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.

Francy Pacheco

The art behind my brand is that we don’t simply offer drinks—we offer experiences and atmosphere, bringing good vibes to any celebration. I take pride in representing and carrying forward our concept of an elegant, chic, and aesthetically pleasing bar.  Read More>>

Ashley Schauffler

Before I ever started my business, I was a high school floral design teacher. I absolutely loved it—teaching students how to express themselves through flowers, watching them build confidence in their creativity—it was incredibly fulfilling. But outside of the classroom, I started getting requests to do wedding flowers for friends and people in the community. What started as a side hobby quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to. There’s something really special about being invited into such a personal part of someone’s wedding day, and I realized how much joy I found in that experience. Read More>> 

Mahreen Lakhani

I brought up the idea to start a photography business with my sister in August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. During a time of so much uncertainty, we wanted to start something that belonged to us and allowed us to spread love and joy with others in the form of documenting candid moments of laughter and happiness. Photography had always been an interesting subject for me, specifically; I had also taken college courses but didn’t really see it as something I’d pursue at the time. Five years later, I am now the sole business owner and lead photographer of Afreen Visions, and I’d say it’s a decision I am very proud to have taken. Read More>>

Rod Neely

HBCU Strong, LLC is deeply committed to fostering community connections and enhancing the lives of individuals both locally and nationally, embodying our motto, “We Are Stronger Together.” Our organization recognizes that our strength lies in the support and engagement of the community, and we strive to make a meaningful impact through various initiatives throughout the year. Read More>>

Isaacah Bell

Naturally, I am a caring individual. Seeing others happy, genuinely makes me happy. When I created my business I thought of the millions of people that will be satisfied and in love with their skin again. It’s not about being the #1 selling product in my country, it’s about the need of having inexpensive products that are all natural. It’s about having a product you can depend on to protect you and your children’s skin. It’s about a product that is healthy and has rejuvenating properties for your skin. It is about the smiles on people’s faces when they get the results they need rather than want. Having healthy skin is a need. Your skin deserves to be catered to as it is an astonishing canvas. Read More>> 

Osaru Osaretin

I want my legacy to be rooted in God in Christ Jesus and how I made people feel—truly seen, genuinely supported, and empowered to move forward with confidence. Whether in business, in friendship, or in passing conversation, I hope I’m remembered as someone who led with compassion, walked in integrity, and stayed steady in moments of uncertainty. Read More>> 

Anthony Avant

I believe several key habits have significantly contributed to my success:

1. **Customer Service**: Prioritizing the needs of customers has fostered strong relationships and loyalty, which are crucial in any industry.

2. **Professionalism**: Maintaining a high standard of professionalism in all interactions has not only built trust with clients and colleagues but also enhanced my reputation in the field.  Read More>>

Jamesia Riddle

I value building leader skills and self esteem. Cheerleading gives my athletes a chance to grow their confidence, take responsibly, and supporting others while first believing in themselves. Read More>> 

Charles & Stevie Day

Compassion, Integrity and service to our community is what matters most to us. We believe that everyone’s day is filled with purpose and if we can share a bit of joy, laughter and love through fitness then that is enough for us. We are a faith based community and we desire to help others see their value and impact in this world. We coach with purpose and intention, we wanted to give our community an opportunity to workout, train to compete or just to get healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  Read More>>

Erin Thole

We really live in a society that is taught to be reactive instead of proactive with their health. I see it every day. Clients come to me struggling with their health for years and they have been told time and time again by their medical doctor that “everything is normal on their lab work”. Read More>> 

Jadd Tank

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is: ‘Be yourself.’ It assumes the self is a fixed, knowable thing — as if we have total access to who we are at all times. But I’ve found that the self is porous, contextual, and constantly evolving. Identities shift depending on space, power dynamics, memory, trauma, even desire. Rather than ‘being myself,’ I’m more interested in becoming, in experimenting, in shapeshifting. I think we need more room for multiplicity — for contradiction, performance, and transformation — especially in a world that often demands we be legible or palatable. I’d replace ‘Be yourself’ with something like ‘Follow your frictions’ or *‘Let your dissonance lead you.’” Read More>> 

Heather Erdmann

My industry is Pilates and the thing most people don’t know is that training to be a legitimate Pilates teacher takes at least a year, if not more in most cases! Comprehensively certified Pilates teachers teach the entire Pilates system – which includes many different types of apparatus, not just the reformer! Read More>>

Valerie Rodriguez

I want to lead a brand that serves as both a resource and a role model—one that doesn’t just sell sustainable fashion, but transforms the way people think about clothing, consumption, and the planet. A brand that invites people, especially those from limited means or chaotic beginnings like mine, to see fashion not as a status symbol, but as a form of self-expression, healing, and environmental action. Read More>>

Caitlyn Goins

In school, we’re taught to ace the test, to pass with flying colors. In life, learning is a much different process. When we fail, fall down, make mistakes, we learn, we grow, we stretch past the limits of our comfort zones. In my business and career, I have definitely learned to appreciate the process of learning and growing more so: it’s not about perfection, it’s about making progress. Sometimes that requires a pivot, sometimes it requires humility (like raising your hand and shouting the wrong answer, lol), and sometimes that requires embracing the challenges and the growth that sprouts during those times, I believe this is where the greatest liberation is found. No one but God knows everything, (as we are all learning) and that is for good reason. Read More>>

Shanika “Shontell” Muhammad

In the 6 years I’ve been in business, the number of lessons my business has taught is actually one of the best parts of this journey as an entrepreneur. However, one of the most important lessons has been, one must be willing to be uncomfortable even when things are scary and unfamiliar. Read More>>

Jena Simmons

Im from a small town called Lake Charles, in Louisiana. I was raised by my mom. I didnt have a relationship with my dad soe I grew up watching my mom being everything our family needed and more. She made sure we didn’t want for anything. I think my background and upbringing impacted who I am today because I can see the importance behind finding something your passionate about, Having joy in even the hard things and truly doing things and giving your 110%. It shaped my why. Read More>> 

Val Howell

Over time, my work-life balance has significantly improved, largely thanks to the influence of younger generations who have helped shift the cultural mindset around work. When I was growing up, working long hours was seen as a badge of honor—a sign of dedication and success. Rest and personal time often took a backseat to professional ambition. But as new generations entered the workforce, they brought with them a stronger emphasis on self-care, mental health, and the value of boundaries. Their willingness to speak openly about burnout and prioritize well-being has encouraged many of us, including myself, to rethink our relationship with work. Today, I feel more balanced and fulfilled, recognizing that taking care of myself ultimately makes me better at what I do. Read More>>