Zhanna Biletska’s story is one of courage, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to growth. Born and raised in Ukraine, Zhanna’s passion for art was evident from an early age. By the time she was nine, she was already attending art school, honing her skills in drawing, painting, and composition. But the journey that brought her to where she is today—a thriving artist and photographer based in Chicago—was anything but linear.

Zhanna’s artistic journey is marked by moments of discomfort and fear, which she has consistently confronted head-on. This theme of stepping out of her comfort zone is a thread that runs through her entire life. She recalls, “I was really, really scared too, but I just put myself in the situation that put me out of my comfort zone. And I think it's the only way you can grow and change.”

This willingness to face fear has taken her far beyond the boundaries of her hometown in Ukraine. Zhanna moved to the United States over a decade ago, initially just to travel and explore a new culture. What was meant to be a temporary visit turned into a permanent move when she decided to stay in Chicago, a city she now calls home.

Zhanna’s decision to join the U.S. Army—a rare path for an immigrant artist—was driven by a practical need to expedite her citizenship process. However, this experience turned out to be one of the most challenging and transformative periods of her life. As someone who never considered herself an athlete, the physical demands and the cultural shock of military life were daunting. Yet, Zhanna persevered, pushing through self-doubt and emerging stronger on the other side.

Her advice to others, particularly immigrants facing similar challenges, is simple yet profound: “You have to go towards your fear.” Zhanna believes that staying in your comfort zone stifles growth. For her, true change and personal development only come when you push yourself beyond what feels safe and familiar.

This philosophy extends to her art. Zhanna’s love for plein air painting, a style that involves capturing the natural world outdoors, is a testament to her commitment to engaging directly with her surroundings, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Despite initial doubts about whether she could make a living from her art, Zhanna found success by staying true to what she loved. She shares, “You have to do what you actually love, not what you think will make money.”

Zhanna’s story also highlights the importance of community. While Chicago’s vibrant Ukrainian community provided a sense of familiarity, it was her desire to connect with a broader audience that fueled her growth. She started interacting more with English-speaking clients and artists, even though it was challenging. “I was so embarrassed, like when they are talking, and I’m just smiling. But that’s part of the process,” she says.

This drive to connect with others, despite the language barrier and cultural differences, has not only helped Zhanna grow as an artist but has also expanded her network in significant ways. Her work, particularly her commissioned paintings of local Chicago architecture, has garnered attention and praise, leading to more opportunities and a growing client base.

As an artist and entrepreneur, Zhanna has had to wear many hats—everything from creator to marketer to customer service representative. The demands of running her own business have sometimes led to burnout, but she’s learned to recognize when it’s time to take a step back. “There have been moments that I was burned out, that I got insane,” she admits, underscoring the importance of self-care in sustaining creativity.

For aspiring artists, Zhanna offers this advice: don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of making a living from your art. Keep practicing, keep refining your skills, and most importantly, keep doing what you love. “It’s crazy how that happens—when you’re chasing it, it runs away from you. And then when...

Dariel Love, a performing artist with roots on the West Side of Chicago, isn't just another name in the music industry. His story is one of unapologetic individuality, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. As he sat down to discuss his life and career, Dariel made it clear that his path was never meant to mimic anyone else's. "I'm the first of my kind," he confidently states, embracing the fact that his journey is uniquely his own.

Growing up in the Austin neighborhood, Dariel's experiences were shaped by a blend of city life and small-town influences. His family moved to a tiny town in Illinois when he was ten, giving him a fresh perspective on life that most kids his age never encountered. This duality of experiences—urban summers with his father in Chicago and quieter school years in a predominantly white town—helped him see the world from multiple vantage points, shaping the artist he would become.

Music wasn't just a hobby for Dariel; it was a calling. From a young age, he found himself drawn to the rhythms and lyrics that filled the airwaves. He recalls how he and his older brother would buy blank cassette tapes from the beauty supply store and record their own raps using a box radio. "I knew every word to every song," he reminisces, highlighting his early passion for music. But for Dariel, music was more than just something to enjoy—it was a medium through which he could express his deepest thoughts and experiences.

As he matured, Dariel's vision for his life became more refined. What began as a simple desire to rap evolved into aspirations of owning a record label, publishing his own music, and eventually, exploring other creative avenues. "The more you paint, the clearer it becomes," he explains, likening his life to a canvas that he's been meticulously crafting over the years. His journey isn't just about making music—it's about creating a legacy that transcends the boundaries of any one industry.

