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.

Kristina Freeman | Wedding Coordinator

I came up with the idea for my business after being in the event industry for over 12 years. Part of that time was doing city-wide special events for a municipal recreation department and part of it was being a director over catering and special events for a restaurant that hosted weddings. A dream of mine had always been to be a wedding planner, but while raising little kids at home my work life balance wasn’t allowing for that time commitment. While working for the restaurant I worked with a lot of day-of wedding coordinators. I realized that I could combine my love of event coordination and weddings and become a day-of wedding coordinator. Read more>>

Michael Ravenwood | Performance Artist & Empowerment Coach

It was, no pun intended, a bolt out of the blue! I was a performance artist specializing in storytelling fire dance shows for a couple of years when it occurred to me one day.. “God how I love to spin fire! The roar of the flame, the light & the shadow… I wonder what it would be like… to dance with lightning?!? It’s another primal energy… thrilling with a hint of danger.. what would THAT feel like?” Read more>>

Leticia Suprovici | Mom -CEO Founder

Skipdwait was launched to assist small and medium-sized businesses that rely on traditional business models by helping them accelerate growth through access to innovative technology tools. Our solutions streamline operations, alleviate burdens, and enable businesses to thrive. Read more>>

Ken Cunningham | LPCC, Therapist Specializing in Anxiety & OCD

While it’s a widely recommended classic, one book that has profoundly impacted me is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Frankl’s unimaginable experiences in the concentration camps and how he managed to survive are incredible. I revisited this book in 2021, after my sister passed away, and it really helped me cope with some of the hardest and darkest days of grief. Read more>>

Heather Davis | Luxury Cookie Artist and Technology Product Marketing Manager

The most important factor behind the success of Cardiff Sweets is the genuine passion for bringing joy to others. By creating personalized cookies that reflect the tastes and preferences of family and friends, the brand was built on a foundation of thoughtfulness and care. This emphasis on meaningful connections and personalized experiences not only resonates with customers but also fosters loyalty and emotional engagement. The focus on crafting products that make people smile contributes significantly to the brand’s appeal and growth. Read more>>

Carrie Peltzer | Farm & Winery Owner

The most important factor behind our success and our brand is two-fold: creating an experience and diversification. When Charlie and I started our farm in 2006 in Temecula, we came with ten years of experience from Orange County. We had a farm there that did well because we were creating an experience for our guests. Anyone can sell pumpkins but not everyone can create a farm which included a hayride, pony rides, petting farm, corn maze and a train. Our customers visited us each Fall to get their family photo in front of their favorite prop and create a tradition. When we moved to Temecula, the demographic was very similar, we just had to get the name out there. Read more>>

Elisabeth Rhoads | Author

It’s actually the poem, “If” by Rudyard Kipling, and while I won’t quote the entire poem here, one of my favorite bits is, “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those two impostors just the same…” It reminds me that no matter how good or how bad things get, the important thing is to do the work. For me, that’s writing. Read more>>

William Karstens | Street Photographer

Success is, honestly, not being a jerk, staying focused on your goals, but not being obstinate to change. I think you have to keep your self honest, always work at keeping growth in mind, and never assume to much about where you are in life. Read more>>

Chelsey Magaoay | Painter, Illustrator, and Entrepreneur

To be frank, I’m not a fan of risk. The idea of risk often leaves me in decision paralysis and sometimes churns my stomach. However, I understand that I’ll never make good art without risk, and I’ll never learn about the depths of what I can accomplish. In the last few years, I’ve realized that playing it safe has only ever stifled my creativity and kept me from making the art that could have been. Something I regret. Read more>>

Matt Geiss | Demolition Contractor and Junk Removal Company Owner

I believe risk taking is essential for anyone who is looking to achieve something great, As the famous Nelson Mandala said: “I’ve found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Nothing. There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that’s less than the one you’re capable of living”. Some type of risk is essential for growth. The larger the growth, the potential the higher the risk. In my opinion, the reason so few people achieve greatness is they are afraid of taking risks and the consequences that come with them. People are creatures of habit, and like to feel safe and secure. Risk taking is the complete opposite of this logic. Read more>>

Kayla Straub | AKA Luulu, of Luulu Soul Designs

Two big things lead the inspiration for what I create:

One is I always loved looking at all the different tables at craft fairs and artist alleys. To create something with your own hands, something that others look at and want to take home, looked like a super power to me. I remember thinking “I want to DO that.” I believe seeing all the different types of small businesses is one of the driving forces behind my now decade long love for crafting. Read more>>

Ashley Calderon | Licensed Midwife

I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, compassion, and trust in the beauty and strength of the birthing process. I hope to be remembered as someone who honored every mother’s unique journey, provided unwavering support, and advocated for informed choices and physiological birth. Beyond midwifery, I want to leave behind the message that birth is not just about babies but about families and communities being strengthened. I hope people remember me as someone who approached life with an open heart, ready hands, and a deep respect for the sacred work of bringing new life into the world. Read more>>

Tuyen Nguyen | Community Leader & Volunteer

Growing up in a large immigrant family uprooted by war and conflict, my success is rooted in a community where I am part of something greater than myself. I am grounded in history, traditions, and responsibility while charting new paths. This requires being accountable to those around me and the needs of the community, making time, showing up, listening, and doing the work. These values etched in me through early family Sunday mornings newspaper deliveries in the 90s, watching siblings step up for each other in times of crisis, cooking regular meals for 10 people, creating new traditions for younger generations, and more. Read more>>

Jared Keys | IFBB Pro Bodybuilder & Coach

The most important factor behind my success comes down to three things: believing in myself, taking chances, and persevering no matter the obstacles. Believing in myself was the foundation—it allowed me to set big goals and go after them, even when the odds weren’t in my favor. Taking chances has been equally important. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving college to pursue bodybuilding, or starting my coaching business, I had to bet on myself repeatedly. Finally, perseverance is what kept me moving forward during tough times. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s the ability to keep pushing through challenges that separates those who succeed from those who give up. These three principles are what have shaped my journey so far. Read more>>

Julian Mcknight | Julian McKnight community catalyst, goodwill ambassador, humanitarian

What makes me truly happy is being able to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small. I’ve always found joy in helping others, whether it’s through volunteering in my community or simply offering my time and skills to those in need. It gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that I can be there for someone when they need it most. Read more>>

Paige Nyman | Principal Ballerina with Texas Ballet Theater

I pursued an artistic career because it was all that I had ever wanted to do with my life. From the age of 12, I was convinced that ballet was my path, and it seemed exceedingly logical, quite as far from artistic as my limited viewpoint could understand. Early on, it was about accomplishment and stubbornness, and it wasn’t until later in my training that I began to see the expanse of creativity that was available to me. That has been one of the great joys of my career, thinking that I had pursued something so difficult simply for the reason of accomplishing it, only to realize that it has transformed the way that I communicate and wish to be communicated with. Read more>>

Ashlie Churchill | UGC Creator & Brand Builder

Before starting my business as an independent creative, I was a hustler in the tech sales world. Work hard, play hard was my motto, until that lifestyle led to a severe chronic illness. After recovering from 2 years of bed-bound sickness, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to work on my own time and give me the freedom to be as successful as I could be. Read more>>