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.

Mitra Shahidi | Director, Writer and Story Artist

The most important decision I’ve made is to team up with folks who are far better at creating than I am. Working with every single person on my films has been a real honor and a lot of fun too. I’ve been really lucky to collaborate with some absolute masters of their craft. Read more>>

Sungha Hong | Sound Designer & Cellist for Video Games

Reading “Deep Work” by Cal Newport really got me thinking about how I manage my time and focus. In today’s world, with all the tech around us 24/7, staying on track can be a real challenge. When I’ve got a tough task ahead, it’s way too easy to get sidetracked by checking my phone or getting lost watching cat videos. Read more>>

Kei Riggins | Musician/Arts and Humanities supporter/Global Citizen

I love a book set in magical realism, especially since magical realism is so important to many Latin Americans. When I read Mother Tongue by Demetria Martinez, it felt like reading my thoughts and feelings through the main protagonist. A multi generational story dealing with the trauma or war and immigration, being 1st generation in the US and longing for love? Sign me up. Read more>>

Ariana Miri | Musician & Animal Rights Activist

My ultimate goal may seem cliché, but it’s honest: I want to make a positive impact on the world. Right now, I’ve taken a break from acting to focus on my love for music. I want my creations, in any form, to inspire others to pursue their passions and have meaningful experiences that touch lives. Advocating for animal rights is a strong passion of mine as well.  Read more>>

Richard Galloway | Entrepreneur and Businessman

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in business is that all days are not good days, but you have to make it a great day. There are losses that happen in business, and you have to be able to bounce back from those losses because people depend on you to feed their families ! Read more>>

Aviram Spies | Composer

As cliché as it may sound, with all honesty, in the end, music making makes me the most happy. No matter to context, the capacity, the situation or the scale, large, small – It can be alone in my room playing the piano, or at a concert hall with a full audience, at the recording studio, or with a melodica at a bonfire with my best friends by the sea. Read more>>

Lovedeep Jhamat | Cofounder of Desifyd

There’s a saying in our culture that the only thing you take away from this world when you are gone is the food you’ve eaten. Food is such an integral part of our lives. From what ingredients we should buy at the grocery store to the restaurant ratings, we tirelessly read through for our next awesome meal. Read more>>

Maria Christianson | Photographer & Aspiring Lamp Designer

There are so many habits that could drive someone to succeed. For me personally, I have always tried to work towards and for my future self. Making a habit of stopping, and thinking. “Is this something I want to leave for my future self?” “Is this something I could regret?” Not everything has to be this thought out, but it can be applied to school, money, self preservation, and much more. Read more>>

William Siyuan Li | Incoming Technology Investment Banker @ Citi and Partner @ Crescent Fund

The power of a cold call. Every morning, I wake up to a conversation with a stranger. Since freshman year, I’ve spoken with 200 strangers from various walks of life. Investment bankers, venture capitalists, professors, founders, the list goes on. Read more>>

Sarita Vaughn | Business owner and mother warrior

I am the mom to an amazing 15 year old daughter. She has become an amazing force in my life and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. With that being said, I believe the biggest impact I’ve had on her was that her voice is important. I have always taught her that it is ok to speak up for yourself to whomever it may be; and to always do it with respect.  Read more>>