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.

Anaymous Touch | Mutli-dimensional Creative and Alternative Therapist

My favorite affirming quote about life is “It’s a Great Day for Gratitude.” It’s one that I came up with about four years ago. Personally, these last five years have been challenging for me. I needed to maintain a healthy mindset in the midst of the constant hurricanes in my life. What I love about it is that it reminds me that no matter what occurs that day, there is always something to be grateful for. Read more>>

Marcey Dauterive | Tax Mentor and Consultant

 The single most important decision that contributed to my success was employing my family. Once I became very successful and quite busy, I realized that I could not do this alone. My business partner Alex and I decided that giving our children the keys to success at such an early age would change the trajectory of our business and it has paid off! Not only do we have the main office of Plus More and Some Tax Services, LLC, our three older children Elijah, Marlon, Jr. and Elise have branched out and opened their own tax businesses. This alone has been such a powerful and diverse move for our family and the communities that we serve. Read more>>

Sherrel Lemon | Owner and bartender

I think that risk taking is a crucial part of learning living and understanding oneself. Coming to terms with the fact that we are only here for a moment and time really is the motivation for taking risks. So like when we fail so what we’re all gonna die nobody cares. Take a moment to face the fears that are really associated with taking risks and it’s really not that big of a deal I mean, of course we have to be responsible. Read more>>

Kassie Chaffin | Speech Language Pathologist & Dog Rescuer

Mutt Motel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization devoted to caring for foster dogs from other 501c3 nonprofit animal rescues until they are placed in their forever homes. Mutt Motel helps our community by caring for these animals, one dog at a time. Read more>>

Darious Flores | Musician, Activist, and Leader of the band PRESIDENT FLORES

The job of any musician is to bring people together. Music is about connection All of my songs are personal stories from my life, but once the music is out there it belongs to the people who receive it. I named my band PRESIDENT FLORES for a reason. I really would like to become president someday and use the perspective I’ve gained through success and failure to help in any way that I can. Read more>>

Bryceyda Gutierrez | Bounce House & Party Rentals Specialist

What I want the community to remember about me is my serving heart and dedication to all who I come in contact with. I wholeheartedly love what I do and that is not only providing equipment for events, but building relationships and long-lasting impressions that positively impact our customers. For the families and children who we serve to know that I come from a place of gratitude. My upbringing was rough, but from that place of discomfort I told myself I wanted to demonstrate what hard work and dedication can accomplish to my children. Helping to encourage building a foundation of entrepreneurial mindset. Read more>>

Oscar Starr | Published Author & Entrepreneur

The most important factor behind my success, and the success of The GameChanger Perspective brand, is my vision. I’ve always had a clear and compelling vision that has driven my journey, allowing me to overcome adversity and achieve my goals. Read more>>

Dr. Randi Blackmon Likely | Sports and Family Chiropractor

When it comes to chiropractic care, I believe that outsiders are unaware of the amount of knowledge chiropractors have as well as that each chiropractor typically has a different way of practicing in their office. In chiropractic school, we took a total of 223 credit hours and averaged around 28 credit hours of class work during trimesters 1-8. There are 10 total trimesters of chiropractic school, but trimesters 9 and 10 were solely clinic based. The amount of credit hours we took comprised of classes that ranged from basic sciences like Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Pathology, and Microbiology to clinic based classes like Physical Examination, Orthopedics, and Physical Rehabilitation. Read more>>

Kemian Fry & Jaren Spears | Boss’d Up Step Company, LLC

One thing that those outside of the step world are probably unaware of is that stepping is still a style of dance and that dance technique is still required. Stepping isn’t as easy as it seems and definitely demands a level of technicality and endurance that many other genres of dance do not. Read more>>

Aaron Boudreaux | Executive Director of Mentoring Mighty Minds, a 501(c)3.

I was born and raised in Houston, TX. Both my mother and my father are from Louisiana, so we visit all the time. Being raised in the city with country roots allows me to see and experience the best of both worlds. Family, community, services for others, those are the forces that drive me to continue pushing daily. I credit my parents for instilling kindness and compassion in me as well as a strong work ethic. I take lessons from my childhood and experiences from later years to continue making improvements of self to help strengthen the community. Read more>>

Liliannys Espinosa | Musician

I’ve always been musically inclined, as long as I can remember, honestly. It always came very easily and smoothly to me, almost as if my hands were being moved by something else. It’s hard to explain. I’ve always found solace in creating, it’s a great outlet for emotions that keeps me from getting trapped in those feelings, good and bad alike. Read more>>

Angel Leal | Tattooer and Artist

I’ve always been an artist since i was a little kid. Expressing myself through visuals has always come naturally to me. Creating my own art pieces is extremely fulfilling and I️ knew I️ wanted my career to revolve around my creative expression. When the opportunity to start my tattoo apprenticeship came up in 2021, I️ knew I️ had to jump on it. Growing up my father always pushed me to tattoo which was a huge motivation when starting my career. Nothing makes me more happy than the freedom of getting to create everlasting art for my clients. Read more>>

Michelle Fassell, Ibclc | IBCLC Lactation Consultant for Prenatal & Postpartum Support

My balance with work and life has changed over the years. I think of each as a season. It can be hard to think about “balancing” all the priorities in our lives within one day or even one week. I have found that the balance shifts from day to day, week to week and year to year. The only constant is how much your life changes when you have a baby and how it continues to change through each stage. I always encourage my clients to try their best, trust their intuition and know they are providing all their baby (or child) needs. Read more>>