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.
Salia Phan | Functional Mocktail Curator and Consultant
I was never much of a drinker, especially once I started to take my health seriously. I would get really bad anxiety, break out in rashes, and instantly get a migraine. I hated how it made me feel but I also didn’t like feeling left out in social situations. Knowing what I know about functional plant medicine and how it has all these amazing benefits of decreasing stress, boosting your mood, regulating your hormones, and supporting your gut, I wondered what it would be like if I added these ingredients to mocktail drinks instead of opting for alcohol to feel the “buzz”. After some testing, I found that they give a body “buzz” but didn’t alter my cognition and actually made me feel amazing. It allowed me to have something in hand when I’m out socially and opened a door of positive communication around my personal choice of being alcohol-free. From there, I knew I wasn’t the only person that lived a health-focused life that also wanted to stop drinking. I decided to share my recipes on my blog which allowed me to work with incredible wellness brands that are creating mixes and tinctures that can be added to mocktails. To make these drinks more accessible in social situations, I also work with resorts, lounges, and wellness spaces to curate a functional mocktail menu. Read more>>
Emily Criscuolo Erb | Black Wolff Leather
I think every artist goes through this! I believe when you truly love to create, you just have to keep at it even when it feels like all the odds are against you. When you are authentic and true to yourself, you will find your way. Start out with small, realistic goals and build from there. Read more>>
Nicole Zapoli | Business Owner/ Fitness and Wellness Coach
I am NZ Fitness and my mission is to empower others toward living their strongest, healthiest, happiest lives possible. I am passionate about supporting others on their fitness and wellness journey so that lifelong wellness and a high quality of life become the new norm in our communities and world, rather than the exception. Read more>>
Dali Parker | Owner/Co-Founder Chula Vista Brewery
I truly feel that one habit that attributed to my success is showing up daily. What I mean by that is a sense of consistency. Simply having the discipline to show up. This shows a habit of dedication. Read more>>
Valerie Ormond | Navy Veteran and Writer
I have had what some would consider a non-traditional career, as a woman serving as a Naval officer for 25 years. I was often the only woman in the room or the first woman to be in the job I held. The most important lesson that experience taught me was that I wanted to be the best I could be and prove that I was just as capable as anyone else. I saw these experiences as opportunities, not hardships. My military expeience also prepared me for small business ownership because I had confidence that if I could succeed in a military environment, I could succeed in a business environment. Read more>>
Lily Fallah | Financial Planner
I’m Lily Fallah, a Financial Planner and Chartered Special Needs Consultant® based in Carlsbad, CA. Originally from Los Angeles, my journey led me to San Diego to be closer to family. Read more>>
Lela Boyd | Lifestyle Photographer
If there’s anything I’ve learned about work life balance, it’s that it doesn’t exist for me, and that’s okay. I chose this creative career because I truly am fueled and inspired by making art. The reality of my life is that I have five kids and have been a military spouse for almost 24 years. I have to be flexible in my career right now. I like to think of my work as having seasons. Sometimes I’m able to dedicate more time and energy and sometimes I’m not. Ive made peace with that. Read more>>