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.

Brandon Stephens

Success: The Truth Nobody Wants to Hear

Success isn’t a highlight reel. It’s not a championship ring, a contract, or applause from the crowd.

Success is built in the moments nobody sees. Read More>>

Melissa A. Leiskau

I believe if we are not taking risks, we are not growing and expanding our true purpose and potential. All success stems from risk—without it, there is no reward. When I took the leap of faith to partner with Geron Fuller, Business Partner and Team Lead of Label Group, it was a defining moment in my career. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and into an opportunity that was filled with uncertainty, but also incredible possibility. This risk has challenged me, pushed me past my boundaries, and has led to some of the most rewarding experiences and growth I’ve had professionally. It reaffirmed that risk isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace when aligned with your vision and core values. Read More>>

Chelsee Shields Wimberly

I see risk as a necessary part of chasing dreams. Nothing about pursuing a passion, especially in the dance world, is guaranteed. But I’ve always known that settling for comfort or playing it safe wasn’t an option for me. Every leap I’ve taken, whether it was putting myself out there as a performer, teaching my first class, or trusting my vision when others didn’t understand it, came with uncertainty… but also with purpose. Read More>>

Amanda Ventura

While it might not be curing cancer or saving the rainforests, the part I play in this world is taking on the stress of a wedding for someone else so that their mind can be solely on the person at the end of the altar and they can find joy in, what can be, a stressful situation. I find that my help comes in the form of peace of mind: knowing that someone has your back on your wedding day and will do what it takes to make it the best day possible, without having to worry about a thing.  Read More>>

Shanida Littlejohn

Starting my own business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship—it was about creating something meaningful that blended my passions for beauty, wellness, and empowerment.

After retiring from the finance industry in 2019, I knew I wanted to build something that aligned with my love for transformation—not just externally but holistically. I had always been drawn to the beauty industry, and in 2020, I became a licensed cosmetologist. But I didn’t just want to be a hairstylist—I wanted to redefine how women experience beauty. Read More>>

Alex Wilder

I started LiveWildPhotos as a way to stay connected to sports. Coming out of high school, I always enjoyed athletics and competition, and wanted to find some way to stay close to it. I unfortunately tore my ACL my senior year of football, and wasn’t able to play at all my final year. So i thought, “how do I still stay connected to the game when I can’t play anymore?” Where the brand started was a moment of realization that most of my team mates were always posting these crappy photos a friend or parent took of them, and the one company that was taking professional photos was charging an amount no high school athlete or parent could really afford. Read More>>

Mila McManus MD

I’ve been practicing functional medicine for 20 years and the industry can come a long way, but it surprises me how many people still no little to nothing about it. And I think that, in line with that statement, that most people are unaware that functional medicine exists and that it is, indeed, evidence based medicine. Read More>>

Nicole Lopez

I’m a third-generation Houstonian, born and raised in this vibrant city. Growing up in Houston shaped me in so many ways—the culture, diversity, and strong sense of community taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of building genuine relationships. Read More>>