From dreaming the dream to doing the thing

Nascha S – Dreamer/Singer
Native New Yorker

Deciding to busk in the subways was huge for me. I’m pretty shy and the thought of performing out there was really scary—honestly, it still is. You have to put yourself out there, be vulnerable, and shut down the fear of judgment and ridicule. Performing in the subways, I always have to be mindful of my surroundings, but I refuse to live in fear. It’s been incredibly rewarding, becoming part of other people’s memories. Sure, some people can be mean, but others have cried listening to me. All of it has helped build my character, my stage presence, and shaped me as an artist. I always wanted to do it, and despite everything, it’s been worth it—it’s fun, it’s a hustle, and it shows me if I can do this, I can do anything.

Overall, for my next move, I see myself still making music and using my voice to connect with others. I always want to be doing something to connect with others and generally that’s my voice. NYC is full of opportunities to be yourself and it inspires me because it reminds me to just go for it, most people won’t even notice. It’s unique, it’s special, and it gives you room to create your own stage. I feel inspired to take advantage of this, in this crazy city where almost anything goes.

From what I came here to do to it’s time for act 2

JP Q – Advocate/Actor
New Yorker since 2011

Living with diabetes has been a continual challenge confronting the daily realities of a life without insulin. The reward is focusing on my health, staying physically fit, and not allowing this disease to defeat me! It’s about embracing each day with strength and determination. Predicting where I’ll be in five years is tough because my life and career path are always in flux, but I am committed to manifesting a future where I live independently, surrounded by happiness, strength, health, and love. NYC inspires me because there is always inspiration everywhere you look! Music, dance, art, and life! I love music and style, seeing how people, including myself, are ever-evolving into more of ourselves every day. Everywhere you look, you see people going somewhere or doing something important to them. It’s inspiring to see NYC evolve, good and bad—new buildings, new art museums, new musicals, new parties. But also old school Queens, restaurants, and Red Hook food trucks!

From one small step to making the leap

Hudson E – Techy/Strategist
New Yorker since 2019

After graduating college in June 2019, I moved straight to NYC. I had a few opportunities lined up and a vision for what life here could be, so I took the leap and moved here cold turkey. Finding a footing in a new city, and the biggest city, was challenging, like how to make friends and meet new people… trying to get plugged into the flow and energy of the city and figuring it out. It’s been five challenging but fulfilling years so far. Settling into the rhythm of the city, finding an apartment, and navigating rent negotiations were tough learning experiences but it pays off to live here. The drive and spirit of the people here inspire and motivate me. Everyone is always driven here. It can be exhausting, but it fuels me and keeps pushing me forward. I’m always aiming to move onward and upward, continually seeking and embracing new experiences. In the next five years, I might explore living in different parts of Brooklyn, like Greenpoint, or maybe move back to Manhattan. Who knows, and that’s part of the excitement.

From where I blend in to where I stand out

Taylor M – Creative/Make Up Artist
New Yorker since 2003

Moving to the big city from a small town in Georgia has literally been the life move that changed everything for me. Coming here has opened my eyes completely! It’s like a whole new world of opportunities and experiences. It wasn’t just about proving it to myself, it’s also about embracing growth and challenging my own limits. At first, not having a local clientele in NYC was challenging, but through word of mouth I’ve built a following. The biggest hurdles were finding a place to live, a way to make money, and community. With hard work, everything eventually fell into place and once I found my community, I realized that I was just worrying for the sake of worrying and I didn’t need to. Everyone told me, “You’re crazy” moving to NYC – and don’t doubt it because now I’m here. I’m here making it in New York! You have to be a certain type of crazy to love it here, and I love being around people like me.

From where I’ve been to where I belong

Shannon H – Free Spirit/Creator
New Yorker since 2023

After living in Los Angeles for 5.5 years, I was so comfortable in the city and within my communities but I never lost my desire, curiosity and draw towards NYC. I spent a lot of time in NYC for work and always wanted to get the full city experience. I decided to try it for a month during a strike in my industry. Within days, I knew I didn’t want to go back to LA or wait to make the full move. It was and continues to be a difficult and challenging experience at times because I’m now far from my family, I’m no longer surrounded by my established communities of people that know and love me, or my familiar go-to spots. But the rewards have been numerous. After I moved to NYC I started dating and quickly found my person. We continue to build a life together and this is all groundwork for creating a family and fulfilling dreams of getting married, with my mom and dad present at my wedding. In five years, I see myself continuing to work on and achieve those life goals of being engaged, married, and having a kid.

From being at a crossroad to finding my way

Jimmy G – Family Man/Barber
New Yorker since 2005

My move from Los Angeles to NYC was a significant turning point. Coming up on 19 years in the city, I’ve managed to become the best version of myself. I’ve learned from many mistakes and obstacles. I look at them as valuable lessons, and I’m forever grateful for the growth they’ve sparked. The hustle of this city is infectious. You either catch it or you don’t. But once you do, you realize there are endless opportunities and countless possibilities to fulfill your plans and achieve your goals. The sky’s the limit! I don’t know if I’ll be in another city since I live in one of the best, but I do see myself exploring acting classes or possibly opening up my own barbershop! Now that I’m living a sober life, I want to pursue so many things that I held myself back from doing, like boxing, acting, becoming a business owner, or maybe a father someday! I’m moved by being an inspiration for others as well as helping others to feel good about themselves. Believing in myself allows me to believe in others and it goes full circle.

