We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

Imani Chyle | Imani Chyle | Restauranter | Entrepreneur & SoulRock Artist

I grew up in the 5th Ward neighborhood of Houston, Texas, and had a challenging childhood. Raised primarily by my grandmother, I had to become self-reliant at a very young age, essentially raising myself from the age of 14. My grandmother was an amazing cook, always preparing homemade meals from scratch, which deeply inspired my love for cooking. Although I didn’t learn directly from her, I started experimenting in the kitchen when I got married young, often calling her for recipes and tips. My ex-husband, who was from Lafayette, Louisiana, taught me a lot about cooking. His honest feedback helped me hone my skills, and eventually, I fell in love with the culinary arts. This foundation in cooking became a significant part of my journey as an entrepreneur. Music has also been a lifelong passion of mine. I started writing songs at a young age and have always been inspired by artists like Anita Baker. Eurn b bnStevie Nicks, Cher, Tears for Fears, and Michael Jackson. to name a few. Growing up, I faced many challenges and had to fight through numerous physical, mental, and spiritual battles. These experiences taught me resilience and gave me a win-win mentality. Despite the obstacles, including domestic abuse, I emerged stronger and more determined. Although I was born is Tammie McGrew, most address me by my music name, Imani Chyle. My challenging upbringing and the hardships I faced shaped me into the woman I am today—a proud entrepreneur and musical artist. Every struggle and triumph along the way has impacted who I am, fueling my passion for both cooking and music. Read more>>

Raven “dream” Collins | Media Company

I am originally from a small city Houma, Louisiana where everyone knew everyone! Growing up there wasn’t the best, but learning how to survive and to know that the world had way more to offer; I decided to be adventurous and moved to Houston! Read more>>

Ronnie Andrade | Music Teacher & Musician

Music has always been around me. My parents came here from Honduras and El Salvador, so my first language was Spanish, and after my years in elementary school, I became bilingual. I remember my father always playing his guitar in the house, listening to rock and roll, classic rock, Bee Gees, and Elton John. Read more>>

Tamika Lamark | Realtor Associate

I’m originally from Houston, Texas, and my background has deeply influenced who I am today. Growing up in a vibrant and diverse community, I developed a strong sense of connection to the people around me and a deep appreciation for the importance of home and community. My upbringing in Houston, combined with my educational background in psychology, has given me a unique perspective on understanding people’s needs and desires, especially when it comes to finding the perfect home. This has fueled my passion for helping others navigate the real estate market, particularly in the Fort Bend County area, where I now specialize in helping clients find new construction homes. Read more>>