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.

Amy

In our rapidly changing world with little to no guarantees of what tomorrow may bring, my go to personal affirmation always is “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” I find this a very motivational saying that emphasizes the idea of renewal, fresh starts, and personal growth. It serves as a reminder to me that, no matter what has happened in the past, each new day presents an opportunity to make changes, set new goals, and move forward in a positive direction. Read More>>

Jay Vee

Success is different for everyone, but to me, it’s doing what you love and making a positive impact on the people around you. Read More>>

Madison C. Gray

Growing up with Bad Kitty Photography, becoming a photographer with it, to then co-owning and now leading the company, I’ve been able to see through the years what can make and what can break a business. My mom says to this day that those who do not evolve, die. Not in the literal sense of course, but as a company fueled by women in self rediscovery, self empowerment, self love and ever changing times of what these things mean, if you do not continue on, you fail. Now the question is to “how do you know” to keep going or to give up. Read More>>

Andre McCorley

I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent is embody my fearlessness, embrace my vulnerability, and double down on my own integrity. As we know children follow by what they see and less on what they are instructed. So I’ve made sure I give my children a solid example to watch and learn from. No matter what life brings I keep going, get knocked down? I get back up. Unfavorable situation? I respect it for the lessons I’m learning and the strength I’m gaining for what I need to proceed. Allowing my children to have an example.of a parent that even my inner child is proud of. Read More>>

Charla Afoa

It has been very important to me that my daughter sees the example from me that she can follow her dreams, make mistakes and still love her self, trust herself, and know that she is always loved and held by the Universe. In pursuing my business as an entrepreneur, I was intentional about allowing her to see me go through the building blocks of my brand and discussed with her my plans along the way. I wanted her to know that being a woman, Black, and a successful business owner is possible and that taking risks with the best intentions is ok. Read More>>

Enixae

The most important decision decision other than deciding to work by myself was to stop practicing my profession to dedicate myself completely to my family and our business. Read More>>

Daniela Larsen

At the heart of my work is the belief that visibility fuels both growth and purpose. Through Daniela Larsen Photography, I help founders, professionals and creatives be seen in a way that empowers them to show up confidently online. My personal branding and headshot photography services are designed to tell each client’s unique story with clarity, authenticity, and visual impact. Read More>>

Lisa Monday Gomez

I help all independent artists be heard, by playing their music on my internet radio Whatever68 Radio or promoting their shows and music on social media. I want to help all the artist worldwide, that I can. Read More>>

Haferks

I didn’t choose art as much as art chose me. Since I was four, I’ve lived with anxiety and panic attacks, and later, after losing close family members, creating became my lifeline. I explored everything—painting, sculpture, murals, tattooing—not because I had a clear path, but because I had no choice but to express. Read More>>

Kareece St George

There are a few values that matters the most to me. They are discipline, honesty and ethical. In order to be successful and accomplish your goals one must be disciplined, being honest and ethical. Many people watch and pay attention so it’s important to be truthful and always do the right thing. Read More>>

 Allie Applegate

The wedding industry is truly one of a kind. What many people don’t realize is just how many meaningful relationships are formed throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself. We’re instantly bonded by how much we care for our clients and the success of their event. Read More>>

Rohit Relan

I enjoy experimentation. That’s really at the heart of why I became a filmmaker. Art lets you live multiple lives, see the world through different lenses, and constantly reshape how you understand things. I want to make films all over the world, in different languages and across formats, always chasing new ground. I love the idea of starting over, reinventing myself with each project, and taking risks that might not always land but mean something. By the end of my career, I want to be known as someone who never played it safe. Someone who kept exploring, kept evolving, and was never afraid to fail in pursuit of something bold. Read More>>

RaeLynn Fuson

I love this question because the answer is always evolving. Every client, project, and event teaches me something new—and occasionally humbles me in the most unglamorous way possible. But if I had to choose the biggest lesson from this past season, it would be this: recognize your own value. Read More>>

Ashley Jade

I chose a creative career because deep down, I wanted to pursue a career that would give me the opportunity to express my creative thoughts and ideas. I also wanted to grow in the area of truly connecting with others around me. Luckily, I found hair and makeup to be the perfect fit for me to achieve these goals. As a young child, I was very much an introvert, and I was also very shy. My craft allows me to listen with intention, share vulnerability with others authentically, and create at the same time. I feel that with every person I have met in my chair and within the beauty industry, I have grown throughout the years of being a hairstylist, and makeup artist. I truly couldn’t ask for a more fulfilling creative career! Read More>>

Raven Plummer Brown

As a travel advisor, finding balance used to feel impossible. In the beginning, I thought I had to be available 24/7 — answering messages late at night, fixing last-minute issues while on vacation myself, and pretty much working nonstop. I was even at my Dad’s funeral trying to help passengers that missed their connecting flight. I didn’t really have a balance. Read More>>