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.

Nathan Long | Owner, Nate’s on Marsh

Of course most think of success, especially in the restaurant and hospitality industries, in terms of profits. However for me, true success is achieving personal happiness and gratitude within your professional life. I believe people are at their highest productivity level when they enjoy where they work and the team they spend time with. Nate’s On Marsh is truly emblematic of that philosophy. I attribute a tremendous amount of our success to the energy that our team exudes. Read more>>

Adrian Gomez | USMC Veteran, Former US Diplomat, Entrepreneur

The most difficult decision I had during my own journey was the decision to become the best version of myself and not allow outside obstacles to prevent myself from becoming the person I knew I could be. I changed my perspective on a lot of topics throughout life where I would see things from a lens of gratitude. Even during the challenging seasons or when the world seemed against my plans, I chose to look at life from a positive angle and work through the problems to see not just a solution but a strategic plan to move forward, evolve, and win. Read more>>

Martin Russell Johnson | Filmmaker

I grew up in sunny San Diego, in one of our nation’s most diverse communities that spoke 40 different languages. However, that same community was marred by poverty and daily struggles for basic necessities and safety. Food insecurity was a constant reality, and many nights were spent wondering where my next meal would come from. This instability shaped my early years, full of stress, social anxiety, depression, and helplessness as I watched my single mother valiantly try to support her four kids. Read more>>

Alberto Battaglini | Restauranteur

Lately I keep hearing people saying ‘in life you need some luck’. I want to make clear that Luck doesn’t have anything to do with your success. It’s hard work that makes it. You can’t just sit tight and weight that luck will take over one day. Hard work, long hours, commitment and passion are the driving forces to someone’s life. Read more>>

Maria Rutkin | CEO at Rutkin Marketing & Fractional CMO

The most important value to me is “Family First.” I love my family, and I put my family first. I am thankful for the minutes, hours, days, months, and years as the Mother-head of our pack. Mothering and Spouse-ing offer me opportunities for personal growth and joy as there is nothing in life that compares. That means appreciating the wonderment of their lives and being there when Ben and Leah need me, and carving out quality time together. Whether that is listening, talking, watching a movie, eating dinner, sitting by the pool, going for a walk, shopping, or taking vacations together – my heart focuses on the love and bond I have with each of them that winds around, over and through their lives and mine. Read more>>

Czarina Luna | Photographer & Videographer

Nothing inspires me more than producing an authentic image that captures the true nature of my subject. Working with people was not something I was initially interested in but over time I enjoyed meeting new people and getting inspired by their stories, life challenges and hopes. It amazes me how beautiful life is and memories that we make with our loved ones. Capturing great image of themselves makes me thrilled. Especially when you compare a finished product to the quality of a point and shoot or cellphone. It melts my heart when someone sees their photographs and smiling because what they’re seeing reflects the person they know and love. Read more>>