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.

Mikey Kettinger

There is no ‘give up’ for me. Being an artist is who I am. My purpose. There’s no giving up, but there has to be willingness to adjust, evolve and learn. Read more>>

Zhongwen Hu

Looking back, I don’t think there was ever a moment when I seriously considered giving up. I was very fortunate to recognize painting as my calling at a young age. Some things you simply know deep in your bones, and painting has always been one of those things for me. Of course, the process comes with difficulties. Read more>>

Krista Baker

One of the most important things I’ve done as a parent has been building my own business so I could create a life with more flexibility and presence. I wanted to be there for my children, not just for the big milestones and exciting moments, but also for the everyday moments and the times they needed me most when they were sick or struggling. Read more>>

Stephanie Alburquerque – Solorio

Growing up, risks had a negative connotation in my life. They were something to be wary of and avoid at all costs. For example, I had family members who ran side businesses and pursued their passions cautiously, often keeping them as sources of extra income rather than turning them into full-time careers because of the potential risks involved. Read more>>

Anyssa Matthews

I’ve learned that growth and comfort rarely exist in the same place. A lot of the opportunities that shaped my journey in photography came from taking chances before I felt fully ready — reaching out, creating anyway, showing up anyway. If I had played everything safe, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today. Read more>>

Randi Crawford

What makes me happy is actually pretty simple: family, friends, connection, and purpose. A few years ago, I started playing pickleball and completely fell in love with it. But over time, I realized it’s not just the game I love, it’s the people, the laughter, the friendships, and the feeling of being together in real life instead of staring at our phones all day. Read more>>

Ana Mendoza

After sitting with this question and considering all the ways I could possibly answer it, the simplest and truest response is that it makes me feel. My decision to pursue a creative career did not come from an extraordinary ability to create art, which I do not claim to possess, but rather from a deep need to understand and be understood. Read more>>