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.

Jumi Aluko | Founder, CEO & Lead Event Planner

My business, Jumi Aluko Consulting, is a full-service event and meeting planning agency that collaborates with individuals and organizations to manage special projects and produce multi-day conferences, executive meetings, nonprofit fundraising events, galas, company retreats, incentive trips, and milestone celebrations. Three key things set Jumi Aluko Consulting apart from other event planning organizations: Read more>>

Mo Kim | Artist | Painting Educator | Photographer | Videographer | Editor | Father

Children are a beautiful blank canvas, and as a parent, there is no sufficient handbook that can prepare you when your kids come into this world. I was lucky enough to stay home with my newborns for the first 4 years, and nobody tells you how much introspection you have to do to become the parent your kids deserve. If you want your kids to be great, then it’s up to you as the parent to set the example and be great at everything that you do and to strive for excellence in a range of topics from drawing and painting, to health, nutrition, and fitness, and be consistent with your guidance. Read more>> 

Yulia Spiridonova | Artist & Photographer

One of the most important decisions I made in the past few years was to leave my home country as an act of protest against the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Under the current circumstances of strict censorship and the inability to express any concerns about the political regime within the Russian Federation, my decision to move to the USA allowed me to freely express my political views. It has also given me the opportunity to explore and process, through my artistic practice, the effects of the current geopolitical instability on the lives of countless people in different countries.  Read more>>

Zena Harris And Mark Rabin | “The Tie-In” Podcast Hosts

On our podcast, “The Tie-In” we talk shop with filmmakers, event producers, and entertainment professionals from around the world in a quest to amplify the voices of people who are innovating, leveraging their influence, connecting ideas, and inspiring crews to make the entertainment we love more sustainable. We aim to empower innovators of sustainable technology and methodologies who are working within the entertainment industry.  Read more>>

Camila Knigge Unibe | Oil Painter, Glitter Connoisseur and Forever Student

Not just as an artist, but a core belief that guides me through everything that I do is my commitment to the liberation of all oppressed people in this world. Although I’m still learning what my purpose is and how I can be of service to this world and to myself, I have often found my voice and means to accomplish this through my Art. Read more>>

Pam Dodgen | President of Owen Care

I want to leave a legacy rooted in service, compassion, and the spreading of love, kindness and goodwill. I hope to be remembered as someone who consistently sought to uplift others, whose genuine care for people was evident in every smile I tried to inspire. My greatest joy has always been witnessing the success of others, as I believe that when those around you shine, their light naturally reflects on you as well. Read more>>

Matheus Granjeiro | Musician (Artist, Songwriter, Producer)

I really enjoy music. I love listening to it, composing it, and performing it. It’s the way it makes me feel whenever I’m sad, or whenever I’m full of joy, Whenever I’m anxious or whenever I’m relaxed, music is always there for me. Hearing music is like my soul is receiving a warm hug and letting me know everything’s going to be alright. It’s been there for me ever since I was a kid.  Read more>>

Marisa Chaela | Holistic Fitness Coach & Entrepreneur

I fundamentally disagree with the conventional advice of “eat less, move more” when it comes to weight loss. This approach oversimplifies a complex issue, failing to account for the myriad of factors that can affect an individual’s ability to lose weight. Conditions such as insulin resistance, hormone imbalances, and even autoimmune disorders can significantly influence weight loss outcomes. For example, someone struggling with a hormone imbalance may find that increasing their carbohydrate intake helps restore balance, allowing for more effective weight loss.  Read more>>

Josanna Aguilar | Mom, Creator, and Founder of Khamila Luna

The advice “Fake it till you make it” has never resonated with me. I understand the intention behind it, but I think it often leads people down the wrong path. For me, authenticity has been far more important. I believe people can see through a facade, and trying to be something you’re not just creates a disconnect. When I started Khamila Luna, I didn’t have all the answers, and I still don’t. But being honest about that, sharing my journey, struggles, and small victories, has been much more powerful than pretending to have it all figured out. I think there’s so much more strength in saying, “This is where I’m at, and I’m learning along the way.”  Read more>>

Maria Maldonado Smith | Vision Board Expert & Chief Empowerment Officer

The end goal is to change the world, one vision board at a time. Personally, the end goal is to create a vision for my life that I can see through to fruition. To build generational wealth for my children and grandchildren. And to live a bold, audacious, fiercely sought after life that I designed to be intentional and filled with the people I love and who truly care about me. Read more>>