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.

Mary Syring | Artist , Actor

This quote has been rattling around so much in my head lately that I’ve even performed a set about it at this point. “You’re a ghost driving a meat-coated skeleton, made from stardust, on a rock, hurtling through space. Fear nothing” Read more>>

Ayesha Hilton | Generative AI Consultant, Writer, Creator & Designer, & Card Deck Design Expert

I get so frustrated with the phrase: Winners Never Quit. It’s a big fat lie that we have been fed for years. To win in life, whatever winning looks like to you, you need to know when to quit and then be brave enough to do it. Read more>>

Thu Saminathen | DJ & Cannabis Events

When I thnk about what my legacy will be.. I want people to remeber how I made them feel. I love connecting with people and sharing genuinine energy,I thrive on memories. It brings me happiness when people feel seen and heard. I will continue to make moments for myself and anyone around me till the end of time. Read more>>

DIA LUNA | Musician & Tarot Reader

In my journey as an artist, musician, and tarot reader, I have been learning how to have faith in my own process, even when the results of my labor seem very small or far away. It is very tempting, especially in our current cultural landscape, to crave and even expect immediate results from whatever we are doing.  Read more>>

Joyce Li | Destination Wedding & Elopement Photographer

When I initially launched my business, I committed to putting in intense effort during the initial years. I was prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to foster its growth. Read more>>

Erin Joy Araneta | College Counselor and Author

The most important part of my life is the relationships I’ve built and the impact I’ve had on others. I hope my legacy will be remembered for doing good in the world, leading with my values, and serving with love. I aspire to leave behind a legacy of strong, meaningful relationships and inspire others to confidently pursue their biggest dreams. Read more>>

Katya Kotlyar | Co-founder and CMO of donut

The idea behind donut comes from personal experience. Being originally from Ukraine, we found ourselves as the primary resources for friends, coworkers, and our wider community on how to support local efforts in Ukraine after the invasion began. Read more>>

Terina Sciarrotta | Artist & Mother

When I first moved to Brooklyn, I was afraid to be an Artist. I was surrounded by an art scene that was more contemporary and free-flowing than what I had been surrounded by throughout my life. The art I saw played by a different set of rules and I didn’t get it. I was afraid to create something real, even alone in a closet turned studio.  Read more>>

Sophie Axelson | Founder

Maintaining a full-time job while starting my business was a crucial decision that significantly propelled my business forward. It allowed me to make choices that supported the growth and integrity of the business, rather than focusing solely on profitability. Read more>>

SULU

The first thing that comes to mind is authenticity. It may be a predictable answer from an artist, but it’s important. My biggest inspirations lean heavily into what makes them unique and I like to think I do the same. As a drummer, my decisions are driven solely by instinct, which applies to my other creative endeavors like photography, songwriting, graphic design, and things as small as picking out my clothes in the morning. Read more>>

SELENA XIN JIN | Costume Designer & Fashion Stylist

Moving to Los Angeles from London to pursue an MFA degree in costume design was a difficult decision. It meant leaving behind the connection in the UK and entering a new page in a different country. It challenged myself of stying in the comfort zone. Read more>>

Susan Justiniano

There is a long held tradition that lived experience has less value and importance than a formal education with years and years in a classroom, learning theory and earning a degree before you can consider yourself a “professional”. Formal education rarely allows for flexibility in practice beyond what is taught. Read more>>

Talayeh Tabriz

One thing about the dietetics industry that outsiders might not be aware of is the extensive education and training that registered dietitians undergo. Registered dietitians must complete a rigorous academic program, including a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field, a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science, followed by a supervised internship that typically lasts about 1200 hours. Read more>>