We had the good fortune of connecting with Inara Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Inara, how do you define success?
When people talk about “success,” they usually picture trophies , big wins, or a fancy lifestyle. But for me, success isn’t about the end result — it’s about the process.

Success is showing up on the hard days. It’s staying after practice to get one more rep in , hitting “record” on a video even when I’m tired, or learning something new even if it takes a few tries.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about growing, getting better, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

Success is also personal — it’s not measured by someone else’s scoreboard. For me, it’s about staying true to who I am, working toward my goals, and inspiring others along the way.

At the end of the day, success isn’t a finish line. It’s a mindset.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My “art” is a little different — it’s the art of creating, inspiring, and building something bigger than myself at a young age.

Through content creation and entrepreneurship, I’ve found my lane: making real topics like business, finance, and mindset fun and easy to understand — especially for teens and young adults. I love showing that you don’t need to wait until you’re “older” to start learning, dreaming big, or taking action.

What sets me apart is my perspective. I’m not talking from a textbook — I’m living it and sharing the journey as I go. Whether it’s talking about investing, mindset shifts, or business lessons, I break it down in a way that connects with my generation.

Getting here hasn’t been effortless. I’ve had to learn discipline, consistency, and how to balance school with building something meaningful. I’ve faced doubts, fear, and the pressure of stepping into spaces where young voices aren’t always expected. But I’ve learned to keep going, to stay authentic, and to treat every challenge like a stepping stone.

The biggest lesson so far? Consistency beats perfection. Growth happens when you show up, even when you’re not 100% ready.

What I want the world to know is this — I’m just getting started. My mission is to motivate, educate, and inspire my generation to believe they can do big things now, not “someday.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the full Houston experience — fun, culture, food, and a little adventure.

We’d kick things off with Meow Wolf — it’s like stepping into another world. Hidden passageways, crazy visuals, and pure creativity everywhere. It’s the kind of place you can get lost in for hours.

Next stop: the Houston Zoo . It’s one of my favorite places to walk around, take photos, and just enjoy the day.

We’d spend time in Downtown Houston, because the vibe there is unmatched — vibrant, busy, and full of energy. From there, Discovery Green is a must. It’s perfect for relaxing, people-watching, or catching an event.

And of course… the food . Houston has some of the best food in the country — hands down. The variety is unreal. You can literally eat your way around the world here. From food trucks to upscale spots, the mix of cultures and flavors is what makes it so special.

The week would be a blend of exploring, laughing, eating way too much, and soaking in everything Houston has to offer. By the end of it, my best friend would totally get why I love this city so much.

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?
First, to my mom and dad — they’re my biggest supporters. From cheering me on at softball games to backing all my ideas, they’ve been there every step of the way.

Next, a huge shoutout to my softball teammates and coaches.. On and off the field, we’ve built something special. We push each other, celebrate each other, and truly operate as one.

And finally, I want to highlight the Anti Bully Gang — an incredible organization that gives kids a voice and stands up for those who need it most. Their work inspires me to always use my platform to spread kindness and strength.

It really does take a team, and I’m grateful for every single person who’s been part of my journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Livewithinara

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livewithinara

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@livewithinara

Image Credits
Pics by Mom & Dad
Softball Picture by @capturedbyamlani (my cousin)

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