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.

Cathryn Curry Hasz | Bassist – The Beard & The Bird

Defining success as a band just starting out is a tricky thing. Is it selling enough tickets? Or the numbers of followers on social media or listeners on Spotify? Or is it making sure the crowd keeps dancing and the man in the corner keeps his arms uncrossed and continues to tap his foot? Read more>>

Miko Aguilar | Electronic Music Producer / Film Sound Designer

I think once you are comfortable seeing your life fully disengaged from your passion, it’s time to give up. I’ve always tried to picture that alternate reality, and so far, nothing about it makes sense to me. Failing might look like a sign to give up, but it’s actually a sign that redirects you. Sometimes we need to fail to find the right decision to make. It’s so easy for comfort to cloud our judgment, I believe it is Failure’s job to ground us. Read more>>

Juan Garcia | Tennis Professional Services

The best impact a parent can have on their kids is fostering a strong foundation of love, support, and guidance. This involves: 1. Unconditional Love: Showing that their love doesn’t depend on achievements or behavior, giving children a sense of security and confidence.
2. Leading by Example: Modeling values like kindness, integrity, and hard work through actions rather than words alone. Read more>>

Lamicka Cottingham | Owner of Double Southern 619

Being an active and involved full time parent has shown to be A positive impact on my childrens personal and school life. I am A proud parent of 2, family values and life lessons are going to happen more often than not. I use all of my tools to help communicate and enage with my children . It is A rewarding job to be involved as parents, but the best part is raising my children so they are able to navigate their own futures. Read more>>

Alyssa Ebba | Photographer / Videographer and Crafter

I think the most rewarding thing about starting my own business is being able to let my creative mind flow without limits. I can think up something and just make it into reality. Read more>>

Sharmila Hall | Founder and CEO, SMBGM

The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s never easy, but it’s necessary. I try to constantly challenge myself to take risks and often put myself in situations where I don’t have the answers. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that real growth happens. Read more>>

Brenna Malmberg | Snail Mail Artist, Content Creator and Marketing Manager

We don’t just sit around and draw all day. Sure, we own lots of art supplies and tools that go into making our final creative product, but we also have to plan, send emails, figure out costs, advertise, network … that list goes on and on. We are small business owners who have to do all the same things as any small business. Do we wish we could just sit around and create all day? Obviously. But that’s not realistic, especially when you’re starting out and trying to establish yourself and your brand. Read more>>

Andrea Knowles | Equestrian Facilities Architect & Designer

The equestrian industry contributed $177B USD to the US economy in 2023 which was up $50B USD over the previous year making it a very quiet, yet powerful business. Most people think it is a small, niche world, but the numbers speak for themselves. Read more>>

Elizabeth Converse | Writer, Artist, Educator

The hardest decision I ever made was to fully commit to myself—believe in my abilities, set aside fear, and pursue my vision with dedication. As a writer and artist, I feel most at home immersed in my work. There I am able to center myself, connect with my own nature and write or paint wth authenticity. For me artistic expression is my practice, a meditation where I enter the flow. Consistently choosing self-belief, making thoughtful choices, and taking responsible actions to preserve this way of life has been key to shaping a life aligned with my creative and personal values. Read more>>

Soulfiya | Tropical Ragga Reggae artiste

1. As a youth I always knew I would grow up to do things my own way. As a Guyanese/American I knew that MY story had never been told. Those two factors added together with my gift with words showed me my path clearly. I’ve been writing songs since high school so the artiste life seemed like the way for me. Read more>>