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.

Akela Woodard | MS-JJ, MLS, Certified Texas Mediator, Notary of the Public, Community Outreach Coordinator

My favorite affirmation is, Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts, by Winston Churchill. This quote reminds me that both success and failure are temporary. What truly matters is the resilience to keep pushing forward, no matter the outcome. I like it because it encourages persistence and reminds me that setbacks are just part of the journey. It inspires me to stay focused on my long-term goals, and to keep improving even when things get tough. Read more>>

Amanda Vlastas | Mom of two & Founder of West University Moms

I don’t know where it came from, but I found myself staring at a black and white postcard that said “The secret is to NEVER give up! If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will”. I couldn’t really comprehend what it meant at the time because I felt like I actually had kind of given up on myself. In 2013, after having my first child and moving to a different state (when he was just 6 weeks old), the adaptation to all the changes had worn me down. I remember my parents had moved out of my childhood home and sent me a box of all of my things. I looked through them remembering who I was and reminiscing on all of my accomplishments.  Read more>>

Megan Sedano | Owner & Artisan Confectioner

The single most important decision that has contributed to my success is trusting myself in every capacity. When there is risk involved sometimes we have that small part of our gut that wants us to remain in our comfort zone. Im full of so many creative concepts, recipes and ideas that I’ve doubted my ability in the past. With self affirmation motivation I’ve moved towards the point where I fully trust in my capability, instinct and risk taking. I’m a firm believer that growth isn’t maximized in our comfort zones. Read more>>

Iris Trejo | Licensed Hair & Makeup Artist

Starting my business somewhere I did not have any clientele in was a risk itself. I learned very quickly that if I started to get too comfortable somewhere and it became a routine, it was time for something different. I noticed the building that was being built in the shopping center closest to my home was going to be a Salon Suites Place. That’s when I got the spontaneous idea of opening my own business focusing on what I enjoy doing the most, Hair & Makeup! In the beginning I was extremely fearful of failure but the people around me would also remind me of the positive outcome this could bring me. Read more>>

Sasha Chada | Founder and CEO

Anyone who leaves one job to start their own business is familiar with risk. There is a safety to be found in remaining in the state you are in, a sense of security in the status quo, even if it leaves you unfulfilled. Setting off on your own is always a risk, the question is how much of a risk you are willing to tolerate, and how big the risk really was. Read more>>

Zuriel Gibson | Advocate, Coach, Community Health Worker, CEO and Survivor

At Gibson Lupus ARC, I’m passionate about making a real difference in the lives of people affected by lupus and autoimmune diseases, especially in underserved communities. Here’s how we help: Read more>>

Alexia Sitaras | Oracle, Healer, Relationship & Travel Expert

I’m an oracle, healer, and retreat facilitator that specializes in helping people in their relationships. Read more>>

King Flyz | Rapper and songwriter

Consistency, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to never giving up have been the driving forces behind my success. I believe that staying dedicated and pushing through challenges, no matter how tough, is what truly sets you apart. Read more>>

Rick Martinez | Owner/Operator 9Round Kickboxing Fitness

Of the Core Values I use to drive my vision of being the Premier Fitness studio for sustaining a healthy lifestyle in the Lake Houston Community, the one that matters the most is to Always Treat Everyone with Respect and Dignity. As a minority raised from a modest family background, I grew up with other minorities and saw first hand the varying privileges of poor, middle and upper class families. Working harder, to get an education at schools where I was bussed to and being around peers that had much more, was a common way of life. I had to prove myself to fit in, I had to be just as smart, just as witty, and just as likeable as everyone else. Read more>>

Sarah Gassman | Professional Photographer

Family provides the foundation for my sense of belonging, love, and support. I would say it is the value that matters the most to me. My family is where I find my greatest source of strength and encouragement. No matter what challenges life brings, my parents and sisters are there to offer unconditional love and guidance, as I am for them. My husband is my best friend and confidant. We are growing together while developing and working towards our personal and family goals. Our children are my greatest source of joy and purpose. Everything I do is guided by my desire to care for and nurture them, so they can be the best versions of themselves as future adults. Read more>>

Christina Brooks | Owner of Christina’s Storybook

When I started character performing, I would take on 4-6 parties a weekend. I would change costumes in my car, and even drive to Galveston if necessary. I opened Christina’s Storybook after becoming a Mom and was no longer able to be away from my son for more than a couple hours due to feeding schedules. While my business is incredibly important to me, the most important thing in my life now is being a Mom. Read more>>