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.

Andres Salomon | Music Producer & Guitarist

My favorite quote is, “If you don’t quit, you win.” As a producer and guitarist, I’ve always embraced this mindset. In music, talent is often less important than hard work, persistence, and good habits. It’s about picking up the guitar, even on days when you don’t feel like it. This quote has been my silent motto for years, but only recently have I fully grasped its power and importance. It reminds me that showing up consistently is often the key to success, even when things get tough. Read more>>

Laura Dimmock-weatherly | Photographer

The way I defined success is not by what is in my bank account, but by how many clients come back to me year after year, being able to see little ones grow up through my camera lens is probably one of the best things about my job. I have clients that I have worked with for over 10 years where I see them as a engaged couple at their wedding day in the hospital room with their newborn and now I’m taking yearly pictures of their children and they’re growing families, success is knowing that these families come back to me each year and trust that I am going to take images that will last a lifetime. Read more>>

Sarah Aiko Mayo | Nonprofit Director, Health & Healing Coach

The motto of our organization is “strong to serve” and encompasses a value that I aim to have lead all that I do. Our culture talks a lot about self-love, self-actualization and determination, but the reality is that once you master the discipline of stacking good habits, it’s really not that complicated to get what you want out of life. I think that we need to stop being so easily impressed by “success” as it if were the greatest mystery about life – it may be difficult to do, practically speaking, but the equation to get there is rather simple. Read more>>

Cole King | Hairstylist & Educator

The value that matters most to me is learning new things. As a hairdresser, I not only take pride in my craft but also in the role I play as a mentor—especially to my daughter, who has followed in my footsteps. Being a good example is crucial to me; I strive to embody the qualities I want to instill in my mentees, such as integrity, creativity, and continuous improvement. Read more>>

Marisa Elbers | High Performance Coach

Despite the growing recognition of mental health, a stigma still surrounds anything ‘mental’—making it hard to showcase the real work being done. Top athletes and professional teams rely on mental performance coaches, but it’s not something you often see or hear about or seen on display on social media. Yet, it’s an integral part of elite programs. Athletes and coaches face immense pressure, so why overlook the most critical aspect of performance—the mind? Mental skills are a game changer, and it’s time we elevate their importance in the sports world, starting with the youth. Read more>>

Gio Vicente | Videographer & Photographer

My end goal is to be on an NFL sideline or training camp with my camera. I couldn’t get to the league as a player so hopefully I can by filming. Read more>>

Leo Barboza | Owner & Operator of 22 graphics

Im born and raised in San Diego. I am now 34 yrs old. Growing up I learned what being passionate and hard working was thanks to my dad. Seeing him never complain and always being faithful to his job really had an impact on me. There was days where i knew he had a bad day but he never expressed it. He was the perfect example of what type of working man i wanted to be. Self motivated and dedicated with no excuses when it came to putting in work. As i got older i got the chance to work for him and with him. Read more>>

Dylan Keenan | Live Broadcast Producer and Production Lead

I grew up in Kihei, a small town on the south side of Maui, HI. I was always a creative kid, but ran into some trouble in my teen years which ultimately motivated me to leave the island after high school to pursue art in college. I went to Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR majoring in art but eventually transitioning into an interdisciplinary degree in art and backstage theater design. The transition came out of my sudden love for sculpture and welding where the best resources for me was in the theater department. Read more>>