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.

Jacqueline Benét

The single most important decision that contributed to my success as a business was getting very clear on my brand, which took inner work to understand why my perspective is different than others and who I resonated working with the most. This led to a clearer vision of the work that I was putting out, and led to attracting the amazing clients that I get to work with today. It may have taken 10 years and is ever-evolving, but I am so happy with where I am at today. Read more>>

Bree Torti | Hair stylist & Life Coach

First i would like to thank you for taking the time again for this interview on my little salon suite small business it means a lot to me. As a salon suite owner and hairstylist, I’ve adopted several habits that have been instrumental in my success, especially while navigating the demands of my profession alongside my passion for wellness and nature. Here are some key habits that have helped me thrive: Read more>>

Mehri Sadri | UCSD Student, Community Outreach Coordinator for Supervisor Joel Anderson, SRPG Board Member

Like many 21-year-olds, I find happiness in life’s simple pleasures: good friends and family, a perfect latte, a new workout set, and time with my cat, Leo. But beyond these, what truly fulfills me is knowing my work creates a positive impact in the communities I serve. In that sense, I wouldn’t say I’m the average 21-year-old you might expect—I can be a little crazy sometimes. The same girl you see laughing at a loud dinner table is up the next morning, before sunrise, ready to take on her day as a full-time UCSD student, nonprofit founder, public servant, and data science enthusiast. Read more>> 

Paula Vrakas

I never imagined I would become a restaurant and music venue owner, let alone the owner of two. Yet here I am, navigating this unexpected journey. With plenty of lessons learned—often the hard way—I’m eager to share my experiences to help others avoid the same pitfalls. I’ve always believed in the power of community and the importance of fostering growth in those around me. Now, as I look to the future, my focus is on empowering others to reach their full potential. I want to turn my past challenges into valuable lessons that can help others navigate their own journeys. This next chapter is all about fostering growth and collaboration, as I believe that our shared success can create a thriving community. Read more>>

Kevin Chester | Head Coach – Heartland Swim Association

With our swimmers here at Heartland Swim Association, one of our main goals is to build excellent young adults. We teach them about goal setting, how to work towards a goal, what it means to work hard, to push yourself to your limits and continue going, and most significantly, the importance of being a part of a team. Being a part of something that is bigger than just one person is extremely important to our program. Read more>>

Tara Polley | Real Estate Expert & Media Personality

My business is deeply rooted in a commitment to community growth and support, especially through challenging times. During the foreclosure crisis in 2008, I dedicated myself to helping families keep their homes and navigate complex situations. It was a difficult period, and I saw firsthand how essential stability and guidance were for those affected. Homeownership is more than just acquiring property; it’s about building a foundation for security and future opportunities. It empowers families, strengthens neighborhoods, and fosters pride in our communities. Read more>>