From I’m hoping to it’s happening

Tommaso A – Dog Dad/Hairstylist
New Yorker since 2000

I’ve been here for 24 years and I’m still in awe of this wild city. I’m obsessed with all the culture and diversity this city has to offer. The tempo of the city has always motivated me. Everyone moves here to chase after something they want, and you can definitely feel that energy radiating off people. Deciding to become a single dog dad was challenging because it shifted almost everything about my everyday routine but now that I’m with my third dog, it’s become one of the most rewarding additions to my life. The companionship and joy they bring are irreplaceable. Now, I want to travel more internationally over the next five years. There’s so much of this world I haven’t experienced, and I’d love to see as much of it as I can.

From if I can make it here to I’ll make it anywhere

Edu C – Athlete/Coach
Native New Yorker

After spending a few years in Miami, Florida, I moved back to my hometown of NYC. I found the people and fitness industry felt more wholesome here, it’s a different atmosphere. Now, I coach boys little league and girls flag football. Coaching not only my nieces who play basketball, but also other young adults has been incredibly rewarding. It’s all about giving them the chance to build a healthy lifestyle, make friends, and learn the value of discipline in life pursuits. My grandfather passed a few years ago and he always pushed me to be healthy and strong. Many people take simple things for granted, like just being able to walk or go to the gym, or just waking up being happy to move. I see gratitude in these everyday privileges that not everyone has, and it reminds me that I am able to do this, and I should do this. My grandfather’s influence remains strong; I’m motivated by constant growth, health, gratitude, and helping others, and my sports journey has instilled a discipline that guides me to make positive choices daily. I’m looking to stay moving upward and onward. I hope to find myself in a comfortable apartment, ideally in Manhattan or Queens where I was born and raised. I’m not exactly sure where yet, but I’m aiming for something better. Maybe a nicer, bigger apartment.

From my comfort zone to the exciting unknown

Carolyn H – Mom/Stylist
New Yorker since 2010

Quitting my job to pursue a completely different career path was extremely challenging and scary, but it ultimately changed my mindset and perspective on life. I decided to enroll in massage therapy school, and at the same time, I found out I was pregnant. The course would take 7-8 months, which posed a physical challenge during one of my major life transitions. I thought to myself, there has to be change and I need to make this career move in order to be happy and healthy because I was going to be a mom. The course ended up being a super nurturing environment while being pregnant and was less stressful. We are now moving to the suburbs in a couple of months, after living in the city for over a decade. I hope that we will be acclimated in our new town, but mostly that we are happy where we land.

From you & me to now we’re 3

Gail S – Mom/CEO
Native New Yorker

At just 17, I made the life-changing decision to pursue music and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. By 18, I had landed my first record deal. Not long after, I ventured into launching my own makeup line. Despite the daunting odds, the success that followed in both music and makeup was beyond my expectations. I’ve been very blessed to have a lot of supporters in both fields. Now, the fact that I’m about to be a mom moves and motivates me more than anything. The support of my family and friends pushes me to strive even harder, too. I have a great support system. NYC has been home all of my life and there’s no place like it. I’m continuously inspired by the diversity of people who live here and the stories of people who come here to chase their dreams remind me to pursue my own, no matter the scale. I see myself taking my makeup business to the next level and branching out into real estate. My love for music has never changed either, and returning to it is part of my future plans as well.

From what if to why not

Eef V – Mom/Publicist
New Yorker since 2013

Thirteen years ago, I moved to NYC and became the head of PR for a renowned footwear brand. Despite my experience working for the brand in Belgium, living in a different country and adapting to NYC’s culture, making new friends, and rebuilding my network of journalists who would listen to my press pitches was still a challenge. I spent hours and many late nights studying the complex local media landscape of journalists and editors. Gradually, I built my relationships with writers, influencers, and decision-makers, and even secured the attendance of several fashion directors at my first press events. Now, nine years later, I am the Senior Vice President. The hard work and late nights have definitely paid off. Now my partner and I are raising our child in NYC. It’s challenging but very rewarding. It moves me to see our little daughter’s personality developing every single day.

From I wish to I’ve got this

Lionel C – Social Butterfly/Creative
New Yorker since 2010

One of my most challenging life moves was accepting a job offer I couldn’t resist that took me from NYC to Indiana. Even though I eventually returned to NYC, I have no regrets for my decision to leave the city. The experience taught me a lot about myself and being independent, especially since it occurred right before the pandemic. I felt it was always the path I was meant to take, that it was the path meant for me. I moved back to NYC when the pandemic was ending and that’s when I realized that NYC was going to be my forever home. There’s a saying, ‘If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours.’ And I came back for my love of this amazing city. I am motivated by the energy of the city and all its creativity and culture that I am surrounded by. NYC inspires me because I am surrounded by people from all walks of life, and you are able to meet people with niche interests and diverse backgrounds—it really is a melting pot. NY is constantly changing, evolving, growing and MOVING… and it’s exhilarating to be a part of that!