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.

Erika Faith Alcaraz | Director of Content & Creative Producer

Defining success, for me, is all about personal growth. Sure, I’ve achieved a few things I’m proud of, but I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential yet. Success is like setting a goal for yourself, something you want to achieve in a set amount of time. And when you finally reach that goal, there’s this amazing feeling of peace and confidence, a real boost to your ego. But, it doesn’t last long. You start craving more of that good feeling, hungry for that sense of power. Success, to me, is when I’m happy with the work I’ve done, but I’m already thinking about what my next big milestone should be! Read more>>

Thomas Sahagun | Actor and film director

You can’t give up, if you give up the dream you have will never happen that’s really the only way a dream you have is impossible. No dream is ever impossible, it’s supposed to be hard, if it was easy everyone would do it. So I never give up, I always find a way rather if it’s taking to someone getting advice on how I can make my goal possible, even if it’s just for confidence. The key is never giving up Read more>>

Jerijah Freeman | Clothing Brand Owner – Entrepreneur

Hustle and Pray Clothing prioritizes spreading the Word of God. I strive to give people a reminder of the importance of Christ; from fashion to making a statement. I simply spread a positive message through my apparel, to make people consider the lifestyle they choose to live. Read more>>

Sining Zhu | Interdisciplinary Artist

I’d like to recommend Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing’s Mushroom at the End of the World: The Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins. According to Matsutake, the book discusses capitalism, labor, migration, anthropocentrism, the invisible fact, etc. It has influenced my understanding and the art practices expression on societal difficulties, ecological dilemmas, and post-humanity. The author not only criticizes capitalism’s alienation and social instability but also sees hope in Matsutake’s resurrection from the ruins and death of war. It further emphasized the importance of life’s coexistence and its greatness in Matsutake’s growth and spread of uncertainty. Read more>>

Lacie Armstrong | Producer

I want my legacy to be remembered for standing apart from the crowd. My business and myself were built on respect, honor and transparency. I want people to remember me by a small statement : “She was IN the industry, but not OF the industry”. That as for myself and my business, we were accountable, collaborative and had a passion for true artistry, not just money. Read more>>

Amelia Pollard | Photographer & Business Owner

I find great joy in capturing photographs of people and allowing them to see themselves in a positive and beautiful light, just as I see them. It brings me happiness to help others overcome their self-criticism and embrace their own beauty. Through photography, I aim to challenge the narrative perpetuated by the mainstream media and advertising that encourages us to be dissatisfied with ourselves. Instead, I strive to promote self-acceptance and celebrate the beauty in all individuals. By capturing authentic moments and showcasing the diversity of human experiences, I hope to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and find joy in their own reflection; this is what makes me happy. Read more>>

Scott Rochard | Dancer, Choreographer & Content Creator

Hard work, discipline, curiosity and determination come to mind when I think of what values matter the most to me. I grew up in the Caribbean and my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic both in the way I was raised and in the way in which they led their own lives. When I think back on my childhood, I recall my parents being extremely well-versed in the skills that they knew, my mother an exceptional seamstress, baker, athlete, chef and my father a profound DJ, mechanic, tennis player none of which were their professions. They did not take hobbies lightly but instead mastered where their interests led them and I most certainly followed in their footsteps. Read more>>

Melanie Fernandez | Lead singer, song writer and composer of the rock band Aeon Spirit & Medical Massage Therapist

The principle I value the most is truth. The truth is required to break down all the corruptive systems in this world. The big change is about to happen when all the lies will come to the surface and will be publicly exposed. The truth can’t be contained for very long. Eventually it will spill out of every corner. I’m so happy that our song ‘Aeon of the Truth’ resonates so much with the public. The song was released in August 2023… “ and has already 3600 shares on TikTok. Really cool. Thank you guys, we really appreciate all your support! You Rock! Read more>>

Rami Haddad | Business Owner

The notion that you should always follow your passion. While it is important to enjoy what you do and have a genuine interest in your business, solely relying on passion can sometimes lead to overlooking important aspects. I’m not a cook. I’m not a mixologist. Neither of those things are my passion. Instead, I believe in identifying profitable opportunities, and combining them with your passion of creating a successful and sustainable business. Read more>>

Marissa Soto | Fashion & Costume Designer

My end goal is to be a part of the next generation of apparel designers. I want to create not only costumes for film, but also create new ideas in the fashion industry as well. I want people to one day know my work whether it’s on the runway or the movies, just like all the great designers before me. Read more>>

Kelda Williams | Artist, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, TV host, Writer, Actress, and Entrepreneur

For me, it is the hard work, commitment, and discipline that could be the most important thing I want to impact on my children. Owing to the fact that they might not take the path that I took but those mentality will get them to be who they want to be. It isn’t about the child having a perfect childhood but about the character-building memories that they can remember when they grow up. Having a mentality that they can be whoever they want to be as long as you put in that work. No one ever thought about me, being a rapper, entrepreneur, or an artist I would be. But I dreamed big, worked hard for it, and managing to get up to the next level of what I can be. Read more>>

Sicola Elliott | Mom & Creative

With three kids ages 16, 18, and 19, my husband and I often talk about this journey of parenting. He insists it’s not luck but rather the result of good, intentional parenting. And you know what? He’s right. I think that the most important thing that I have done as a parent is being willing to do anything to meet the moment for my children. Meaning no one child is parent the same, nor do they need or want the same things. My parenting is flexible which gives them a lot of autonomy to develop into who they want to become. My children mirror who I am as a person and I am grateful that I like what I see. Read more>>

Alexis Hansen | Artist

The decision to care about people but to not care about others opinions of myself.. owning a small business requires for you to put yourself out there in all aspects which can be vulnerable but sharing who you are and being confident in that brings so many positive opportunities and people. Read more>>

Christopher Leong | Photographer

most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The single most important decision I made to contribute to my success, will always be my family. I not only wanted to improve my craft in photography for myself, but succeed in the process; continue to be better at it in order to provide for my Children and Wife. Eventually to inspire and to pass down my knowledge of photography, social media, and networking to my children. Read more>>