We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Houston area and they share the wisdom with us below.

ZOO HEAD | The Hippie Zebra

There’s been moments where I’ve wanted to sell all my music gear and run away. I’ve broken down crying and praying I would have an answer to what my purpose is. Read more>>

Simone Henriques | Preschool Founder/CEO/Childhood Educator

The most important thing I have done to impact my children was to foster the love for learning and to nurture grit so they could achieve what they wanted since they were very little. As a Childhood Educator, I have provided a vast opportunity for them to explore and develop cognitively. In order for me to balance and promote a healthy cognitive development for my children while being a working parent, I had to make sure I provided them with plenty of time to play and expand their fine and gross motor skills along with the importance of nutritious meals and enough sleep throughout the day and night. Yes, routine was a thing in our home for the first 7 years of our lives. As a parent, I was not worried about wether my children were able to recite all the alphabet, colors, and numbers at young age. Of course they knew them, but my main focus was on their learning process and not the ending product. Were they understanding? Were they engaged? Were they finding solutions? Were they asking questions? Were they kind to others? Were they generous? When we focus on raising children as a whole, it involves more than just letters and numbers. Read more>>

Jaye Lyn Valenzuela | Hair Stylist

If it wasn’t for taking Risks I would not be where I am today. In 2019 I was living and working in the Newport Beach area. I knew I was dissatisfied with my current work situation and the direction my career was heading. Then BOOM the pandemic hit and everyone’s world is turned upside down. That’s when I knew it was time to make a change. I decided to change my life and move to San Diego. That meant quitting my job and starting from the bottom. Being 10+ years in the industry I knew I could find a job easily. However, since I’d spent the previous years in a rut and working places where my potential had plateaued I decided that any old salon would not do. If I was starting over at 35 I was going to start over right. That meant doing the work and finding the best salon that would help me build the career I’d only fantasized about. After some time I narrowed down the right spot. I was tenacious. I reached out to the owner personally. I applied in person. I followed up. Although it took some time eventually I got the call. They set up an interview date and I was hired on the spot. It’s now been 4 years since I took that massive risk. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. It sounds cheesy but it’s completely earnest when I tell you that I will look up at the beautiful San Diego sky and feel so grateful that I got myself here. It also wasn’t easy. Tears were definitely shed. It takes a lot of work. That work is important. Nothing worth doing comes easily. The expression “if you wanna find a four leaf clover, you need to get a little dirt on your hands” sort of sums it up for me. Taking risks is terrifying and can be extremely uncomfortable. But it is absolutely necessary if you want to find something greater. I got dirty, found my clover and I’ve never looked back. Read more>>

Cat Montes | Daughter, Mother, Community Advocate

I’m inspired by individuals who demonstrate compassion and generosity, particularly those who dedicate their efforts to helping the less fortunate or overlooked members of society. This includes people involved in philanthropy, community service, or charitable work. Their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others resonate with me and serves as a source of inspiration. Read more>>

Linda Nuanlaoong | Owner of A+ Montri Auto Repair

The most important factor to my success is my commitment to my family and our client’s to continue our family’s legacy of integrity, no matter what the economic climate, advances in automotive technology, or market pressures. I also carry my father’s commitment of customer and employee safety and supporting the local community. Read more>>

Angela Danielle | Hair & Makeup Artist

I think the most important factor behind my success is my Individuality. During my time working at MAC, as its independently owned company, every artist had their own freedom to express their personality, style & unique way of representing themselves. That’s what attracted certain people and clients to want their preferred type of artist. My mentor had once told me that no matter how much an individual can duplicate a look or style, your energy is what will bring you your own success. Staying true to who I am and constantly reminding myself that no matter what kind of success I obtain or get to- I will continue to stay as raw, humble and warm as I can be. Trusting that the rest will align and follows as it should. What’s meant for me- will be. In addition to that, another important factor is to never stop doing the work- nothing is handed. Saying so many YES’ to jobs, free jobs, cheap jobs and putting in your dues to establish who you are will build your reputation. Read more>>

Mika Street | Mika Street Photography – Landscape, Seascape and Travel Prints

Over time, my perspective on work-life balance has indeed shifted significantly. In my previous business endeavors, I was fully immersed, dedicating extensive hours to work. It was intense and thrilling, but as life evolved, so did my priorities. Read more>>