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.

Visoth Tarak Ouk ( Chef T)

In this Culinary world, it is a competitive one, staying relevant and making sure you’re as sharp or even sharper than your own knife is key. I’ll tell you many times that crossed my mind to quit. When I lost it all I almost gave up, but looking in my son’s eyes and really look deep into myself, and realizing what I lost is only the world’s exterior. I have all my knowledge, and all my skills. Read More>>

Heather Moreau

How to Know Whether to Keep Going or Give Up: 20 Years in Business, Here’s What I’ve Learned

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart. Some days, it fills you with purpose—you get to create something meaningful, build connections, and see the joy on people’s faces when they hold something truly special in their hands. Other days, you wonder if you should trade it all in for a job with steady hours and a guaranteed paycheck (or at least one that doesn’t involve emails asking if you can Photoshop out an ex-boyfriend and make everyone look ten years younger). Read More>>

Davey Martinez

Ensuring that I have tough conversations with my daughter to empower her and develop a mindset of perseverance, effective leadership and resiliency. She is currently seven but beyond her years she is thoughtful, analytical and passionate about many things. Her open to new experiences is something that sets her apart because she is willing to already take chances, explore, ask questions, and understand. As I see her mind develop through her questions and thought processes, I can’t help but think how proud I am of how strong she is, how beautify she is, inside and out. I know she will be better than me and she helps me to be better for others too. Read More>>

Matthew Escobar

The most important decision I made that contributed to my success was to constantly bet on myself and not rely on sheer chance. I kept grinding even when the near future seemed bleak, trusting that my hard work, consistency, and belief in my own abilities would eventually pay off. Instead of waiting for opportunities to fall into my lap, I created them through relentless effort and persistence. That mindset—choosing to invest in myself no matter the circumstances—made all the difference. Read More>>

Antwon Smith-brown

As a professional actor for over 20 years, I have had longevity in the industry. Just recently, in the past 7 to 8 years, I started to develop my music and brand. I had the opportunity to enjoy reaching back in my memory to when I had a very young passion about recording and touring. As a preteen, I was asked to sing the National Anthem and perform at show fundraisers. Because I love to be upfront and perform. The school and some of the church art programs I attended as a young artist allowed me to travel through the state and tri-state area, back in my high school days in choir competitions and church performances. Read More>>

Ethan Avanzino

The most important factor behind our success is inclusivity and authenticity. We’ve built a space where all are welcome—except assholes. This mentality has created an environment where people from all walks of life can come together, connect, and learn from one another. We don’t tolerate bigotry, and we don’t cater to those who bring negativity into our space. By fostering a community based on respect, openness, and a little bit of sass, we’ve made Wanderoo Lodge & Gravel Bar more than just a place to stay or grab a drink—it’s a place where people feel truly at home. Read More>>

Myranda Otero

What makes me happy is the colors and art that surround us every day. I love noticing small artistic details in unexpected places. We are constantly covered in a massive array of colors, and taking the time to notice those small moments is the true joy of life. Being able to express myself artistically in everything I do, even how I present myself, is my favorite part of my day. Read More>>

Zard Apuya

Creating makes me happy. There’s something deeply fulfilling about bringing an idea to life, especially when it resonates with others. My art is heavily inspired by food, something that brings people together, sparks nostalgia, and carries personal meaning. When people see my work and light up because they recognize something they love—whether it’s their favorite childhood snack or a dish tied to a special memory—that connection is what truly makes me happy. Knowing that my art not only brings me joy in the process but also brings joy to others is what keeps me going. Read More>>

Edgardo Becerra

As a soccer coach,my work doesn’t really have an end goal because it’s not about reaching a final destination—it’s about constant growth and evolution. The beauty of what I do lies in the process: improving my craft, adapting to new challenges, and helping others grow along the way. Whether I’m mentoring players, educating coaches, or building a stronger community, the focus is always on progress and finding new ways to elevate the game I love. For me, it’s not about finishing—it’s about continuing to evolve and make an impact.” Read More>>