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.

Akaimi Davis | Art Therapy Practitioner & Fine Artist

Consistency. Having a routine that keeps me focused and on track is tantamount to my success. I have chemo brain and a rather high degree of ADHD. Without a consistent schedule, my life becomes too chaotic to manage. Read more>>

Toni Sanders | Financial Educator and Licensed Financial Professional

Yes, I have a budget and strongly advocate for creating a monthly budget. I view it not as a restriction but as a purposeful way to allocate resources, ensuring that every dollar is assigned to a specific goal or need. Read more>>

Angel Townsend | Owner of Fort Bend Fierce Volleyball Club

One of my favorite quotes is from Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This quote resonates deeply with me because it emphasizes the importance of faith and surrender. It reminds me that, in moments of uncertainty or difficulty, trusting in a higher power and letting go of the need to have everything figured out is key. It encourages me to have faith that, even when I don’t understand the reasons behind certain situations, there is a purpose and a path that will unfold in due time. What I love about this quote is its message of peace—it invites me to release anxiety and control, and to trust that things will work out as they are meant to. It serves as a grounding reminder to remain patient and faithful, even when I can’t see the bigger picture Read more>>

Damonica Blount | Fitness Coach

Fitness has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I played sports from recreational leagues all the way through high school. Although I didn’t participate in sports during undergrad, my passion for fitness never wavered. I earned a B.S. in Exercise Science with plans to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT), but life took a different turn. Unsure of my exact path, one thing was clear—I wanted to inspire and motivate others to lead healthier lifestyles. Read more>>

Todd Wayy | Content Creator | Videographer

Never underestimate the power of perseverance and the impact of even one person believing in you. When things seem bleak, that single source of support can inspire you to keep pushing forward. By staying committed to your goals, you not only build resilience but also open doors to new opportunities you may have never imagined. Success often begins with the courage to keep going, no matter the challenges. Read more>>

Shamone Turner | Serial Entreprenuer, Singer & Author

The single most important decision I made, aside from working for myself, was deciding that my success would never just be about me—it would be about my family and where I come from. Read more>>

Rose Kanu | Assistant Principal & Creative for the Kingdom

I am inspired by my life experiences and how God’s goodness has really unfolded in my walk. The journey that my life has taken has been up and down. However, now I realize how beautiful it is so far. I’m inspired to talk about my experiences in life, and as I do, I know others will be able to relate. Others will be able to understand that life isn’t perfect and no matter how your journey unfolds your story is beautiful too. Read more>>

Liska Sims | Realtor

Reaching out to people to check on them consistently is a good habit that I have. This has helped build relationships and get referral business. 80% of my business comes from referrals, and that’s because I stay in contact with people in a genuine way. I don’t just call for business. I call to check on them and their families, I consistently send birthday cards, Christmas cards, and/or Milestones in their lives. You’d be surprised how much people appreciate you thinking about them and reaching out just to say hello. So again, being consistent in reaching out has helped my business tremendously. Read more>>

Alyshah Vishram | CEO @ Spa Theory Inc.

Achieving balance in every aspect of life is often seen as the ideal, but I’ve come to realize it’s work-life balance is a myth. As a mom of two little ones under four, I’ve embraced the concept of work-life integration instead. Some days, my business demands late nights and early mornings; on others, my kids need my full attention, and I prioritize them over work. It’s a constant ebb and flow, but this approach allows me to stay present and focused on what matters most in the moment. Read more>>

Andrea Canon | Photographer and CEO of Happy Sessions Photography Boutique

One thing about the photography industry that many people don’t realize is how much happens behind the scenes before a single photo is even taken. Photography is not just about having a great camera or knowing how to frame a shot—it’s about crafting stories, building trust, and creating an environment where emotions can flow naturally. Pre-production plays a significant role, from conceptualizing ideas and understanding the client’s vision to planning every detail to ensure the final result resonates. Read more>>

Adonis Graham | Entrepreneur – Hospitality Industry

One thing about the hospitality industry that outsiders are unaware of is that there are so many factors that play a role in the day-to-day operations. We are in an industry that is working with individuals of all walks of life coming to work with us for various reasons, all while maintaining structure in an industry that isn’t traditionally run by structure unless it is or has a corporate feel. This is along with upholding a quality of service to keep your guests satisfied and returning for more, all while running the necessary numbers to produce profits and maintain a good standing with all legal parts of any business. Many don’t realize that there is just as much work being done outside of the hours of operations as there is going on during them. Because of that there must be a hands-on approach when opening a hospitality business in all areas. Solutions must be provided for various areas of the business that will impact the business in a positive manner while focusing on putting the guests first. Read more>>

Carlos Jair Rodriguez | Content Creator & Director of Digital Marketing

My ultimate goal is to establish and run a successful creative agency that specializes in artist development and brand strategy. I want to work with both emerging and established artists, helping them build their visual identity, digital presence, and creative direction. Having experienced both sides, being a content creator myself and working in digital marketing I understand the unique challenges and opportunities artists face in today’s digital landscape. Read more>>

Omar Rios | Drummer/Vocalist

My end goal is to hopefully one day see my music make an impact on those that need something to forget about the day and Jam out to music that makes em feel better. If one person came up to me to tell me that my music saved their life that makes very happy! Read more>>

JaMari Robinson

The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was moving 800 miles away from everything I ever knew to create a new life for myself. Read more>>

Kayla Straube | Power Fit Owner and Health Coach

Running my own business has taught me the power of self. The power to be resilient and open to change. It has taught me that well spent hours of time spent on a project can yield beautiful results. My business also saved me. Although I built this business to help others, it took me some time to realize that it was saving me too. I had previously struggled with very toxic relationships and substance abuse. One day i walked away from all of that and started completely over. I never imagined that it would turn into what it has, but I owe a ton of love for being able to stay strong and never give up! Read more>>

Elham Gadalla | Hair and Makeup Artist | Creative Strategist | Entrepreneur

I pursued an artistic creative career because, honestly, it’s just who I am! From a young age, I was drawn to the beauty industry. But I’ll admit, it took me a long time to truly take my creative career seriously. For a while, I wasn’t even sure what that looked like. It took time to discover who I really am, what I enjoy, and what truly felt right for me. Read more>>

Mizz Weirdwide | Vocalist and Songwriter for OPAKE

As a creative spirit, I cannot function without some form of creativity going on in my life. Music has been the source of happiness for me as far back as I can remember. Knowing the music can evoke emotions affords me an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings, while allowing others to feel and ponder things they may be experiencing as well. It feels less lonely when you think of things solo creative spaces as ways to connect with others. Read more>>