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.

Maha Esshaki

At Happy Days Home Daycare, every time a child learns something new or shares a skill with their parent’s, it adds value to their experience. These moments make each day a bit brighter! Confidence grows through each new craft, outdoor activity, and problem-solving task. Read more>>

Shirlyn Huang | College Consultant & Mental Health Advocate

My city of Arcadia is known for “college-climbers.” For their children to get into the best colleges possible, many parents force their children into activities that take up a considerable amount of time, leaving students no time to pursue their other interests. For example, ever since the fourth grade, my dad has pressured me into qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), so much so that I began to hate math and rebelled against my dad by pursuing the arts. Read more>>

Adrianne Pearson | Owner, Evolving EHS

There are an abundance of hurdles, challenges, chaos, and pitfalls that life will throw at an individual. Often, it is not clear what should I do in a very moment when faced with such embodied activities. When I have set my mind on something, I tap into my perseverance and determination of making it easily. Read more>>

Amanda Sanchez | Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Coach / Owner

Participating in Fit4Mom classes! Finding my village of moms who support and love me for being myself. The Stroller Strides workouts enabled me to work on my confidence not only as a mom, but as a wife and advocate for my daughter too! The classes showed me different ways to connect with my daughter and as a first time mom that is so valuable. Read more>> 

Jessica Fuller | Illustrator and Painter

I am inspired by Mother Nature, other artists and art. Read more>>

Milly Marie | Burlesque Dancer and Producer

Communication and loyalty. Read more>>

Hannah Carmody | Dance Fitness Instructor

What truly makes me happy is seeing people light up during and after my fitness classes. The energy that fills the room when everyone is moving, laughing, and just being themselves feels like magic. Knowing that I can make a positive impact on someone’s day, help them feel more confident, or provide an outlet for stress relief brings me all the joy in the world. Read more>>

Liz Hahn | Owner and CEO of Bad Boy Strip

Working in the competitive industry of bachelorette party planning has taught me to stay flexible and adapt. I started working in the entertainment industry in 1991 as part of the San Diego Underground Music Scene. I used to supply GO-GO dancers, models, and promotion entertainers to the EDM DJ Scene in SD. I always loved to throw incredible parties with good music, beer, and beautiful models. However, I had to adapt to the fast-changing trends of the bachelorette party industry later when I chose to specialize in planning such private events. Read more>>

Aliya Bora | Artist, Designer & Creative Producer

I’m a deeply creative person and can’t see myself in anything other than a creative role. I took a non-creative corporate sales job right out of college and it wasn’t the right fit. So many of us fresh grads at the time were told to find a “stable” job, and that would be our ticket to a successful career. But then the recession happened and my job was suddenly gone. It taught me that there is no such thing as a stable job, so you might as well pursue something you love. Read more>>

Kristina Litovchenko | Blogger

At 19, I started working at a small and new clothing store, handling everything from sales to marketing strategy in social media. I loved it and felt energized despite working six days a week. That time I realized how obsessed I’m with creativity. When I moved to the USA and felt homesick, my psychologist suggested I pursue something I enjoyed to build confidence and fight with my sadness. I turned to social media, which helped me connect with the community and feel more integrated. Read more>>

Duffi Crowson | Natural Light Family Photographer

For awhile, when I was working a corporate job in marketing, and trying to start and build my photography business, my balance was horrible. Like non-existent. I was trying to do everything. Corporate job. Creative side job that I loved and fueled by passion. Wife. Mom to two young kids under the age of 4. And none of it was going well. I was failing – and flailing. I had too many plates in the air at once. Read more>>