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.

Shar Rachal, MBA | Owner

Several years ago, I was looking on how I could save more and what expenses I could cut. Yes a girl should have their nails done but at the end of the day it didn’t make me feel pretty so I cut it! I figured I can polish these nails myself. This also allowed my nails to grow back strong without the damaging effects of acrylic nails. Read more>>

Carissa Ramirez | Creator

At the time I was working in the medical field, and it was a very structured job which I definitely needed. However, I have always been a creative person and I was searching desperately for an outlet. I had this great idea to make greeting cards… I consider myself a punny person and I just knew there was a space for me in the Target card section. So, I actually began Carrshop.co with sights set on this. My first launch was in Feb 2020 with Valentine’s cards, and they did not do well at all. This was such a disappointment because they were all so cute! Then this idea to create vinyl stickers from some of my drafts that didn’t make the card cut originated. Turns out, stickers were a much bigger hit. I knew in general I just wanted to turn my doodle arts into something tangible to share with others. I was a hoarder of all things colorful and cute growing up and I just knew I wanted to create more colorful and cute things. Read more>>

Kimberly Marcilene | Certified Motivational Coach

You don’t! And I say this because Lord knows I have had my fair share of trials but through each and every one I became stronger, wiser and more grateful. “To much is given much is required.” Luke 12:48 I promise that is the only thing I could say to myself when I wanted to give up. My mentors would tell me this and it frustrated me because I was sick of the saying. Why not say something more meaningful, but in actuality the meaning was very strong, This term was not derived for everyone. See you think you do not have much compared to others when actuality many others want your life. They want your smile, your laugh, your family, your curves, your facial structure and the gifts God sat upon YOU. So on the days you want to give up say “To much is given, much is required” Read more>>

Shelita White-Russ | Owner and Lead Instructor of the Haus of Innergy

Before you start on any business journey or journey in general, you have to ensure that your will is aligned to God’s will. If God gives you the vision, you have to trust that He’ll give you provision. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like. That’s where faith steps in. When you’re walking hand in hand with God, giving up is not an option. When your circumstances seem dire, it’s up to you to remember the vision that God has given you. He won’t let you fall. You have to keep going. If you determine that you aren’t doing the will of God, then ask God to show you what’s next in His plan. He will direct you. Read more>>

Brian DiLorenzo | Video Technical Engineer & Filmmaker

Typically the way my brain works is I start with a goal, then work my way backwards to figure out how I’m getting there. The first part, identifying the goal, has thankfully always been easy for me. Since literally the age of seven it has been to direct movies! The second part of “how to get there,” is where the risks actually come into play. For my first feature film, “Myth,” I had the good fortune of not knowing what all the risks were while making the film. It started off on a smaller scale, little decisions such as simply requesting time off from work. Using all of my vacation days for the rest of the year to go shoot a movie definitely felt like a risk at that time. By the end of the process however, that risk didn’t feel like much of a risk at all, because I had much bigger ones to deal with! So along the way, as you take the smaller risks and survive them, you also validate yourself, and that’s what prepares you for the bigger ones. Read more>>

Teia Lettsome | Multi medium Artist

It sounds cliche but no risk no reward. I believe heavily in taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Sometimes only then you can see results Read more>>

Rumple | Cosplayer & Performer

I think as a cosplayer we help spark the creativity and the appreciation of art in others. The creativity to make new things while appreciating the art that goes into it as well. Read more>>

TOMAS FERNANDEZ FARINA | Tomás Antonio Fernández Farina | Entrepreneur, Culinary Enthusiast, Advocate for Healthy Eating & Cultural Ambassador

I’m deeply honored to share my journey with you, a path that intertwines the essence of Venezuela with the vibrant spirit of Houston. From my earliest memories in Valencia, where the kitchen became my first playground, to the bustling energy of Houston, every step has been a leap towards fulfilling my dreams and sharing the joy of cooking with others. Read more>>

Topher McKeon | Audio Engineer/Song writer

As cliché as it is I have to say it’s my family and my friends, they always push me and love to hear the music I create and the reactions to every track make all of the time spent in the studio and all the time writing worth it no matter what the track or records do one it is out in the world. Read more>>

I Am Hecate | CosMaker, Student, VTuber

Honestly, I’d have to say it was leaving home to pursue my passion. I’d be lying if I said that my family were my biggest supporters, but its the people I met along the way. Growing up in a military family was hard in itself since we would constantly be on the move, therefore didn’t have nearly as much time as I wanted to set down some roots and make friends, but in the short time that I did, I met some remarkable people and cosplayers alike. After high school, when the time came for me to make a decison, I chose to chase my dreams. Moving from Tucson to Phoenix then making the big jump to Houston was not easy in the slightest. There were many tears, breakdowns, and second-thoughts of “What if I had chose differently?” or “Can I turn back if this fails?”. Read more>>

Lottie Dyer | A Multifaceted Creative

The most important lesson my business/career has taught me is that I can trust my creativity and ideas. It’s shown me the importance of trusting the flow of the creative process and being flexible enough to adapt to unexpected turns and pivots, which often lead to better outcomes. Additionally, I’ve learned effective brainstorming techniques and the significance of gathering and structuring information to build a solid foundation for my ideas. Read more>>

Azy Chyr | Fashion Designer // Creative Director

I am from Singapore. I was born there and came to the States when I was six and moved from Colorado to Houston. Growing up, I moved around a lot, so I adapted to the culture around me and tried to define my identity as an Asian American. Read more>>

Melissa Pompa | Realtor/Investor/Master Negotiator

My work-life balance has transformed significantly over time, especially after becoming a parent to three wonderful children. Rather than putting a halt to my professional endeavors, I’ve adapted by implementing efficient systems and seeking assistance from dedicated team members, such as assistants and transaction coordinators. Initially, juggling the demands of work and family felt overwhelming. However, I quickly learned the importance of delegation. Entrusting tasks to capable assistants and transaction coordinators has allowed me to concentrate on critical responsibilities while ensuring that essential tasks are managed effectively. Read more>>