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.

Jacob Paniagua

Success to me is being able to have a healthy balance between work and my personal life. I have gotten to a point where I’m able to enjoy work, my family, and my personal hobbies. Read More>>

 Garrett Imeson

I’ve always been drawn to a definition of success from the legendary coach John Wooden. He said success is, “peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.”

That speaks deeply to me because success is often framed differently in our culture. It’s usually tied to money, status, or proving your worth to the world. Read More>>

 Herbert Siguenza

A true artist is someone who is constantly living and breathing as an artist. In other words, their art is their whole identity and perhaps the reason for living. An artist cannot give up because then they give up on life itself. That is your purpose for being so be it 24/7 ! There really is no alternative. The minute you stop working and do another job, you are fulfilling someone else’s dream, not yours. Is it hard to be an artist? Yes very much so! But if you manage to live off your calling, it’s the most rewarding feeling and success. Read More>>

Bella Dory Jett Malulani

“After 26 years, I’ve learned it’s not about choosing between pushing through or giving up, it’s about evaluating. I keep going when there’s still movement, when I can adjust and see results or growth. But if something consistently isn’t responding despite strategy and effort, I take that as feedback, not failure. That’s when I step back, refine, or pivot. Longevity in business comes from knowing when to stay committed and when to evolve.” Read More>>

 Lauren McKenzie

The most important factor behind The Thriving Initiative’s success and brand is our authenticity. Our nonprofit was founded solely to support college-based survivors of interpersonal violence, and that is what we have continued to do over the past 7 years. College students oftentimes have a distrust of the university when it comes to handling issues revolving around interpersonal violence and sexual assault, so we operate as an outside organization that provides full confidentiality. Our involvement on campus is “for the students, by the students”, with our college-based volunteers having a large part in sharing what is needed on campus so that we can help support them. Read More>>

Caitlin Tuley

I’ve always been drawn to creating, it’s where my brain feels the most at ease. Growing up, I was constantly making something, whether it was drawing, coloring, crafting, sewing, or picking up a new instrument. That creative space is where I feel the most focused, energized, and myself. Read More>>

Mary Yildirim

For me, pursuing a creative career doesn’t feel like a decision so much as a reflection of how I’m wired. It’s part of my everyday life—I wake up thinking about it, carry it with me through work, and fall asleep with ideas still on my mind. It feels less like a job and more like a way of moving through the world. Read More>>