Houston’s cultural landscape thrives on its diverse communities. Black creatives are a cornerstone of the city’s artistic identity. However, translating artistic passion into financial security requires a unique blend of talent, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic use of technology.
While Houston boasts a thriving creative economy, navigating its landscape as a Black artist presents a distinct set of challenges and opportunities.
Chineze Mbamali
Chineze Mbamali isn’t a full-time creative yet, but her goal is clear. She works as a technical project coordinator, but her true passion lies in photography, a passion ignited in her childhood.
“I just always had a passion for using the camera, documenting life around me,” Mbamali says. Inspiration came from her father’s family camera, a tool that captured memories and sparked a creative fire.
Social media has become Mbamali’s space where she connects with her target audience: Black women seeking to embrace joy, confidence, and style.
“I find that by being myself, I think that’s one of the most important things,” she explains.
Authenticity is key in the online world, where trends can be fleeting. Mbamali stays true to her voice, creating content that resonates with her audience and reflects her creative vision.
Balancing creative expression with the business side of things can be tricky. Mbamali avoids brand saturation, strategically spacing out sponsored content to ensure her audience sees the real her alongside brand collaborations. She emphasizes that brand deals should align with her values and brand identity.
Finding tools to monetize creative work can be challenging, but Mbamali has discovered some valuable resources. She uses email directly for outreach and communication. For gifted opportunities, she recommends platforms like Keep and Aspire. These platforms connect creators with brands, offering opportunities and valuable insights into brand expectations.
Mbamali’s success story debunks the myth that a large following is necessary for brand partnerships. With 4,000 TikTok followers and 2,500 on Instagram, she has landed paid collaborations with companies like Ciroc. She strongly advocates for self-worth, negotiating her value and advocating for herself in a space where smaller creators can sometimes be undervalued.
Challenges are inevitable. Periods of radio silence from brands can be discouraging. Mbamali stresses the importance of remembering your “why” during these times. Success isn’t just about brand deals; it’s about the impact you create. Mbamali takes pride in her self-portrait series, a project born from creative burnout that has inspired others to pick up their cameras and express themselves.
Fueling the Economy
The creative economy encompasses many industries—music, fashion, film, design, and technology—where creativity is the key ingredient. This sector generates jobs, attracts investment, and boosts tourism, all contributing to a thriving local economy.
The creative economy, comprising 6.1% of the global economy, contributed $876.7 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2020, employing 4.6 million arts and culture workers, earning $446 billion in wages, and making up 3.1% of all American jobs.
Globally, the creative economy fuels progress in several ways:
- Job Machine: It creates a vast pool of jobs, from designers and musicians to filmmakers and software developers for creative industries. This boosts employment rates and fosters growth in related sectors like manufacturing and technology.
- Innovation Engine: Creativity is the lifeblood of innovation. The creative sector drives advancements across various fields, leading to new products, services, and business methods. This benefits established industries and sparks new ones, propelling overall economic activity.
- Tourist Magnet: Thriving creative hubs become cultural destinations. Tourists flock to cities known for artistic scenes, injecting revenue into travel, hospitality, and local businesses.
Abdul Quam Tadese
creative, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. Credit: Adbul Quam Tadese
Abdul Quam Tadese is a creative and serial entrepreneur who has emerged as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. He understands the importance of financial security.
Quam’s artistic journey began in college, fueled by a love for music. However, his entrepreneurial spirit nudged him to pursue a business degree and a master’s degree. This foresight allowed him to develop a business acumen that has proven invaluable.
“I said to myself, you know what? Let me turn this [creativity] into something I can expand on and impact others,” Quam explains.
He manages multiple projects, including project management through his company, the Amanar Global Group, and a family healthcare agency. These endeavors provide the financial foundation that fuels his creative passions.
Quam advises fellow creatives, “Even though we have a dream, you have to be able to fund that dream.”
Authenticity is the name of the game for him, as he warns against sacrificing one’s true identity for a quick win.
“The ones that are patient…being me, being authentic, staying true to myself is what I feel like has gotten me ready to where I am now and where I’m going,” he says.
He recognizes the power of connecting with other creatives who share his vision.
“Especially being part of the diaspora… we can start to build that movement to where on a global forefront,” he says.
This collaborative spirit is displayed at his upcoming event, a cultural celebration designed to bridge divides and celebrate Houston’s diversity.