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.

Rhea Hinger

“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but is often better than a master of one.”

It might not resonate with everyone, but it’s something I’ve really come to relate to through my own journey. A lot of people see graphic design as a role with clearly defined boundaries—design the visuals, hand them off, and that’s it. But I’ve never seen it that way.  Read More>>

Maya Andreeva

I’ve always wanted to help people live healthier, happier lives—but for years, I didn’t know how. I secretly wished for a “superpower” that would let me ease people’s pain, but I was also afraid to step into the unknown. Read More>>

Dr. Jessica Sharratt

The idea for HEAL LA was born out of both personal experience and professional observation. I started with a small private practice—just two rooms in the back of a Pilates studio—where I worked one-on-one with clients who were seeking more than just a quick fix. They wanted comprehensive, lasting wellness. Over time, it became clear that true healing required more than any one modality or one solo practitioner could offer. Read More>>

Jordan Mitchell

I’m a bit literal. So, honestly, I’d define success as simply creating a goal and accomplishing it. For some, that could be making the varsity football team. For others, it could be winning a championship on that varsity football team — just for example. By the way, I’ve never played football, but that’s the example that comes to mind. Ultimately, we all can be successful, because every person is different — and has different goals and benchmarks that may achieve. Quitting is the opposite of success, not failing to achieve a goal. Read More>>

Brianna “Def” Woods

This is definitely a question I’ve been tasked with before. For me personally, every time I’ve considered giving up, it has really come down to passion. I create things, this is what I love to do. When I don’t do it, I am not myself. You have to ask yourself, if I stop doing this today will my life be better or worse? For me, that is how I will always approach that question. If there ever comes a time when the answer is “yes.” I will walk away. Read More>>

Kimberly Torres

I think it comes down to asking the right questions: Is this still leading me somewhere I want to go? Am I evolving, or just repeating the same steps? I don’t see giving up as failure, it’s more about making space for the right thing. If I still want to learn and feel curious or excited by the possibilities, I know it’s worth continuing. Read More>>

Lysithea

Aaron – Getting out of my comfort zone and accepting opportunities despite how nervous it makes me. I definitely was nervous about my ability to meaningfully contribute to a band, but I feel so lucky to be a part of Lysithea and have been loving every minute of it! Read More>>

Daria Shiian

Since 2022, I’ve been redefining how branding works for the real world—not just for Fortune 500s, but for neighborhood cafés, independent studios, and fast-moving startups.

I’m a multidisciplinary, award-winning art director and systems thinker with over a decade of experience in branding, packaging, and visual storytelling. My work creates emotionally intelligent, concept-driven brands that resonate with modern audiences. Read More>>

Ron Beem

Oh goodness, where do we start in the world of inspiration? Coming from a poor, humble upbringing living around many California cities and across the U.S., I had such a longing to live vicariously and channel my life/story through the struggles of character storyline in cartoons, animations, TV shows, movies and so on. Accompanied by that is the music which to this day is still a deep connection and a soaring cinematic experience for me also accompanied by my preference of genre which is rock, alternative, pop and acoustic.  Read More>>

Polina

Nothing brings me pure joy quite like being out in the world, fully immersed in the present moment. There’s something magical about exploring a new place—seeing things I’ve never seen before, noticing how even the ordinary feels unfamiliar and fascinating. Everyday clothing looks different from what I’m used to. The languages, the food, the customs, the ways of life, the beliefs and religions—they’re all beautifully diverse. And yet, somehow, wherever I go, the world starts to feel like home. That feeling fills me with a deep, simple happiness. Read More>>

Tamryn Hawker

One piece of conventional advice I often disagree with is the idea that we should just manage our symptoms and keep going—especially when it comes to women’s health. As women, and especially as mothers, we’re constantly given the message that it’s normal to feel exhausted, in pain, overwhelmed, or hormonally imbalanced—and that we should just push through it. Read More>>

Damian King

When I started this journey, the end game was always to win the Oscar for Best Motion Picture or Best Director. But most importantly, I just want my catalog of work to be an example that anything is possible if you just go for it. In the initial year of my career as this persona, I went from being an unknown to being recognized and acknowledged by some of the creatives I have looked up to. And all it took was for me to get up and click upload. That is the hardest part. If I did it, anyone can do it. Read More>>

Zhijiang Shan

By the end of my career, my deepest aspiration is to be recognized as a pioneer who redefined interior design—transforming it from purely an artistic discipline into a vital force for environmental and societal change. I envision creating spaces that transcend traditional boundaries, where aesthetics, ecology, and human wellbeing are seamlessly integrated. Read More>>

Richard

The most difficult decision I have to face.