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.

Diana Mok

A close friend and former co-worker, who was a wedding planner, invited me to assist her at a wedding. I walked in not knowing what to expect and walked out with sore feet and a newfound excitement that continues to fuel me with every wedding I plan. Witnessing the seamless collaboration of vendors working behind the scenes felt like watching an orchestra, each part harmonizing perfectly to create an unforgettable day for the couple. Read More>>

Haillee Witcher

The idea for Thumbs Up! Bacon & BBQ originated from a deeply entrenched passion for food, community, and creating memorable experiences. Myles and I, along with our great friend Steph, have been immersed in the restaurant industry for years, which naturally sparked our interest in sharing our love for smoked meats with others. In 2014, we decided to bring this passion to life in San Diego, California. Read More>>

Kyla Peterson

I define success by the community I build, the experiences I create, and the connections I make. This goes for life and business in and out of the water. To me, running a surf school and defining success for me is based on the ability to provide a space where people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow, not just as surfers, but as individuals. Read More>>

Katie Halligan

Not everyone who keeps going finds the outcome they were hoping for, but no one who gives up does. If you have a creative or entrepreneurial spark, if you have a mission behind why you wanted to start pursuing something you are passionate about, it’s imperative not to stop doing that unless you truly feel called in a different direction. Read More>>

Bronson Pate

There are many things that are making me most happy with our business these days! It has been a big year for us – I purchased the business last year though I have worked for the company for the last 20 years. It has been so rewarding to see it thrive even though I’ve never thought about myself as a typical business owner. God has helped me so much in feeling confident to take on this wonderful challenge. I love seeing our team satisfied and excited by the work we get to do and my wife has also been excited and supportive which also makes me happy! Read More>>

Kateryna Karasyk

A Story of Growth and Resilience
My name is Kateryna Karasyk, and my journey is one of perseverance, ambition, and continuous learning. I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I developed a strong foundation in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship. My background in visual communications and marketing, coupled with an Executive MBA from the International Institute of Business (MIM Kyiv), has shaped my career and personal values. Read More>>

Alanis Alessandra Lara

I grew up between San Diego and Tijuana. A lot of my inspiration is derived from the time we spent living in Mexico, crossing back and forth all the time. My family’s always been very united specially the women. I am surrounded by such incredible women with so much character, strength, drive and just overall beautiful personalities. I look to them for advice and inspiration all the time, I could listen to them recount stories and experiences of their youth for hours. I love telling their stories and paying homage to them through my work. Read More>>

Michael Kachoeff

Balance is essential in everything, from fielding a ground ball to building something or making soup—balance in materials, balance in ingredients, balance in emotions, balance in health, and so on.

We are constantly faced with imbalance in our existence; life is full of struggles, and it’s through these struggles that we learn and grow. The key is recognizing each struggle as a temporary lesson. Read More>>