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.

Ariel / Vanessa Bergstrom / Rosales | Treatment Coordinator & Entrepreneur

Yes, we have a budget for SoCal Soirées, which has been essential for managing our side business effectively. In the beginning, it was very challenging because you don’t break even for a while, and the initial investments can feel daunting. However, we quickly learned that maintaining good financial habits is key to running a business successfully. Read more>>

Scott Fontana | Owner/Operator Cristophe Salon Newport Beach

If it is to BE, it is up to ME. This is my affirmation. It means that if I want something I have to BE, then I can do it, then I can have it. What I like about it, iOS that it holds us all accountable. Read more>>

Emily Green Lake | owner of Sisters Pizza, Little Sisters, and Twin Sister & Community Activist

I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for many years and continued to either serve or bartend in the evenings after I left the industry full-time to pursue my teaching career so I’ve had my hand in the restaurant business consistently since I was 20 years old. My dream was to open a cafe after I retired from teaching. When my sister, Kate, unexpectedly passed away in 2016, I came to the stark first-hand realization that life is so short and precious – I was inspired to begin following my dream immediately. I left my teaching career and started the process of opening Sisters Pizza, which is named in honor of my sister and the inspiration she provided me to open the restaurant. My sister and I grew up in north Jersey, right outside of New York City, so we had the pleasure and privilege of eating some of the best pizza in the world. We are constantly aiming to emulate that NYC/NJ slice-shop style and flavors at Sisters. Read more>>

Laura Hormiz | Small Business Owner

I am a San Diego born and raised first generation Middle Eastern woman with dreams. When I was about 8 years old my mother had her third child and needed help around the house. My favorite thing to do watching her grow up was being in the kitchen creating dishes that her whole family would enjoy. Being Middle Eastern and the oldest of all of my siblings, I had to take a majority of responsibility while my parents were working tirelessly to give my siblings and I a better life. Around that age, I found a love for baking cookies and cupcakes. Before you know it year after year, practice after practice I got better and better. How I came up with the name Delulu Desserts, was through the word “delulu” circulating all over Tik Tok and I definitely know you’ve all heard the phrase, “may all of your delulu come trulu” which soon enough became my business slogan. Read more>>

Brian Garwood | Vintage Store Owner

Meeting people excited about unique items for their home! Read more>>

Jolene Earthwednesday Marquez | Founder/Lead Designer

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is “Stick to the plan no matter what.” If I had done that, my business wouldn’t have made it past the first 30 days. Less than 10 days after obtaining my flower shop, I was faced with a full-blown shutdown, with no access to funding because I was a brand-new business. The only way for my shop to survive was to go against the grain and break the rules—not something I recommend lightly, but when you’re staring down adversity with no other help available, you do what you have to do to survive and ask for forgiveness later. Read more>>

Keyana Palomera | Stylist

My end goal is to have fun while doing something I love . In this case , I’ve always had a love for fashion. The goal is to work on a set , preferably styling for a magazine. I’m currently working for two small up and coming magazines in LA and SD! Read more>>

Travis Griffith | Light and Magic Photographic Art

My journey in photography started accidentally. I had experienced a divorce and found myself alone. I started taking photos of things I found beauty in as a way to help heal my soul. I started sharing those images online along with my thoughts on how the scene made me feel. Turns out, people resonated with that and have been so incredibly supportive. Read more>>

Jonathan Ford | Musician

I grew up in a pretty musical family. There were always instruments around the house, primarily a piano and guitars. My mom plays piano and sings, and used to play a little guitar, my dad sings and plays a little guitar, and my sister played guitar for a little while. My family was always involved in the music at our local church, so I was always around it before I could even walk. My parents always tell me that I was helping to run sound at church by the age of five. I started taking drum lessons at five years old, and when I tell that story most people are shocked that anyone would buy a five year old a drum set. Read more>>

Nikki Threatt | ADTV Host, Realtor

I was a stay at home mom for 10+ years while my kids were little and my husband was serving in the military, when he retired and my kids were all in school full time I decided to start a career in real estate and I dove in head first. My first few years I would work when my clients needed me no matter what, sure I was “present” at home and for my family but I would answer calls, text etc 24/7 even at 1 am one time but thats a story for another time. I would go out and show homes or take listing apts completely around my clients schedule with no regard for my own. While I do think this helped launch my business it was giving big burn out vibes, as I got more comfortable in my role as “working mom” I started to realize what my most important priorities were and that that was my family. Read more>>

Brittany Walda | Skin Care Therapist & owner of Beauty By Bee

Over the years, my approach to work-life balance has evolved significantly. When I started Beauty By Bee, I poured so much energy into growing my business and perfecting my craft not only as a skin care therapist and permanent makeup artist but as a business owner. While that passion remains, I’ve learned that balance is essential—not just for me, but for my family, my clients, and my overall well-being. Read more>>