E90 Tenacity, Resilience & Everyday Creativity | Drew Jones Marquez

In this episode of Create Today with Beth Buffington, singer-songwriter and musician Drew Jones Marquez opens up about the real journey of a creative life. 

He shares about the tenacity it takes to keep going, the setbacks that shape us, and the unexpected places where creativity shows up. Drew tells his journey from being a young gospel singer in Chicago to a professional musician, educator, and LGBTQIA+ advocate.

Discover how creativity has played a pivotal role in his life and career.

Drew shares how his art isn’t limited to music—it’s in the way he cooks for his family, parents his children, and pours himself into everyday acts of care and imagination.

His story is a reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, resilience, and finding meaning in both the spotlight and the quiet corners of life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep creating when challenges stack up—or how to honor your talents while building a full, grounded life—you’ll find wisdom, honesty, and inspiration in this conversation.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes that help you live more creatively every day.

✨ My lovely Creative - where do you find creativity outside of your art?


In this episode, Drew Jones Marquez reminds us that creativity isn’t just about music, painting, or writing—it’s in cooking, parenting, problem-solving, and the everyday ways we bring beauty into life.

💬 Share in the comments: How do YOU find creative flow in your daily life?

I’d love to hear your story!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Meet Drew Jones Marquez
03:07 Drew's Creative Journey
06:06 American Idol Experience
07:55 Success and No More Apologies
12:30 The Importance of Sharing Your Art
17:29 Advice for Aspiring Creatives
18:32 The Therapeutic Power of Baking
19:07 Connecting with Loved Ones Through Cooking
19:50 Embracing Imperfection in Creativity
21:53 The Role of Music in Daily Life
23:42 Creative Parenting and Teaching Strategies
29:52 Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks
30:37 Drew O'Neill's Musical Journey
32:24 Final Thoughts on Creativity

How to find out more about Drew Jones Marquez:
On Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/drew-oneal/1706848131

On Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6DltDzvrFGNuEYeAENv4yF

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/drewonealmusic?igsh=cGgyb2Q3cm5nYzY1

Create-Today Offerings:
Reservations for the Sylva Solace Creative Retreat: 

https://www.bdi-create.today/sylva-retreat

TheCreate Today Membership - to reach your creative goals: 

https://www.bdi-create.today/membership_coaching

Register for the Create-Today Workshops!

https://www.bdi-create.today/workshop-events-calendar