Every overnight success we’ve seen has been years in the making. And those overnight successes are rarely because of an amazing idea or a stroke of luck. We asked some of our favorite folks from the community about what characteristics are at the heart of their success story?

Saba Hussain | Fashion Photographer

Believing in yourself…..and relentlessly learning, experimenting and striving for excellence. Read more>>

Masha Models | Model, Cosplayer & Content Creator

I believe talent and passion is very important to growing a brand. However, I believe it’s more important to be reliable and have good marketing. Marketing can really make a brand take off and is one of the most important factors! Through good marketing you can really take your brand to the next level. Read more>>

Jacqui & Kathryn Brown | Cedar & Sage Studios

The most important factor behind our success is that we don’t ever stop striving to improve. We are constantly taking courses and watching videos on different techniques for photography, the best equipment in the industry, ways to up our social media game, and personal growth. Read more>>

Connie Lacobie | Tea Lover & Small Business Owner

Focus on my local community. Beyond providing food and drink to customers, I opened the door of my shop to multiple community events, from local artists, to fundraising events, to weekly dance socials, open mic, and the like. Read more>>

Suzie Baker OPA | Representational Oil Painter & Workshop Instructor

Early in my transition from working in Houston as an Art Director in advertising to a career as a fine artists, I got a great piece of advice from my mentor, who got it from his mentor. “Making it in this business is a two step process; step one, get good – step two, get out there. The better you are at step one, the better step two will go. Read more>>

Rachel Page | Cosplay Costume Artist

Being bold and willing to take chances is everything in my line of work. From trying out a new venue to bringing my visions to life and helping others to achieve theirs I’ve had to be ready to take on any challenge presented. I have an amazing ability to create, but I would be no where without the courage to put that art out into the world and let it be seen. Read more>>

Corrigan Coleman | Actor, Artist (painter), Tattoo Artist & Accountant

Being consistent and never giving up. The quickest why way to fail is to never try. Read more>>

Dominika Dancewicz | Violinist, Founder & Artistic Director

By “success” I understand the continuous presence of my artistic project on Houston’s art scene. In this context it is easy to conclude that the most important factors behind my music projects and concerts is hard work: perseverance, creativity, constant drive, unstoppable development of ideas. Read more>>

Alex McClurg | Artist

Being consistent is a key factor in growth. I try to apply for shows one to two times a month if not more and make sure the shows are not in the same geographical location. This will help more people see your work. I consistently have one to two paintings going at all times. Read more>>

Den’Trell White | Graphic Designer

The most important factor behind my success is that I treat my customers how I expect to be treated. As a small black owned business the stakes is high. I read on social media posts about bad experiences my Facebook friends had and it makes me perfect my processes and perfect the customer experience and I have a high repeat and referral rate because customers enjoy the experience that they have. Read more>>

David Sabbath | Director, Producer & Writer

Discipline. Discipline and consistency. Growing up I played a lot of basketball. In order to compete and get playing time, I had to practice long hours, daily. I had to work hard on and off the court. That has been my foundation throughout life. I quickly learned that hard work; discipline; and practice proves results over time. Read more>>