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.

Lara Minotto

“Fate up against your will. ” It is a lyric taken from The Killing Moon by Echo & the Bunnymen, a song that I grew up listening to. I love it so much that I have it tattooed on my ankle! To me, it simply means to let it go. Sometimes, fate will decide your next steps and there’s not much you can do about it. Fate is impossible to be planned, or to be expected. Sometimes, it goes against your own will. And that’s more than okay! Read More>>

Anna & Alyssa

We wanted a comfortable environment to tattoo in that is by and for artists. Anna started Twice Rabbit two years ago. It’s named after a family tradition of saying “Rabbit Rabbit” on the first of the month to wish you good luck. After tattooing side by side for over a year we decided to partner and run the shop together. Read More>>

Nichole Servin

This is funny because I didn’t have a plan per se; more like I had a vision.  I was recovering from surgery and bedridden for about a month.  At that time, my mom bought me lots of fashion magazines, and at the time (late 90s), W magazine used to have images from runway shows on the last couple of pages.  I became obsessed with the makeup, and there was one show in particular that inspired me: Yohji Read More>>

Zinzi Gugu Johnson

The question of how to know whether to give up or keep going is a fascinating one. I have known my fair share of cataclysmic failures both personally and professionally. Most recently, I was an unsung hero in the making of a now 4 time Grammy winning grassroots country music star. The heartbreak of being forgotten or erased from the work did keep me in bed for a time, but my tenacious and work-driven spirit can’t be stopped or silenced.  Read More>>

Manon Rinsma

For me, the key is being brutally honest with yourself. When uncertainty creeps in, when exhaustion takes hold, when self-doubt whispers that maybe you should walk away—I’ve learned to pause and ask: Is this truly the end of the road, or am I just afraid of what’s ahead? Read More>>

Rachel H.p

At its core, my business is about transformation—one person at a time. As a life coach, I help individuals access more happiness, joy, and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. I believe that when someone experiences true joy, they naturally spread that energy to those around them, creating a positive ripple effect in their families, communities, and beyond. Read More>>

Jazz

I want my legacy to be one of confidence, empowerment, and authenticity. I want young women to look at me and know that they can be sexy, strong, and self-assured without feeling pressured to conform to what society expects from them. In a world where so many messages push young girls toward promiscuity just to fit in, I want to be the voice that says: You don’t have to do that to be desirable or successful. Read More>>

Dani Martinez

I’m really lucky to say that so many different parts of my life grant me joy. I would say what has always sat at the forefront of that joy are the people in my life. My friends, family, colleagues, collaborators, students, and even on occasion, strangers. Don’t get me wrong–I am a textbook introvert–my energy comes from my time alone, reading, watching movies, writing music with my cat Louis nearby. But I am also well aware that life is pretty boring, and even meaningless, when you take out human connection. Read More>>

Elise Degarmo

I’ve learned not to let ideas sit in my head—I need to make them real through sketching or writing. In a college critique, I once saw a classmate accuse another of “stealing her idea.” The truth? She had never shared her concept with anyone—not even by putting it on paper. My teacher described ideas as clouds: if you don’t nurture them, they dissipate, floating until they find their rightful owner. Read More>>

Andrea (andy) Bradley

At Two Trees Productions, our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community where individuals of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities feel empowered to share their unique perspectives. Through authentic storytelling and artistic expression, we aim to inspire others, celebrate diversity, and drive innovation by giving every voice the opportunity to contribute to a more connected and creative world. Read More>>

Desiree Patterson + Regina Saavedra

Many are unaware that we offer a white-glove service, a distinction that sets us apart in an industry where such offerings are becoming increasingly rare. Our commitment is to alleviating stress for planners by providing seamless service, ensuring that our linens are impeccably presented at every event. Read More>>

Jason Sean Weiss

The red carpet for awards ceremonies, movie premieres, and galas really can get that loud and combative. I’ve heard photographers curse each other out while photographing talent, and have seen photographers get physical with each other. But, we’re all one, big, dysfunctional family. Just don’t be new, and green, and expect there not to be an initiation of some sort. Just kidding. Kinda. Read More>>

Mimi Star

One of the most difficult decisions I ever made was leaving Japan to pursue my dream of playing in a band and truly being myself. I was born and raised in a very traditional family, where following a conventional path was expected. But I wanted something different—I wanted freedom, creativity, and a life in music. Read More>>

Levi Ceballos

No one is going to do it for you. If there’s something that you want you have to chase it. For yourself and yourself only. Growing up I had always sacrificed my dreams and well being to accommodate others and honestly because I was scared of failing. I saw people my age and younger starting their careers as tattoo artists and it felt so far away.  Read More>>

Flekz

My approach to work-life balance has evolved significantly over time. In the past, my focus was entirely on pushing forward, constantly creating and growing my career. But over the last few years, I have realized the importance of taking care of myself along the way. I have started prioritizing my health, exercising more, eating better, and making time to rest so I can sustain my creativity and energy for the long run. While I am still driven to keep moving forward, I now understand that taking care of myself is not a distraction from my work. It is what allows me to keep doing what I love at my best. Read More>>

Robert Atkins

As an early creator my priority and focus was finding work, and making sure I could hit deadlines so I’d be reliable for my editors and art directors. As I was married, and had kids my life obligations expanded. My family was always going to be my top priority. I wanted to make sure, while I was working from home my kids always felt like they could come into my studio and interrupt me. I even took the door off my studio because I wanted it clear my family was welcome into my work space. Read More>>