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.

Maria Ornelas

I moved to Los Angeles from Mexico in 2005, and my perception of success was graduating college, get a job, get married, and buy a house. It was the “typical” American Dream.
My future seemed very blurry at times, because it seemed like I was working towards something unreachable. Eventually I got accepted into Architecture School, and I graduated, and I got a job in that field. Read More>>

Aj Lovelace

I want people to remember me as a man of integrity. It should be clear to anyone who ever reads, sees, or hears anything about me that I believed so fully in being authentic and standing up for what’s right no matter the cost. I feel that so many people are so concerned with how they will benefit in a scenario that they forget to consider their fellow human beings. We’ve strayed so far from genuine compassion. I make a concentrated effort to bring that sincerity into each piece of work I create. I want to show that there is real value in being a person who cares about others no matter what. Read More>>

 Nicole Twyman

I want my legacy to be defined by empowerment and transformation, particularly for Black women over 40 who have often been underserved in health and wellness spaces. I want to be remembered as someone who created a supportive and nurturing community that celebrates our unique journeys and encourages us to take charge of our health with confidence and joy. Read More>>

 Jerah Milligan

I live by the golden rule, treating others as I’d like to be treated, and that has become my personal secret recipe for a happy life. Whether you are devoutly religious or a free-spirited explorer of spirituality, there is a unifying message that runs through it all: trust others with kindness. I’m not flawless (unless you count my occasional comedic missteps as art), but embracing this philosophy keeps me on track even when life throws a curveball or two. Read More>>

Zixuan Xu

Realness is a difficult “achievement”
For me, the pursuit of Realness is my consistent attitude and will, whether it is facing work or life. This realness is based on facing oneself honestly and facing life with a sensitive attitude. Don’t care about beauty or ugliness, but emphasize respecting your own feelings and inner voice. Creation for me is a mirror reflection of life and a spread of reflection on daily life.
In addition, I think the most important thing in creation is to be unconventional and not be bound by a framework. Try to keep yourself innocently curious, observe and experience from a fresh perspective, and treat yourself with sincerity. Read More>>

Andres Garcia

As one of the owners of the company. I have to say that one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was leaving my home country, Colombia, to start a business in California. My business partner and I knew that building something from the ground up in a new country would come with challenges—adapting to a different market, understanding new regulations, and establishing a brand in a competitive industry. However, we believed in our vision and took the leap. While the journey has been full of learning curves, it has also been incredibly rewarding, allowing us to bring our passion to life and connect with amazing clients. Looking back, it was a tough but ultimately the right decision. Read More>>

Bluesky Lan

One of the toughest decisions I face as a director is casting actors. It’s not just about finding talent but about balancing different perspectives. I am focus on performance and artistic vision to ensure the actor fully embodies the character, while producers consider budget, marketability, and logistics to keep the project feasible. At the same time, clients may have their own branding or commercial preferences, which don’t always align with the director’s vision. Finding the right balance can be challenging, but I’ve learned that communication, flexibility, and a clear artistic vision are essential. Casting isn’t just about skill—it’s about choosing the best fit for the project while keeping everyone aligned. Read More>>