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.

Vince Morales | Empowering my clients to unlock their leadership potential through Maxwell-Certified Leadership Coaching. Galvanizing my clients through mindset coaching that leads to transformative self-actualization. Catalyze career transitioning goals and personal branding as a career coach. Proud 2021 Penn State Alumnus. Formerly the Homeless Life Coach.” Former homeless veteran. “

During my time as a homeless veteran in San Diego, CA, I was re-reading a book by John C. Maxwell called, “Thinking for A Change.” In his book, Maxwell wrote, “One of the reasons people don’t achieve their dreams is that they desire to change their results without changing their thinking.” Read more>>

Kindyl Younkin | Event Designer & Coordinator

I started thinking about starting my own business during a period of dissatisfaction with my corporate job as an interior designer, particularly unhappy with the changes brought about in my job during the pandemic. The evolving nature of my role inspired me to reevaluate my career trajectory, and the desire to really start my own venture took root. Read more>>

Ciaran Flanagan | CEO & Founder

After emerging from quarantine, my work, health, and relationships spiraled downward. Days stretched into nights as I toiled away for 12 hours fueled by coffee, only to seek solace in weekend escapades. But after months of this relentless cycle, I hit a breaking point. It was clear—I needed a radical change to reclaim my physical and mental well-being. Read more>>

Scott Robertson | Story-Based Brand Messaging Consultant & Bass Player

Every entrepreneur faces this question in one form or another. And while some will say “never give up,” there are always economic realities (aka not making enough money from the business) that must be considered. For me, I started with a simple phrase that I still sometimes repeat to myself. I say I will do this as well as I can for as long as I can. Thankfully, for me, that’s been 13 years. It’s tough to do the work and also have to wrangle up the business so I have accounts with work to do. But I wouldn’t do anything else – I really love helping entrepreneurs who struggle with marketing/PR and I think in my small way, I’m fighting the good fight for the marketing profession’s soul. Read more>>

Griselda Beck | Transformational Intimacy Expert

The entrepreurial journey is directly parallel to our own personal growth journey. It is full of ups and downs, many instances where quitting looks like a great option and maybe even “the smart thing to do”. Read more>>

Lital Diament | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor

My business is built upon women helping women, by women. We take mental health seriously and one of our goals is to make sure that every woman is listened to, heard, and accepted. Read more>>

John-Christopher Salvatore | President and Founder of Bravo Sports Tours

I hope to be remembered as someone who impacted our youth’s life experiences and inspired how people experience the world and sports, creating unforgettable moments that bring families together and forge lasting connections. My legacy is not just about the places I’ve been or the experiences I’ve made but about the impact those experiences have had on individuals and families. I want to be remembered as someone who inspired others to explore, seek out new adventures, and cherish the moments that truly matter in life. Read more>>

Alesia Yuzhakov | Serial entrepreneur/Creative director.

The biggest factor behind my success is “Never Give Up.” I’ve started businesses five times, and not all of them were super successful. But I was always motivated by the fact that my very first business was quite successful; it sold very profitably and still exists to this day, more than 12 years later. Whenever I work on each new project, I know that it requires patience for the next 3-4 years, during which anything can happen, and it might not even succeed. I understand the outcomes; everything takes time, which is why I always try to maintain energy and tone for a longer period. The success of my current company, Beauty Code Brand, is that I am constantly improving, without stopping. It’s a photo and video studio in Sunnyvale. Every time, I add something new, I research information. I am constantly working on improving. And, of course, after 3 years, now everyone says that my studio is quite well-known, how cool the studio is, everyone is thrilled, and all the reviews are very positive. Read more>>

Nicole Harris | Owner & Creative Director

The most critical factor behind the success of my business is undoubtedly the strength of our team. Our team comprises talented individuals who are not only skilled but also dependable, reflecting the ethos and values of our brand. They consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients, going above and beyond expectations. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in driving our business forward and fostering long-term relationships with our clientele. Without their contributions, our achievements would not have been possible. Read more>>

Gary Flick | Songwriter, Singer, & Multi-instrumentalist

Music in any and all instances. It’s always in my head. I, of course, love creating it and am very fortunate that doing so pays some pills, too, but I also am a huge fan. I love going to shows, I love discovering new tunes, and I love teaching it to kids who have never been told they can create music. It’s pretty easy at the end of the day! Read more>>

Julie V. Garner | Artist

I had no choice really. I needed to create, whether anyone else ever saw the results or not. I spent many years seriously making art, while engaged in an unrelated career path, that nobody outside my immediate family ever saw. It was many years later that I first put my art into the world to be seen by others. Since then my practice has grown and changed. What began with rusted metal assemblages gradually evolved into woven photographic tapestries. Fiber art underlies most of my work. Even the rusted metal sculptures were “sewn” together with wire. Over time I also came to understand how important art is in the world. I chose a career path in healthcare because I believed at the time that I needed to do work that had a direct impact on the well being of others. But, through my own experience with viewing and making art, I came to realize how important it is for individuals and societies for keeping a balance amid chaos, whether personal, political or any other kind. I feel art is a stabilizing force in the world. Read more>>

Kelly Bourgeois | Lash Artist- Salon Owner

The quiet moments are some of the best moments. Getting lost in the artistry helps me to relax and therefore get as creative as my mind allows. Some of my best work is actually done while no one is talking. The silence is therapeutic to both the artist and client. Read more>>

Valeri Orsini | Insurance Producer

I just started work life balance in 2024. I am having a really difficult time adjusting to it because of always being accessible. Quite a few clients have my cell phone number. I always respond to their questions after hours, on the weekends or on vacation. I know its not a healthy way to live but because I’m a small business owner, I do not want my clients searching for another broker if they are unable to insure a new business or property right away. Read more>>

Veena Saraswati Lucas | Intuitive Energy Medicine Practitioner, Reiki Master & Multi Therapist

I am kind of designed to always work. Working is a kind of a mathematical and musical process in my mind. I have surrendered to that. I have tried to create balance though a balancing act is a hard skill to develop. As a business coach once shared with me, they suggested finding a harmony like an orchestra instead of trying to balance so much. As an orchestra takes pauses and moves in sections it is also harmonizing together. After I learned that, I decided to surrender to my working mind and to harmonize my processing and create pause. I am always capturing moments of seeing, tasting, hearing, and touching the sensation in between the processing and mental calculations I am doing. Read more>>