of it like a second home and I think my customers do too.
Neil

People might be scared of clowns, but I never was. Humor comes easy to me and I love nothing more than making others laugh. I won’t lie, being a street perform is not pure fun, but almost nothing in life is. Today I am off the streets in the circus, but that street spirit still lives inside of me.
Daniel

I always wanted to own an art gallery. I found an abandoned industrial workshop and with some friends help we transformed it into a beautiful space. I actually think the noise from the industrial shops next store add something to the modern art. Now I display the art I used to dream about.
Anna

During the day I work at a computer store and at night I perform street art or DJ dubstep. My life is my making and I get to do everything I love in one beat.
Alex aka MSnake

“Get hold of a camera and some film and make a movie of any kind at all.” Stanley Kubrick said that and it’s exactly what got me from my home movies to this festival. For the rest of my career, I will do my best to keep that attitude.
Nick

I come here weekly to feed, walk and play with the abandoned dogs. I used to dream of saving the world but always thought I would have to do the Peace Corps. Now I realize I can volunteer and make a difference on my own terms close to home.
Tanya

I always wanted to be a doctor. It wasn’t until my first visit to a farm that I realized I wanted to help animals. Becoming a vet upset my parents at first but I am living my dream and they respect that.
Betty

Hours in a cubicle made me realize that it was the last thing I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life. With all the buzz about organic farming, I started researching the idea. At first it was just some bell peppers in my city apartment but today it is hundreds of vegetables on my farm. I sold my food for the first time at the farmers market, I’ve never felt so fulfilled in my life before.
Christine