Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.

Tammy Allen | Cake Designer and Business Owner

The most important action I’ve taken for my children is setting the right examples. It involves teaching them that discipline is a form of love, instilling the belief that you have to earn things for yourself, and emphasizing that honesty is beneficial in the long term.
Entitlement is a recipe for disaster, no body owes you anything, you have to work hard for what you want and need to survive in life. Read more>>

Tania Byrne | Herbalist & Entrepreneur

Green spaces, rivers, meadows, forest paths, vines, old gnarled trees and carpets of moss. Growing up in the Pacific NW, a temperate rainforest, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a lush and natural landscape. The pull of this mysterious green forest has yet to fade for me. Read more>>

Shawnte Thomas Swan | Realtor & Social Connector

Habits is the secret sauce to creating any success you desire to have in any part of your life! My daily habits are morning devotion, daily affirmations, workin workout, listening to podcast or books, highlight daily birthdays, connecting with individuals, and following my calendar. The interesting thing about habits is that those daily actions will ultimately determine the direction of your life and will forever change the outcome that is tied to that specific habit. Success is the result of small efforts done time over time. Read more>>

Vivian Rachele | Bookkeeper

The habits that have helped me succeed in my business have been praying for my life and business daily and specifically. I also study the bible daily to apply godly principles to my business. Each week, I prepare my schedule with household tasks, networking events and client meetings, etc. It is so important to enter each day of the week with the right mindset and strategy. After each networking event, I follow up with potential leads and new contacts to connect in the near future. It helps to be outwardly focused and understand the pain points and overall perspective of your target market. Read more>>

Mahdi Bey | Model & Entertainer

I think the most important factor behind the success that I’ve garnered is simply being myself unapologetically.
Throughout the years, I’ve been able to experience and see so many different things and have so many different opportunities offered to me. Each one that I was able to receive I got it simply by being myself! Read more>>

Melissa Wood | Director of JustServe.org, Tomball & Magnolia

My personal experiences volunteering with local organizations in the Tomball and Magnolia area feed my determination to get the message about JustServe out to more people. Volunteers are vital to the success of these nonprofits that are helping the most vulnerable in our communities. The amazing thing is, when people volunteer, there are a number of benefits that the volunteers themselves receive! Studies have shown that volunteering is great for our mental health and for making social connections. Finding ways to get involved in the community is easy and free on JustServe.org and the word is getting out! Read more>>

Brianna Castillo | Licensed Cosmetologist MUA & Hairstylist

Never stop learning and always remain teachable. Having attentive listening and a through comprehension of your clients’ preferences are essential qualities of a skilled makeup artist. In order to excel as a MUA it is crucial for you to keep up with the latest developments in the ever-changing makeup industry by continually seeking knowledge. Understand the products you work with and their various applications to enhance your skills and provide the best services. Read more>>