Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.

I guess for me as I get older, I define success with comfort.
Being able to not only provide for myself, but for the people who rely on me.
I find myself caring less about the spotlight, and more about my ability to live life however I see fit.
Weather that’s traveling to explore new territories.
Eating at restaurants that’ll change and grow my perspectives about food.
Being able to afford my bills, and help others with ease.
That to me, is success. Read More>>

I love reading and writing. Something I inherited from my dad.
I’ve read heaps of intriguing books in my life! A little fun fact: I used to model for the covers of Harlequin romance novels back in the day! I know, I know.. cheesy but SO much fun shooting them with the crew! It was wild walking through Barnes and Noble each time a book would come out and I’d see myself playing the role of a femme fatale in the hunky arms of a hot man. Read More>>

I want my legacy to be one of impact, faith, and love. I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, who used every setback as a setup for growth, and who poured into others with encouragement, truth, and real support. I want people to know that no matter the mistakes they’ve made, their value doesn’t change. God still chooses us, even through the bad. I want to be known for having a kind heart like Jesus, reminding people they are loved, seen, and never too far gone. Read More>>

I want people within working class communities especially people back in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights that it is possible to make a career out of your art. I want to be a token for people that grew up in communities that sort of diminish or don’t give art their full shine. It is not only photography, there is so many little nuanced jobs within the art world and I believe everyone could be doing it, if they knew they were out there. Read More>>

Right now, working on my own home. Last year my wife and I bought our first house—a 1920s hunting cabin in Topanga—and we’re spending our weekends fixing it up and making it our own.
Designing homes for others has always been meaningful to me, but getting to do that for my own family—being able to imagine the future in a space we’re building together—is a reminder of why I love this work, and why it matters. We really enjoy those moments where the home is complementary to our needs, builds on our intentions, and restores our energy to keep pursuing the lives we set out to live. Read More>>

One thing about the real estate industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is how much of a relationship-based business it truly is—especially in a market like the one we’ve experienced since I started in 2023. As someone still early in my career, I’ve learned that every lead, every client, and every conversation carries a level of risk and uncertainty. Buyers and sellers today are more cautious than ever, and they’re not quick to commit to just any agent. Read More>>

Although I’ve painted sporatically throughout my life, I began making art seriously about 5 years ago when I was living in Boulder, Colorado. As soon as I realized this is what I wanted to devote my life to, I began thinking about a move to LA to take advantage of its thriving art scene. Now that I’m here, my goals are in sharper focus than ever before. I want my work in the best galleries in the world. Simply put. I know that’s a lofty goal, but that’s what I want. Whether that actually happens or not is irrelevant, the value here is in aspiring for that goal. Read More>>

My response to this question will certainly be a useful note for future reference. I’m still too young to fully reflect on my career — but mature enough to share some early observations. The biggest conclusion I’ve drawn after completing a few projects is this: I can’t win this game alone. Read More>>
