We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Coleman-Ferebee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first considered starting my own business, the realization that struck me was this: I had been giving away valuable marketing advice for free for years. Friends, colleagues, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners would come to me for guidance on everything from messaging and branding to websites and strategy. I genuinely enjoyed helping them, but at some point, I recognized that what I was offering wasn’t just help; it was a service with real market value.

That became the foundation for Quixotry LLC, my second entrepreneurial endeavor after founding Ferbidden Entertainment, a DJ and audio services business I built from the ground up. While my DJ Ferbidden persona allowed me to tap into my creative side and connect with audiences through music, Quixotry was born from my professional marketing experience, years of building campaigns and brand strategies within large corporations.

At its core, Quixotry is a brand and marketing consultancy that helps entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small businesses clarify their message, define their voice, and create strategic marketing plans that actually connect. We specialize in brand development, content strategy, messaging frameworks, and multi-channel campaign execution across digital, print, social, and experiential platforms. Whether a client is launching something new or trying to sharpen an existing presence, Quixotry is built to bring structure, creativity, and strategy to the table.

Explaining marketing comes naturally to me. I’ve spent my career bridging the gap between creative storytelling and data-driven execution, and I realized I could apply those same skills to help smaller organizations thrive. Starting Quixotry required minimal ramp-up time because I already had a client waiting. I needed to formalize the business and begin.

Quixotry allowed me to do just that: take the full-stack marketing knowledge I’d developed across print, digital, social, and traditional media and apply it directly to passionate entrepreneurs and purpose-driven teams. Most people don’t fully understand what marketing really is; they think it’s just ads or social media. But marketing is a discipline. It’s about aligning purpose with audience, and doing so with strategy, consistency, and empathy.

My thought process was both entrepreneurial and mission-driven. I wanted to monetize my expertise, yes. Still, more importantly, I wanted to create a space where people who didn’t see themselves as marketers could learn how to build their brand with clarity, creativity, and confidence. Quixotry reflects who I am: a strategist, storyteller, creative, and community advocate. It’s the culmination of years of corporate insight, creative expression, and a lifelong commitment to helping others bring their vision to life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as a creative is my attention to detail. I listen not just to what people say, but also to what they don’t say. That helps me understand the real story behind the project, the brand, or the person. I believe in helping people stretch their vision by doing things that might feel uncomfortable at first because growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

I got to where I am today by being consistent. I show up. I prepare. I lead with intention. I may not always be the most intelligent person in the room, but I walk in with a plan and a willingness to adapt. That level of professionalism and focus opens doors.

The most valuable lessons often come when things don’t go as planned. Challenges have taught me how to think creatively under pressure, how to problem-solve, and when to ask for help. That humility and trust in my own ability to figure things out have been key to pushing through.

In addition to writing professionally for brand strategy and content marketing, I also write creatively as a personal outlet. I’m actively pitching a few concepts in Hollywood and working on a full-length work of fiction. Most days, you’ll find me alone at my computer, shaping stories whether for clients, readers, or the screen. Creativity, for me, isn’t limited to one format. It’s how I process the world and contribute something meaningful to it.

What I want people to know about my brand is this: be creative, but tell the truth in your creativity. You don’t need to chase trends or sell a fantasy. Everyone has a story, and when you tell yours with honesty and purpose, the right people will connect with you. In a world of copy-and-paste marketing, authenticity is what sets you apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Houston for a week, they’d definitely get the whole experience: good food, local culture, and meaningful conversation. There’s a lot to do here, but I’d pace it out so we enjoy the city without rushing through it.

Day 1: Welcome to Houston
We’d start with breakfast at The Breakfast Klub—a must-visit for any first-timer. After that, we’d walk around Discovery Green and grab lunch at one of the nearby convention center restaurants. It’s a great way to get grounded and people-watch.

Day 2: Art & Expression
We’d visit The Menil Collection—a space that never disappoints and always sparks thoughtful conversation. My closest friends are deep thinkers, so we’d leave time for a long, expressive dinner. Maybe Pappadeaux for seafood or Perry’s for their famous pork chop.

Day 3: Local Flavor
Tex-Mex is a must—The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is legendary. I wouldn’t name a BBQ spot because that debate can go on for hours, but trust me, we’d find some. Also, a stop at Buc-ee’s (yes, seriously) just for the experience, it never disappoints.

Day 4: Galveston Day Trip
We’d head to Galveston for a relaxing walk on The Strand, some local shopping, and coastal views. It’s a great way to unwind while staying close to the city.

Day 5: Sports & City Buzz
Depending on the season, we’d catch a game, such as the Astros, Rockets, Texans, or Dynamo (if you have never been to a game, you need to go. It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand soccer). Sports bring people together, and Houston shows up for its teams.

Day 6: The Rodeo (if it’s in season)
If it’s Rodeo season, that’s an experience like no other. The energy across the city is unmatched, and it’s one of the best ways to witness genuine Houston hospitality.

Day 7: Chill & Reflect
We’d end the trip with good coffee, a scenic drive, and some time just talking and recapping the week. The beauty of Houston is that it feeds both your body and your spirit. Most of my friends come here with a list already, but what makes it memorable is the balance between excitement and ease.

One thing I always say about Houston: you will eat extremely well while you’re here. But more than that, you’ll leave feeling like you were welcomed here. And that’s what I’d want my best friend to remember most.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is for the builders, the doers, and the self-starters who took a chance, faced setbacks, and kept moving forward. Whether your business took off or didn’t go as planned, whether you’re managing multiple ventures or balancing a side hustle with a full-time job, you’re still showing up, and that matters. Success isn’t always about the big wins. Sometimes, it’s simply about the courage to keep learning, keep creating, and keep believing in your own potential.

I want to celebrate those who operate across industries and disciplines those turning passions into revenue, talent into strategy, and vision into action. Being your own boss doesn’t always mean walking away from employment it means claiming ownership over your time, your value, and your direction.

This shoutout is also a reflection of my journey. From DJing under Ferbidden Entertainment to launching Quixotry LLC, I’ve grown through every pivot, every lesson, and every late night while working a full-time job. To all the multi-hyphenates who refuse to stay in one lane: I see you. Keep building. Keep evolving. You’re already doing the extraordinary.

Website: https://quixotryllc.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quixotryllc

Image Credits
Jonathan L. Golden Photography and Mr. Calvin Crawley

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.