We were fortunate to catch up with some brilliant artists, creatives and entrepreneurs from throughout the Houston area and they share the wisdom with us below.

Malissa Bateman | Wedding Cake Artist & Bakery Owner

When I opened my business, the single most important contribution for my success was deciding that my time had value to my children beyond measure. I knew in that single moment that in order for me to stay home and raise my boys, I had to succeed. There wasn’t an option to not become an incredible baker, and have my company name known. I strategically designed my schedule around being able to be the most present parent. That was the most important decision I ever made to this date. Read more>>

Samantha Ortiz-Young | Entrepreneur, Fitness Professional and Content Creator

I am inspired by father – not only his drive but also his view on life and all that it has to offer. He had kidney disease most of his life and all of my life and that never stopped him. It taught me to never take movement for granted. Our lives are precious and it is a privilege to live them. Read more>>

Cindy Wolf Meador | Wolfies Swim School Owner/Founder

I am inspired by my parents. They moved to America when they were very young and freshly married to a brand new country where they knew no-one and had no family. They started their own business (print/graphics business) and worked their butts off to give my brother and I a great life! Read more>>

Jaci Virgadamo | Birth and Postpartum Doula

I am a birth and postpartum doula, many people believe two things about us. First, that we are like midwives and are medically trained, second that if they can’t have a doula at a hospital or don’t need one if they have a supportive partner. Doulas are non-medical, the come alongside birthing families to help educate them about the birthing process, advocate for them, and support them emotionally. We also love going to all birthing locations from hospital, birthing centers, or homebirths! While a supportive partner is a wonderful thing, that partner also needs support in having a good understanding of how best to help. We teach all partners many different techniques and respect the intimacy of the birth space, you are bringing a life into this world with this person so we want to give them their space while supporting them as well. Read more>>

LaSyndria Gnagbe, M.Ed | Adam’s Eve Poetry

The most important lesson being an artist/author/poet has taught me is to be myself. I am the only me there is and no one can do me better. I had to take the time to fall in love with me, the way I look, talk, walk, dress, write, vibe, engage, smile, frown, laugh, cry, sleep, and just be. I descend from a family of entrepreneurs and trend-setters who will tell you that showing up is half the battle. Showing up for others, for what’s right and good and meaningful, even when it doesn’t look like what others expect. I learned to show up for myself even when I didn’t like me, staring at my imperfections in the mirror like “Hey you, what’s up!” Read more>>

Shelley Bolton | Artist

My art career has taught me so much about myself. Learning to fail, a lOT, and showing back up the next day to make lemon aid from the lemons. It has taught me that life doesn’t revolve around what I do, and that it is bigger than me. I have to work hard to “get out of the way” and not overthink things that come naturally —- that when you use the gifts you have been given they don’t need you to control them. Painting as a career has been a journey full of risks, second guessing, and resisting the urge to please others over my own instincts….. all of which have produced much growth and leaned me into my faith. Read more>>

Melanie Jackson | Personal Trainer & Nutritionist

The work load has definitely increased over time. Their is no balance. You make time for what is a priority and organize based on that priority. Read more>>

Hayes Howard | Artist, Recording Engineer, Studio Manager

The last year I worked at 3 music festivals and got hired as Studio Manager at a recording studio in Wimberley, TX, so music and work have fused together a lot and I’m very grateful for that. Read more>>