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.

Ryan J. Mathias | Strength Coach, Athlete, Author & Business Owner

“Successful people do what they must, whether they feel like it or not.” That is a quote I think about often. Anytime I feel tired, overworked, lazy, or have any downward thoughts, I remember that there are things I have to do to get to where I want to be, whether I feel like doing them right now or not. Business and life in general are not easy. Read more>>

Dagmar Galleithner-Steiner | Fine Artist

This question has popped up over and over throughout my whole career. Usually some extraordinary little thing happens when I get to this “ I’ve had it. I’m done.” point. It may be a phone call with an exciting commission. It may be something I see on my travels that makes my heart skip a beat and inspires another painting. Read more>>

Angela Wild | Swim Instructor, Boutique Swim School Owner, Water Safety Advocate

As a swim instructor with over 25 years of teaching experience, the greatest lesson my career has taught me was the powerful act of humility. Working with children of all ages and developmental phases requires bottomless energy, positivity and the desire to work collaboratively to help achieve student success, while leaving all hubris aside. Read more>>

Yashica Topalovic | FRANCES TAYLOR-Fashion Designer & Stylist

Being a mulata from a small town El Centro, Ca & Mexicali, BC had its blessings & challenges! I look African American but carried myself as a Mexi-CAN! A chocolate covered Mexican is what I called myself. We were raised by our single mother & so I knew absolutely nothing about the rest of my roots which had me feeling lost & confused. Read more>>

Iris Wud | Artist & Entrepreneur

I came up for the idea to create Vision Vocal when I was 16 years old. During this time of my life I felt that I was struggling to find a community of people that had the same creative interests and goals as me. I felt that starting Vision Vocal could be a way for me to not only meet other creatives, but also create a space where I can help connect everyone together and allow local creatives to meet and potentially collaborate with each other. Read more>>

Elizabeth Elfenbein | CEO and Founder

I am a social innovator dedicated to making a significant impact in our world. As an internationally award-winning branding expert and storyteller, I am passionate about identifying unmet needs and developing innovative solutions that transform lives.  Read more>>

Mimi Cerutti | Owner and Curator; Cerutti Charcuterie

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to share again! Things in business are always changing and evolving so it’s always a pleasure to be able to share my journey with the community here. Read more>>

Alessandra Wall, PhD | CEO, Executive Coach, Speaker, Author

One conventional piece of advice that makes me want to scream is that you can achieve anything with a bit of hard work and stick-to-edness. This might hold early in your career – many things are achievable with hard work and persistence-, but it takes more than that to reach massive levels of success. Read more>>

Brittany Russell | Spiritual Mentor | Mindfulness Coach | Speaker

The most difficult decision I believe anyone has the opportunity to make is to forgive yourself for ever believing there is anything defective about you to begin with. This was the most uncomfortable yet liberating decision I’ve made as it took the perceived “ceiling” out of my life. Many may never have that opportunity as their environment does not support spiritual growth and healing. Read more>>

Karen Fieri

As a parent, the most important thing we have done is give them the gift of time. We made the decision that I would raise our children and be available for them 24/7 and giving them that security has given them the confidence and independence to grow into successful teens/adolescents. Read more>>