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.

Jamez Ingram | Coach, Educator

Social Impact of JzFit 1. **Promoting Health and Wellness**
One of the primary social impacts of JzFit is the promotion of health and wellness. In a world where sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits are prevalent, JzFit offers a solution by providing accessible fitness programs and nutritional advice. This helps combat chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, leading to a healthier community. Read more>>

Emily Kerlin | Poet, Author of “Twenty-One Farewells”, Public School Educator

I want people to find joy in my poems. That may seem strange because most of my writing gestates in struggle: in loss, grief, fear, etc. But I think what people appreciate about my writing is that I can generally find hope or beauty or something comforting to lean into, even if the subject matter is sad or dark. For me, the way I get through is by distilling the hard stuff into smaller, more manageable parts. That, and remembering how much harder life was for my great-grandmothers! I hope that others will be inspired to do the same. Read more>>

Rachelle Banuelos | Makeup Artist & Book Lover

My children. My children are such a blessing, they are so happy and carefree. Knowing that I’m the one that has provided and safe and happy Environment for this lights my soul. Read more>>

Jude Yahsraal | Spiritual Practicioner & Entrepreneur

The value that matters most to me is authenticity. It ensures clarity of who I am, what I need, and what I want, enabling me to serve others genuinely and effectively. By staying true to myself, I can build meaningful relationships and contribute in ways that truly reflect my core values and intentions. Read more>>

Tenley Raj | Independent Filmmaker

I want people to watch my movies. The audience plays a key role when j make my film. The audience is a factor in the film, and I consider my viewer when writing the script, designing the set, and direction my actors. I belive a film is nothing if not observed. My first film, a six-minute experimental psychodrama, is available for free on my website, www.youtube.com/@tttenley. I plan on making my new film, a feature-length drama, available for free on my website, too, after it does the festival rounds (hopefully!). Read more>>

Michael Robinson | Quarterback Developer

I was born in Philadelphia, Pa but I was was raised and bred in Fort Walton Beach, Fl. My earliest memories showed me the hardness of life and inner city living. That transitioned to moving to Florida and experiencing military life and on base living which can be fairy tale like. That dichotomy prepared me for life moving forward. The brief portion of time living on base, seeing people from different backgrounds and the ideals that they held, helped me see past the socio-economic hardships that life presented from inner city and small town living. Read more>>

Tommy Dangerfield | Comedian

St.louis born and raised and being from the Midwest you learn how to make good out of bad situations …you have to be quick on your feet Read more>>

Samantha Briggs | Artist & Designer

Ever since I was a little girl that love of drawing and making things with craft supplies never died. For many of my younger years, I dreamed of being an artist and having a studio filled with paint and blank canvases everywhere. I would imagine the clothes I would wear and what my lifestyle might be like as an artist. It felt like an out-of-reach dream because I wasn’t recognized by anyone for being a GOOD artist. I just painted and drew things to enjoy myself, you know, for fun. I used to sew simple things and had many creative ideas regarding fashion and interior design. Read more>>

Ashley Marquez | Lash tech / Aesthetician

It was hard in the beginning to be a full time lash tech and a full time parent/wife. I’m thankful to have my family support into what I love doing. I work late afternoons for my clients and be up every morning for my kids. It can be exhausting sometimes but now it’s a routine . When you found your dream job you make it a priority and balance in your life. Read more>>