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.

Lauren Pitts | Owner and Lead Organizer, Tidier Spaces LLC

As entrepreneurs, our income varies from month-to-month. Moreover, it is difficult to estimate exactly what your expenses will be each and every month — seems there is always an unanticipated large expense. We try to set a reasonable budget to ensure we’re not spending more than we make. We allocate a small budget for discretionary spending and pay first for our needs (mortgage, car payment, utilities) rather than our wants (sushi every night, golf, massages, trips to luxury hotels, a new couch). Read more>>

Taylor Allison | Boudoir Photographer & Self Love Coach

Definitely investing in myself! And not just from education and mentorship directly associated with my field of boudoir photography. I’ve invested so much in personal development courses that have helped me to improve my mindset, expand my horizons, heal inner wounds, rewire my subconscious, develop my intuition, and grow as a person. It’s helped me to not only become a better business owner, but also to become a better mother, partner, friend, sister, and daughter. If you’re a small business owner, you have to remember we ARE our business. It’s a part of us. And when we invest in healing and bettering ourselves, we make our business better too. Read more>>

Nina Garza | Nature & Wildlife Artist

Artsefact was originally founded to share our passion for art, nature, and wildlife. Over the past years, it has evolved into so much more, though. It has become a platform to educate about endangered species through art. Read more>>

Edwin C. De La Rosa | Independent Moviemaker @ Krystal Rose Productions

At Krystal Rose Productions we hope that our business which is show business will provide literally thousands of jobs in our community ranging from basic laborers for set or studio construction, engineers, techs and operators in lighting, video, and sound. Visual artists of all fields be it graphic, dance, drama or direction will all enjoy a more stable and gainful opportunities that we hope to create making movies. Read more>>

Addison Van | Social Entrepreneur

In contemplating the legacy I hope to leave behind, I strive to be remembered as someone who lived authentically and genuinely cared for the well-being of others. I want people to recall moments where I extended a helping hand wherever and whenever it was needed, always aiming to make a positive difference in someone’s day. Read more>>

 IVAN MORALES | Photographer

Have patience, perseverance, perseverance, permanent training, creativity and a lot of responsibility with my work for my clients. Read more>>

Kelvin Louie | Real Estate Team Lead

My ultimate goal in the real estate industry is to be an inspiring mentor and leader, guiding fellow realtors in their careers. I prefer not to be a broker due to the extensive responsibilities involved; a team lead role is more suitable for me. My focus has never been solely on money or fame, but rather on helping people and making a positive impact on their lives through real estate transactions, whether buying or selling. Read more>>

Lady Kimberly Jackson | National Gospel Recording Artist

I grew up in Houston, Texas, where my parents raised me and my brothers within the church community. It influenced me greatly, as I gained a deeper understanding and connection about the Lord and made the choice to sing for Him. Read more>>

Jaylin Vinson | Contemporary Music Composer

At the age of six, I experienced my first love: gospel music. I was constantly immersed in the music of the Black church, my mother sang in our church’s choir, my brother was our drummer. We were a musical family. While, at the time, none of us were classically trained, we had a musicality that was informed by the music we experienced in a sacred context. That all changed on my tenth birthday when I started to learn the violin. While I was undeniably passionate about performing, I soon discovered an even stronger affinity for music composition. As I transitioned into my teens, the act of creating music became an integral part of my life. It was a creative process that I couldn’t do without. Read more>>

Haylee Smith | Designer, Producer, Photography

I have always been a creative and imaginative person since I was a little girl. I always had a vision in my head and did what was needed to bring it to fruition. As I grew older, and tried more outlets that helped me express myself, I began to realize that a career revolving around my own creativity was what made me the happiest. I love the ability to bring something into this world that didn’t exist before. For me that ranges from designing and making clothes, producing music, photography, all the way to painting, making silly videos, or collaborative work with my friends and family. Read more>>