Dariel's approach to life is one of intentionality and purpose. He doesn't just want to be an artist; he wants to be a multifaceted creator who controls every aspect of his brand. This drive led him to explore real estate, fashion, and even screenwriting, each endeavor adding another layer to his ever-expanding canvas. "This is America, dawg. You better own something," he asserts, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels his many pursuits.

But for all his success, Dariel remains grounded in the belief that it's his individuality that sets him apart. He urges others to embrace their uniqueness, reminding them that their experiences are unlike anyone else's. "You are your individual, and your individuality is what's going to play out for you in the long run," he advises, offering a powerful message for anyone struggling to find their own voice.

For Dariel, it's not about chasing fame or fortune—it's about staying true to who he is and enjoying the ride along the way. He balances his ambitious goals with a genuine love for life, whether he's attending fashion shows, connecting with interesting people, or simply enjoying the company of a beautiful woman. "You gotta enjoy yourself, man," he says, emphasizing the importance of balancing the highs and lows with a sense of joy and fulfillment.

Looking ahead, Dariel's vision continues to grow. He's working on a screenplay that has already spanned over 500 pages, and he's eager to add more properties to his real estate portfolio. Traveling is also on his list, with dreams of visiting clean, beautiful places like Fukuoka, Japan. But no matter where life takes him, Dariel's focus remains on completing the vision that's been with him from the start. "I gotta see it to the end," he says with determination.

Dariel Love is more than just a performing artist—he's a creator, a thinker, and a visionary. His story is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself and the importance of crafting a life that's...

Kathleen Rietz is an artist who embodies the essence of creativity and determination. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Kathleen’s love for nature and art developed early, largely influenced by the slower pace of life and the natural surroundings of her hometown. Her passion for art was nurtured by her mother, who recognized Kathleen’s inclination toward creativity and encouraged her to explore it fully. Even as a child, Kathleen found solace in painting and drawing, preferring these activities over more conventional pastimes.

When Kathleen was 14, her family moved to Chicago, a city that would later become a significant influence on her artistic journey. The transition from rural Peoria to the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago opened new doors for Kathleen. Visits to the Art Institute and the city's artistic community helped shape her understanding and appreciation of art, leading her to pursue formal education in the field.

However, Kathleen’s path to becoming a full-time artist was not without its challenges. After completing her studies, she entered the corporate world, where she spent over 30 years working in commercial art and product development. Despite her success in the corporate sector, Kathleen never lost sight of her passion for fine art. She continued to paint on the side, honing her craft and slowly building a reputation for herself in the art world.

Kathleen’s decision to leave her corporate job and pursue art full-time was spurred by a deeply personal experience. Her sister’s battle with breast cancer served as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of pursuing one’s true passions. Realizing that time is precious, Kathleen took the bold step of resigning from her stable job to focus on her art and spend more time with her sister. It was a risky move, but one that Kathleen has never regretted.

Her first year as a full-time artist was marked by moments of uncertainty and self-doubt. Kathleen faced the typical challenges of any entrepreneur—financial instability, fear of failure, and the pressure to succeed. Yet, she persisted, driven by her passion and the belief that her art could make a difference. “You can sit there and complain about it, or you can learn to change,” Kathleen says, reflecting on the lessons she has learned along the way.

Kathleen’s art is deeply personal, often reflecting her love of nature and her experiences growing up in Illinois. Her work is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate details, which draw the viewer into her world. Over the years, her paintings have garnered significant attention, and she has successfully transitioned from corporate life to becoming a respected figure in the art community.

In addition to her painting, Kathleen has also ventured into design, creating a line of silk scarves that feature her artwork. This endeavor, which began while she was still working in the corporate world, has become another outlet for her creativity and a way to bring her art to a broader audience. Kathleen’s ability to blend her artistic talents with her business acumen has been key to her success.

Kathleen’s story is one of resilience and adaptability. She has learned to see every obstacle as an opportunity, a chance to grow and evolve both personally and professionally. “What can I do in this moment that’s going to take me to the next place in life and in my career?” she asks, a question that has guided her through the ups and downs of her journey.

Now, Kathleen is focused on sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She is passionate about teaching, particularly young people, and is eager to give back to the community that has supported her. Whether through online art courses or in-person workshops, Kathleen hopes to inspire the next generation of artists to pursue their dreams with the same determination and passion that has driven her.

Kathleen Rietz’s story is a testament to the...