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.

Daniel Dennert

The lock screen of my phone often displays one of my favorite quotes. It helps me focus on what truly matters—whether at the end of a day, a project, or even a lifetime. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.” This feels especially relevant as I reflect on my work managing arts initiatives in public spaces, particularly at San Diego International Airport. Read More>>

Ericka Mollinedo

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! Life is precious so take all of the chances, start your own business, love on you family, friends and pets and don’t let anything keep you from following your dreams! Read More>>

Jennifer Norris

I have always looked at calculated risk and opportunity as one in the same. After growing up in a very small town in Upstate New York, I made a major move across the country to California by myself at 19 years old. I didn’t yet have a job lined up, knew very little about the life that would be waiting for me across the country, and at the time, didn’t know a single soul that lived west of Ohio. Read More>>

Chelsea Reyes

When it comes to risk-taking, I view it as an essential step towards achieving one’s full potential. The role it has played in my life and career is pivotal, marked by a transformative decision I made—a decision that involved leaving the security of a corporate 9-5 job to dive full-time into my passion, my business, Barbell Baddies. Read More>>

Dr. Maria Teresa Orozco

My name is Dr. Maria Teresa Orozco, and I hold a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. As a proud first-generation daughter of Mexican immigrants, I started my coaching business to empower first-generation students on their academic and professional journeys, which is something I wish I had during my educational journey. I aim for academic and professional success through coaching, community support, and self-development. Read More>>

Dinasha Cellura

I find immense inspiration in observing individuals who courageously venture beyond their comfort zones. It’s incredible to witness personal and professional growth stemming from such experiences. I firmly believe that a healthy dose of anxiety paired with curiosity is essential for growth. Read More>>

Crystal Laman

My joy comes each day as I begin my day in my art studio. I feel so happy and grateful to finally follow my dream and my passion.
I retired in 2018 after a very successful career as a certified Project Manager in IT. Read More>>

Linh Le

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, as a first-generation Vietnamese American. My parents immigrated from Vietnam in the 1970s, and growing up, I lived between two worlds—the rich traditions of my Vietnamese heritage and the diversity of South Sacramento. Read More>>

Shandon Campbell

Historically, my work-life balance was simple: pre-2016 music was just a hobby, and software engineering meant flexible hours to accommodate a hobby-filled life. Once music became a second profession demanding 15hrs/week on average, that balance shifted doubly: not only do I have much more “work” to balance with “life”, one of most life-giving categories in “life” was now “work”.  Read More>>