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.

Nico Romero

For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard people say “life is short”. Ya know like just do what you want because life is short. This sentiment always kinda scared me. Makes me feel rushed. I’ve had no problem doing what I want as an artist and musician. I love it and I prioritize art in my life. It gives so much back to me but when I think “life is short” I freak out a little thinking about art and life as a timeline. Well recently I heard someone say “life is long”. “Don’t worry, life is long. You’ll figure it out, life is long.”  Read More>>

Saylessi Savant

One example of how I came up with the Saylessi Savant brand emerged during my recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, when I began to use art as a tool for healing and self-discovery. “Saylessi” stems from the idea of saying less and listening more—to yourself, to your inner voice, to the deeper truths often drowned out by noise. “Savant” reflects the mastery I was cultivating in art, poetry, and emotional resilience.  Read More>>

Tisha Janigian

SHE IS HOPE LA was born from one of the most challenging chapters of my life. After my divorce in 2012, I found myself with no income, no credit, and no assets — trying to rebuild as a single mom with two young sons. That experience opened my eyes to the systemic barriers so many single mothers face when trying to survive, let alone thrive. I founded SHE IS HOPE LA to break that cycle and provide the kind of comprehensive support I wish I had at the time. Read More>>

DeMarkus & Ko Trinidad-Williams

We’re deeply inspired by identity, culture, and community, especially through the lens of our own lived experiences as Black and Brown creatives. Our work is a reflection of the stories we carry, from the traditions we grew up with to the ones we were welcomed into by our extended and chosen families. Whether it’s the smell of a dish passed down for generations, the sound of laughter at a block party, or the sacred rituals of self-care, we draw from the beauty and complexity of our cultures. That connection to where we come from and who we come from, fuels everything we create. Read More>>

 Yana

I’m inspired by creativity, independence, and the power of storytelling. My journey started in the fashion industry and eventually expanded into the restaurant space, where I gained an inside look at how brands craft their visual identity. That experience showed me how much thought and emotion go into every detail—and it sparked a lasting fascination with how visual content shapes perception and connection. Read More>>

Jake Jabbour

Accessibility. I taught special education in Los Angeles for ten years, which was as much a course as it was a vocation. One of the lessons I learned that informs my business is that all individuals who apply themselves can succeed given the appropriate supports. The environment in which someone learns has as much, if not more, to do with the individual’s improvement as their learning style, their aptitude or the content.  Read More>>

Kira

I prioritize delivering real results for clients because achieving full customer satisfaction is essential to my work. Beauty and wellness professional services must deliver visible, meaningful changes which enable clients to believe in their results. The methods used to reach those results carry equal significance. Through personalized attention and sincere care I deliver an experience that ensures each client receives attentive support and feels genuinely cared for. Read More>>

Siddharth Dutta

One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was leaving home—leaving India—to pursue a life and career in a completely new country. It wasn’t just about moving geographically; it was about stepping away from everything that had made me feel safe, known, and understood. I left behind family, friends, and a familiar rhythm of life to step into something that felt wide open, uncertain, and full of questions I didn’t yet have the answers to. Read More>>

Darren Held

I have always been a workaholic (Thanks Dad!) It’s interesting being a creative person and a workaholic, because you delve hard into writing a screenplay, memorizing lines or starting a business. Unfortunately a side effect can be losing some of the joy that brought you to that creative art in the first. Being an entrepreneur, I don’t know if there’s any way around that, particularly in the beginning.  Read More>>