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.

Leslie Salmon

I began my personal yoga practice at age 48. As I continued the practice and then began teaching, I noticed I drew an older group. And, because of my interest in anatomy, I also found people being referred to me who were challenged with injuries, chronic conditions, etc. As my practice matured, I decided to focus on Yoga Therapy, in addition to teaching Yoga.

Why? I could see a population of people who wanted to participate in yoga, but who required a different type of yoga class/session than what is usually taught in a yoga studio. They needed a gentler form, a style that catered to their specific needs. Read More>>

Bryce Gaston

I’ve been planning events for over eight years, and during that time, I naturally became the go-to resource for friends and acquaintances as they started getting married. What struck me early on was how many foundational aspects of wedding planning were completely unfamiliar to them, not because they weren’t smart or capable, but simply because they’d never done it before. I saw how easy it was for even well-intentioned decisions to snowball into costly mistakes without expert guidance. Read More>>

Miranda Carnicle

As a business owner, I’ve learned that taking risks is essential to growth—both personally and professionally. When I opened Rose + Honey Skincare, it was the same week the world shut down due to COVID. Talk about uncertain timing. I had just invested everything into building this dream space, only to have the world hit pause. It was equal parts surreal and terrifying—but I believed in my vision: to create a space that offered results-driven skincare in a warm, welcoming, and elevated environment Read More>>

Maite Benito Agahnia

For me, believing in yourself is one of the biggest risks you can take—especially as an artist. There’s no clear roadmap, no guarantees. You have to trust your vision, your instincts, and your ability to figure things out as you go. I take creative risks every time I enter the studio. I don’t stick to one style or medium—I constantly explore new materials and combinations. Mixing media, breaking my own patterns, and letting go of formulas that “work” keeps my practice alive, but it also means stepping into the unknown.  Read More>>

Ashley Draklich

Rituals, for sure. I start every morning with breathwork, movement, and stillness before anything else—which helps me lead from clarity instead of chaos. I also treat curiosity as a habit—trying things even if they might flop, asking bold questions in rooms where I don’t know anyone, and always choosing growth over comfort. And finally, following through. It’s easy to get inspired. But the habit of showing up, again and again, even on the uninspired days? That’s where the magic (and momentum) really happens. Once I realized my natural MO is to quit when something doesn’t work out as expected, I changed my habit to doubling down and being my own best cheerleader. If we don’t believe in ourselves then who will? Taking imperfect action will get you closer to your goal than staying stuck in the stories we tell ourselves. Read More>>

Susan Svoboda

I am a shameless self-promoter. I tell everyone about my book, I Hate the Color Pink. I ask everyone I come in contact with if they belong to a group that might need a motivational speaker. I am determined to continue to share this important message regarding women’s health and being your own best health advocate. Do people say no or not return my calls? Yes, they do, but all I say is “Next!” I keep moving forward and keep asking. I am determined. Read More>>

Savvy Beauty Academy

The most important factor behind our success is the incredible team that stands behind our brand. Our instructors, support staff, and leadership all work together with one shared goal: to empower and elevate the next generation of beauty professionals.

At our beauty school, we believe that education goes beyond teaching skills — it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and creating a supportive environment where students feel seen and inspired. That wouldn’t be possible without a team that’s passionate, aligned, and committed to the bigger vision. Read More>>

Josh Lamb

Authenticity is everything to me. In an industry that constantly tries to mold you into what’s trendy, palatable, or profitable, staying true to who you are creatively, emotionally, and spiritually takes real courage. It’s not always easy, especially when those with the most impact on you question that authenticity or vision. But I believe the most powerful art is created from a place of raw truth, the kind that can only come from within. I’ve learned that the more I trust my instincts and create from that deep, untamed place inside me, the more honest and impactful my work becomes. Read More>>

Sandey Richardson

The principle of precision and the value of human connection mean the most to me. Together, they fuel my creativity and dedication in designing lashes and brows with perfection, making each client feel confident and beautiful.

Precision is the cornerstone of my craft. As someone who thrives on accuracy, I believe that even the smallest details matter. Whether shaping brows to frame a face or designing lashes to enhance natural beauty, every stroke or placement requires an unwavering commitment to perfection. Precision allows me to deliver consistent results that not only meet but exceed expectations, reflecting my pride in my work. Read More>>

Ethan Schaffer

Since I was as young as I can remember, it was always important to work hard. A strong work ethic was instilled in me coming from a military family. The high expectations and pressure I felt growing up led to me putting aside my own dreams and chasing a career that would appease my parents. This combination only led to repeated dissatisfaction and burnout. Eventually, I was so miserable that drinking was the only way I knew how to cope. Read More>>