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.

Melissa Algood | Author & Indie Publisher

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.”
I get a lot of my inspiration when it comes to the craft of writing from Maya Angelou probably because she was just as open and emotional about the process as she was in her work. And I think about this particular quote when it’s time to sit down and finish the no-so-fun stuff which drains me. Creating the narrative, connecting with the characters, and seeing the interested reader is easy compared to the cycle of editing and rewriting – but it’s arguably more important than anything else an author does. Read more>>

Maegan Willmann | Stylist & Owner Lonesome Blonde

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” By Maya Angelou. This quote explains what we strive to achieve at Lonesome Blonde. As stylists, we have a unique opportunity to touch people’s lives beyond just their hair. Our interactions with guests go beyond mere words or actions; they leave an emotional imprint. By focusing on how we make our clients feel, we create lasting experiences. Whether it’s a comforting conversation during a haircut or a confidence-boosting transformation, these moments matter. Read more>>

Karina Torres | Owner

Determining whether to persist or give up in a business venture hinges on assessing both your passion and the tangible progress made. Failure is an inevitable part of any entrepreneurial journey, and the key lies in how you respond to it. If you learn from each mistake and adapt your strategies, success can eventually follow. Passion and dedication are critical: if your love for what you do remains strong, perseverance can lead to eventual triumph. Read more>>

Jasmine Shawnte Morgan | Mother, Blogger & IT Professional

To know whether to keep going or to give up is not an easy process because when it gets tough that’s when you want to give up but that’s exactly when you shouldn’t give up. I gave up quite frequently and I would always regret it. Read more>>

Emerald O’Bryant | CEO of Emerald City Outdoor Movies | Wife | Mother

As a mother of now two beautiful girls I have learned to not allow my childhood traumas to affect my children or the relationship I have with them. By healing old childhood wounds you then in return create a space for your children to be just what they are , children. As my girls grow older to one day become adults and parents I would want my healing to impact them by the way that they love and care for their own families. Read more>>

Karen Sauceda | Mom & Co=Business Owner

Listen to your children!! Here’s why: Our 8 children created 8ight Spoonz one summer while playing in the living room. Listening to their ideas lead us on this journey and here is what we learned: 1 Teaching Responsibility and Entrepreneurship: By starting a food trailer with our children, we’ve provided them with a hands-on experience of running a business. This has likely instilled in them a strong sense of responsibility, an understanding of hard work, and the entrepreneurial spirit, which are invaluable lessons that will serve them well in life. Read more>>

Khristopher Fields | At 27 years old, a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and the U.S. Presidential Gold Medal, a published author, visionary, and inspirational foundation executive.

One book that profoundly influenced my life is “Pulse of Perseverance.” This deeply personal tale chronicles the journey of three young Black men who overcame daunting odds to become part of the mere five percent of U.S. doctors who are Black. The authors provide an unflinching look at the barriers Black and brown Americans face, highlighting how the path to success is significantly harder for Black and brown children than for their counterparts. Read more>>

Jeremy Gretzer | Actor and Sports Journalist

Being known I am someone that people can rely on when it comes to truthworthyness, communication, and reliability. This stems from choosing my environment and the community of people I align with. I thrive within other people’s energy more than myself. If I’m in an environment where that isn’t present, then there’s no point in existing in that space. It’s why I
I’m rarely ever at home unless I’ve spent a good amount of time with people I associate and/or work with. Read more>>

Caroline Mattioli | Professional Dog Trainer

Dog training is not a one-size fits all. Due to that, there is a wide array of dog training styles. Some trainers are super positive and will never tell a dog ‘no’ (coined ‘Force Free’), others use a mix of rewards and punishment, and others are extremely punishment based (abusive). Owners should research their trainer carefully, and definitely learn to read a dog’s body language. Many owners anthropomorphize animals, which can cause issues when choosing a trainer. Read more>>