We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Spenser Crain | Therapist

The most important factor behind my professional success is the genuine connection I build with each of my clients. To be anyone’s therapist is a huge honor and I do not take my role or responsibility lightly. I guess it would help if I explain a bit more about what I do! I am a therapist and owner of my own therapy practice in Austin, Texas. I work with kids as young as 3, tweens, teens, parents and adults. Every person who walks into my office shows a great deal of courage and vulnerability just to come into an appointment and let a new person into their life. Read more>>

Sarah Harris | Owner & Stylist

For me, it is all about being yourself. 100% be yourself! I found my market, searched for what I was the most passionate about and what I was the best at, and always worked on getting better. It is essential to know that your way to success is not linear, but if you have a clear vision of where you want to be and grind hard until you get there, you will always get there. My mother always told me, “You will work for most of your life, so find something you love, and the money will come!” Success starts and ends with you, so starting with something you love. Read more>>

McLain Harvey | CEO & Co-Founder

The most important factor in our success has been our people! Hands down we have the best team in the photo booth industry. Starting with our front line photo booth attendants to our back-of-house leadership team, everyone works together to make sure our clients have the award-winning experience we have become known for. Read more>>

Brenda Perez | Home Baker

Meeting or exceeding my customers expectations. I always try to go above and beyond for all my orders. Before I get started on an order I make sure to communicate ideas with the customer. Once I know what the customer wants, I begin sketching out my ideas and planning my days in order to not be on a time crunch. By preparing with time I’m able to finish orders with ease and really show off my skills. I do my best to believe in myself, and not be afraid to take on any challenges. I’m constantly learning things in order to improve Nikki’s Sweets. Read more>>

Kelly Broesche | Jewelry Designer and Owner of KB Design HTX

Wow! What a great question! I really believe that the secret to my success is that my business plan is to bring joy. This concept guides every single decision, every interaction, literally everything I do. I wake up every morning so excited to see how I’m going to bring joy to people that day! I know it sounds so corny, but it’s my secret sauce. Read more>>

Faith Abili | CEO and Founder of A-Billi Cosmetics

When I launched A-Billi Cosmetics- I did so with the intent to continue the work of diversifying the beauty industry, all while providing non-toxic and cruelty-free products. I can honestly say operating with that mission in mind has helped customers and supporters resonate with our purpose, and the influx of support we have received is nothing short of amazing. I believe the most important aspect of my brand is the authenticity it is powered with. It is so easy in this day to just put a face out there- to just put products out for the sake of quantity or growth. Read more>>

Aaron The Artist | Creative

I think the most important factor behind my success is Faith. It all started with me believing in myself and my talent. You can’t fully commit to something unless you put your whole heart, mind, and soul into it. That takes faith when you can’t see the end or the long road ahead of you, yet you still continue to commit fully. Even when the road gets extremely rocky and you feeling giving up, the only thing that keeps you going is faith. When it comes to being a creative, being successful comes from networking for opportunities. 8/10 it’s always a high risk, high reward, a gamble. Read more>>

Casey Nwachukwu | Motivation Speaker

The most important factor behind my #MotivationMonday brand is being myself. This platform allows me to channel my true personality—being funny, loose, and creative. Without having this platform, I would not have been able to know who I truly am in the first place. Blessings among blessings. Read more>>

Monica Peynado | Candle Maker & Management Consultant

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is God. Without Him, everything completely falls apart because this business is centered around Him and His Word. Whenever sales are low or product isn’t moving as anticipated, I always come back to my why. Why did I start this business? What’s the end goal? When I remember that it’s not all about the money but all about spreading the Gospel, I get refocused on that, I’m encouraged. I’m reminded that I am doing something for the Kingdom that will have a lasting impact. I would certainly categorize that as success. Read more>>

Onyi Oriji-Dor, LCSW-S | Licensed Therapist & Private Practice Owner

The most important factor behind any success I’ve had is being authentically myself. The saying “they can steal your recipe but the sauce won’t taste the same” is one of my favorites because it’s 100% true. When deciding to start something new it is human nature to want to look around to see what others are doing. But the fact of the matter is no one can do what you do, the way you do it. This is especially true as a therapist. Read more>>

Rodrick McCartney | Photographer

I believe that the most important factor behind the success/future success of my brand is God alone. God has blessed me at a very young age to be fortunate enough to be in a position where my talent/creativity can be shown off to the world and to help bring someone else’s vision to life. My photography business did not grow over night and it still is growing but God definitely played the biggest role in the current success of my brand. Read more>>

Daniel Vaes | Mini Salon owner/hairstylist

I believe in making an impact wether big or small I truly believe we can make the world a better place if we all took a step toward doing something for others. I chose my career based on the simple fact that I would be able to interact with people from all walks of life and wether it be a haircut or a complete transformation I want to be able to be apart of someone feeling truly beautiful! My favorite quote comes from Maya Angelou “ ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.“ Read more>>

Emmanuel “Love” Davidson | CEO of Rather Unique Music Group / Artists Management

The most important factor behind the success of my brand “Rather Unique Music Group” was never giving up, Staying relentless and my strong Faith in God. Those are the strong keys to my company’s growth and brand. Read more>>