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.

Shaemekia Jamison

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them…” – First Lady Michelle Obama Read More>>

Leticia Franklin

Here’s a professional way to phrase your answer:

“I was inspired to start my event business because of my natural passion for creating memorable experiences and bringing people together. I’ve always had an eye for detail, a love for decorating, and a talent for organizing celebrations that leave lasting impressions. After planning several events for family, friends, and my community, I realized there was a real need for someone who could turn visions into reality while relieving clients of the stress that often comes with planning. That’s when I decided to turn my passion into a business and officially launch my event planning business Read More>>

Ellie Iglesias

I love this question, because when i decided to work for myself, i didnt realize the importance and impact COMMUNITY would have on my success. So although I am an independent artist, and I work for myself, the most important decision i could have made was to continue to network and befriend people in my field. I have had so many beautiful opportunities thanks to the people around me, and i wouldnt be who i am or have the success i have without those special connections. Read More>>

Timothy Colomer

At Little Dog Art Studios, our mission extends far beyond creating and selling artwork—we exist to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As a veteran-owned business, I use art as a platform to promote healing, emotional expression, and community connection, especially among military veterans and individuals affected by trauma. Read More>>

Rubina Ali

Our hope has always been to create something that nourishes more than just the individual. Through Roots in Harmony, we’re building a bridge between ancient healing traditions and modern-day needs—helping people reconnect with nature, with themselves, and with each other. By supporting organic agriculture, partnering with small growers, and promoting wellness rooted in simplicity and integrity, we’re contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food culture. Every blend we share is a small act of care—for the earth, for our community and for ourselves. Read More>>

Gena Ford

“The Clarity Cleanse” became my anchor during one of the most transformative and challenging chapters of my life.

David Collingsworth

Inspiration in my life today comes from trying not to make the same mistakes I’ve made in my life over and over again. I try to break the cycle and make the next right decision. Read More>>

Ryan Hardgraves

Ryan used every resource he could to help men become who God intended them to be. From being a Leadership Trainer & Consultant, Life Coach, Christian Counselor, Minister and Barber, Ryan utilized each platform to serve people and offer them an opportunity to go further faster. Read More>>

Ken Bullock

When I look back on the majority of my experience as a creative. There are a series of habits that I started with and others that were learned and adopted as I have proceeded forward. The sources for these habits vary. Some were adopted through my formative years, others through my time as a combat veteran in the U.S. Army and even more as I learned and grew as a husband, father, entrepreneur and leader of organizations. Read More>>

Johnnie Bernhard

Good communication and a strong work ethic. Read More>>

Laylee Taghizadeh

The value or principle that matters most to me is being kind, no matter what. We live in a world where everybody has their own internal struggles, whether visible or not, and when we choose not to be kind or project our own upsetness or negativity onto others, we only cause more division and hostility. If we simply understand that each person has their own background and story that we know very little about, then we can approach anybody we meet with a sense of compassion and kindness that makes them feel welcomed and comfortable in their environment.  Read More>>

Vineeth Sai Edimudi

One piece of conventional advice I often hear is “Fake it till you make it.” While I understand the intention — to build confidence and push oneself outside of their comfort zone — I personally disagree with this approach.

Instead, I believe in “learn it until you become it.” Rather than pretending to know something, I prefer being honest about my current knowledge and showing a strong willingness to learn and grow. In my experience, authenticity builds more trust with teams and stakeholders, and it creates an environment where continuous improvement is valued over superficial confidence. Read More>>

Jay Davis

This business comes with more sacrifices than anyone knows… Read More>>

Silvina

Working with my hands is such a pleasant experience, touching clay, give it form. I enjoy the creative process of thinking what form will I create? What color? What style? Infinite possibilities to choose from. As soon as I finish one project I am eager to start a new one. Read More>>

Anyissel

Being a student and an entrepreneur was never going to be an easy assignment. I just did not know that when I began.

Truly, my passion for lashes started in high school. I chased that feeling down bad! So many people believed in me and my start up dreams, and I appreciated them for trusting me.

I would take 5 clients a day back home, being a beginner. However, once I started college, I realized I was committing to losing a lot of my clientele back at home, and I simply had to own up to that. Read More>>

Kelli Worley-Hendren

Work life balance is a concept I think about constantly. My thoughts on what it means has changed over the years. I started my business while I was pregnant with my first child. Since then (2005), I have had 5 children, went through cancer treatments with my first husband and his passing, re-married, added 3 step-children, and moved states. I have always made my family a priority, which has slowed the growth of the my business.  Read More>>