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.

Carter Lee | Music Producer

In my opinion, when you’re at a crossroads and are faced with this decision, you have to ask yourself if you can see your life without what you’re giving up and whether you’ll truly be happier and satisfied without it in your life. I think people jump the gun on giving up on their dreams and aspirations. Sometime you need a hiatus , or just to take a step back and re-evaluate how you’re going about what you’re doing. Read more>>

Wendy Judy & Leslie Reilly | BRYMM Co-Founders

Starting a business is not for the faint of heart! We quickly learned running a business is all about taking constant risks. Nothing is ever certain. We weigh our options and consider the risk – – often mitigating the risk involved and sometimes just jumping in hoping for the biggest risk reward! Read more>>

Hippie Lo | Studio engineer

Absolutely, taking risks can be a game-changer! It’s like stepping out of your comfort zone to reach new heights. Risks often lead to growth and transformation, moving you from where you are to where you aspire to be. Taking risks is how I moved from a small town to city Metro and have been able to follow my career goals. Read more>>

Dipntap | Payment Processing Services

At DipnTap, we aim to leave a legacy rooted in trust, empowerment, and genuine care for our clients. We want to be remembered as a company that provides exceptional payment processing solutions, prioritizes honesty, educates business owners on the intricacies of the credit card industry, and offers unwavering customer support. Our mission is to build lasting relationships in which clients feel confident and equipped to make informed decisions about their payment systems, knowing they have a partner who truly has their best interests at heart. Read more>>

Courtney Valencia | Custom Color & Extension Expert

The most important factor behind my success as a hairstylist has been creating a clear and authentic brand for myself. Taking the time to define what sets me apart—whether it’s my focus on custom color, extensions, or layered cuts—allowed me to connect with the right clients and build trust in my expertise. Fine-tuning that vision and staying true to it has been a huge factor in growing my career and establishing my presence in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Blake Dumesnil | Senior Art Director & Graphic Designer

I was born in Beaumont, Texas but moved to the Houston area when I was 2 years old. Growing up around NASA, astronauts, and the aerospace industry, I was fascinated with spaceflight but never believed I would ever be a talented enough engineer or scientist to work in the industry. Throughout high school, my interests in art, design, and filmmaking drove me to study cinematography and graphic design as an undergrad at Stephen F. Austin State University from 2002-2006. Upon graduating, I decided it was a bit more practical and stable moving back to Houston and pursuing graphic design as a profession rather than moving to California to pursue filmmaking. Read more>> 

Nadia Hernandez | UGC Creator & Lifestyle Content

From the moment I first discovered the true magic of social media, I was hooked. The way it can transform an idea into a global conversation, the endless possibilities of connecting with like-minded people, and the sheer power it holds to turn everyday moments into something meaningful—what’s not to love? At first, it was just a fun passion project, a creative outlet where I could showcase my love for lifestyle and food. Little did I know, that same spark of creativity would eventually evolve into something I could actually monetize. Read more>>

Fancy Lane | Owner & Lead Wedding Planner

I am just now “getting it” with the work-life balance. For so many years, I definitely would sacrifice my peace and prosperity in a personal setting to achieve my work goals. Read more>>

Kendall Williams | Mass Media/Telecom (Entrepreneur)

As I’m in the start-up phase, I won’t disclose some information, but the idea for my business came from my experiences in the music industry, particularly in music management. Early on, I realized that many industries operate on predatory business models that exploit creators rather than empower them. That sparked a desire to create something better—a space where creators could thrive independently and retain control over their art. Read more>>

V Michel Buck | Influencer and Cosmetic Chemist

With anything I do, I give it focus for at least a year. I think it’s important to have a deadline and a sense of urgency. That gives me enough time to go through the day to day, the ups and downs of seasons and holidays. At the end of that time frame, I ask myself a few questions:
1. Did I learn all I could from this experience? Read more>>

