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.

My father introduced me to a quote by Bruce Lee that says, “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend”. Life consistently entangles us in a revolving door of change. Read More>>

Above all the wonderful quotes and affirmations that there are out there, there’s one that’s really stuck with me this whole time. So much so that I’ve made it my life motto more or less, and that is, “work until you no longer have to introduce yourself.” Read More>>

I owned nightclubs in New York City. I was also an actor and after 911 I made the decision to move to Los Angeles. When I got settled in LA, I was missing a piece of NYC and I knew I wanted to open a bar. I came up in the Hip Hop era and there are alot of people in LA with New York roots, So I believed that a small East Coast feel Hip Hop bar would do well. Read More>>

My philosophy of what success looks like for a person is when they reach something they never have before, whether big or small. Each step forward in the journey is success. Read More>>

As a mom of 4 boys I feel that the most impactful thing I have done and currently doing is be a woman of god. Nurturing and making things whole within our home while simultaneously ruining multiple businesses. These things well round my children (young men) allowing them to see that it’s okay to be or be with someone that is multifaceted, successful & independent but remain meek humble and obedient. With that only great things will come. Read More>>

The value that matters most to me is authenticity. Without a doubt.
I believe that you could have the best product in the world, but if people don’t respect YOU, they won’t respect the brand. If they don’t respect the brand, they won’t choose to buy from you. Read More>>

The value that matters most to me is rooted in my philosophy of service and giving back. Basketball has given me so much, it has provided life lessons, mentorship and lasting relationships. I believe it is my purpose to pay that forward. My goal is to help young athletes succeed not just in the game, but through the process of growth itself. I want them to understand that failure is part of the journey, and that it’s okay to stumble and fall as long as they keep learning and pushing forward. Read More>>

I don’t believe there’s one set path to success for any given career, especially when it comes to creative professions. I don’t love it when people shell out advice to newcomers as if their way is the only way to do things. It’s just not true. Everyone’s path is different, and when it comes to the arts, there are so many ways to get your work out there. Read More>>

How blue-collar this industry actually is. Most people have a romanticized view of Hollywood—red carpets, big premieres, and ‘elites’ calling the shots. But the reality is far from that. Filmmaking is a grind. It’s an up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing siege that will test your endurance. It’s hauling gear, sweating under lights, running on caffeine, and sacrificing sleep. It’s “hurry up and wait.” It’s 12-hour days that turn into 16, overnight shoots that mess up your internal clock, and problem-solving on the fly when nothing goes as planned. Read More>>

One thing about the entertainment industry that outsiders might not realize is just how much of the magic happens long before the cameras roll or the characters come to life on screen—and it’s a rollercoaster ride of creativity, logistics, and problem-solving that often feels like organizing a giant, never-ending wedding where the bride is always changing her dress. Read More>>

My ultimate goal is to open an art gallery that seamlessly bridges the gap between physical and digital art. I want to create a space where immersive digital installations live alongside traditional artworks, showcasing how the two worlds can complement and enhance each other. Beyond just displaying art, I want it to be a hub for creativity, a place where artists, designers, and innovators can come together to collaborate, inspire, and create. Read More>>

To be fluid. So much has happened in the past 5 years that I could have never planned for: A global pandemic, industry strikes, devastating wild fires. Makeup work in Los Angeles has been so volatile these past 5 years and I’m really grateful that I’ve learned to be fluid and to diversify. I’ve been able to overcome these challenges by being flexible, working multiple jobs, and continuing my education in the Beauty/Makeup world so that I’m bringing my best to the table when the work flows in. Read More>>

One of the most important lessons my business and career have taught me is the value of patience and the willingness to take risks. Often, when I am developing a new product or creating something innovative, I come up with numerous ideas. I’ve learned to let those ideas flow, but it’s crucial to choose one and commit to it, even if it evolves along the way. This requires a lot of patience because sometimes I get overwhelmed. Read More>>