Tiffany Scales | Pride Houston 365 President

Pride Houston 365 plays a vital role in supporting and uplifting the community year-round. By organizing events, providing resources, and fostering inclusivity, Pride Houston 365 creates safe spaces for individuals to express themselves freely. Pride Houston 365’s initiatives promote education, advocacy, and awareness, helping to dismantle stigma and build stronger relationships within the community. Pride Houston 365 is not only the longest standing pride organization that procedures the largest one day event in the state of Texas, 3rd in the Country, and top 20 in the world, but also work towards equality and acceptance for all, ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported throughout the year. “Celebration Is Our Legacy,” Join us, Saturday, June 28, 2025 for the 47th Annual Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration. Read more>>

Cyril Thomas | Serial Entrepreneur

Richard Branson’s life story is a powerful example of ambition, creativity, and resilience, making him an inspiring figure for me. As the founder of the Virgin Group, Branson has built a business empire that includes music, airlines, and phone companies. His journey from a dyslexic teenager who struggled in school to a billionaire entrepreneur shows the importance of perseverance and thinking differently. Read more>>

Priscilla Gonzales | Owner/CEO

My children are my greatest inspiration. They’re the driving force behind everything I do, especially my decision to start this business. I wanted to create something that would not only give them a better life but also allow me to give back to those in need. Read more>>

Joe Pachioli | Business owner/ Operator

I know people hear this a lot. It is not until one experiences it that it becomes evident. If you are truly passionate about what you do that the chances of success drastically increase. For example, I have the same intensity today regarding attention to the details in all aspects of our product (old and new) as I did 11 years ago when we began the journey. Read more>>

Robert Flatt | Poet-Scholar-Vagabond Photographer

HAPINESS IS FINDING A CAREER THAT MACHESS YOUR PASSIONS. AND ITS NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR MAJOR.
My Career Eventually you will all have bodies like mine that do not
work very well (from the disease of aging). Eventually
you’ll no longer be able to do your current job, and
this will give you a marvelous gift—the gift of time. You
can squander this gift by sitting around feeling sorry for
yourself, or you can try to find something interesting to do
with whatever physical ability you have left. One thing you
will certainly have time for is to be happy, which is often
called smelling the roses—though you may not be able to
physically smell or even see or touch a real rose.
So I give you a rose. It was January 2011, and a cold
front had come through. It was about 40º, and with my
camera in hand I was sitting on the sidewalk in front of my
neighbor’s house watching the sun come up. Read more>>

Benilde Moreno | Beauty service provides

Being myself and living in my truth, accepting who I am doing things that make me feel good. Since a young girl beauty has always made me happy, not just doing my lashes or getting my hair done my makeup, skin care etc. But Helping other women bring that side out of them. Wake-up feeling beautiful, confident. Its a feeling no one else can bring us women I want every women to experience it. Read more>>

Vedantins | Inspired individuals seeking growth

The seeking of Truth. In a world of fast information do we really stop and think about what is Real & unreal. Read more>>

Chloe Rounce | Artist & Product Designer

Don’t pursue a creative path because you will end up as a ‘struggling artist.’ Outside of educational art spaces like my college, the Rhode Island School of Design, I’ve faced a lot of older individuals advising me not to pursue a job in art and design because of the risk of making too little money to support myself. Although other majors that are more traditional such as business or pre-med tracks can lead to specific and sometimes more predictable careers, I don’t think that studying these subjects without passion and curiosity will be fulfilling. Money is important, of course, but I want to enjoy working in an unconventional space and exercise my craft. I think finding a balance is so important and making sure you have things to look forward to when working. Additionally, I think that people underestimate how much money there is in art and design. Read more>>

Gabe Wells | Powerlifting Coach, Nutritionist

I’m from Beaumont, Texas born and raised on a small farm in the city limits. Never been a stranger to working hard and just being an overall decent person. Educationally, my background is in Nutrition Science and I hold a few certifications in fitness/strength training. I’ve worked for the State of Texas in mental health as a clinical nutritionist and health educator as well as a competitive powerlifter and powerlifting coach for 15 years. I was raised by my mother, grandmother and aunt; all of whom were very strong hard working women in their respective fields. I truly believe my faith in God and my upbringing have played a big role in my life. Read more>>