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.

Tom and Tiffany Levy

We operate a bagel shop in El Segundo, CA. We make an artisanal bagel, which takes at least 3 days from start to finish. If we run out of bagels early in the day, we can’t make more bagels that day since the days’ bagels were started 2 or 3 days prior. We make almost everything in the shop from scratch, using natural ingredients. We have to love every product that we sell or we won’t put it on the menu. We think the dedication to quality sets us apart from other bagel shops. Read More>> 

Lauren Snyder

I am a queer herbalist and botanical artisan; which means that I connect to the practice of herbalism through a wide and ever-changing lens. I thrive in the spaces of nuance, fluidity, and creativity. I love the practice of curating and cultivating relationships to customize my offerings in a way that honors and empowers each person’s individuality. I am a forever student; and believe that no matter how much we think we know; (especially when it comes to plants) there is always something new to learn. Read More>>

Benji Stawski

I define success as a combination of progress, impact, and integrity. It’s not about reaching a finish line, but about growing through the pursuit of meaningful goals and doing things the right way.

I measure success by the positive impact I can have on others. In my professional life, that might mean helping someone achieve their travel dreams with points or build responsible financial habits. Outside of work, I mentor young leaders in a global peace‑building program, where exchanging diverse perspectives reminds me how much we can all learn from each other. Read More>>

Gabriella Lin

During my first two years at Berklee College of Music, I struggled significantly with releasing music. Although I wrote many songs, I never reached out to anyone to co-produced, mixed, or mastered any to the point of public release. I came to Berklee with the goal of improving my songwriting skills—but more importantly, to have people listen to my music. However, I was held back by an all-or-nothing mindset and perfectionism: if a song wasn’t absolutely perfect, I didn’t want to release it. I believed that if my music was going to be out there, it had to be flawless. Read More>> 

Waya Boy

Besides choosing to work for myself, the single most important decision I made was walking 20 km during Uganda’s COVID‑19 lockdown to reach a makeshift studio and record what became my debut single ‘Hullo’. That moment defined not just a song — it defined my journey. Read More>>

Stephen Wilson

When I’m able to dive into my creative ventures, whether it’s painting, skating, or playing the piano, I feel truly fulfilled. I’m a genuine creative, and exploring these activities and others makes me happy because they’re ways I express myself and connect with who I really am. There’s pure joy in the process of creating something new, and I love how these activities pull me completely into the present moment, where I feel most alive and authentic.  Read More>> 

Sek Kim

While laying out and pursuing your goals, I find that it’s easy to get lost in the process; forgetting why you started in the first place, what brought you to do what you’re doing, and what all of this is for. As a creative who wants to focus on his craft but also needs to think about practicals (like reach, growth, and monetization), I find myself in a dance between pushing for the pragmatic aspects that fuel inspiration while reminding myself I can enjoy the process. The principles I keep in mind to do this to the best of my ability are: 1. I’m going to die one day. Read More>> 

Kim Gebriel

By the end of my career i’d like to be a having a good work/life balance living comfortably. I’d also like to be a resource to others in similar fields or even outside of my own. Read More>> 

Travis Pilat

Moving to Los Angeles to escape the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage the Northeast. I was 24 years old and completely lost. With about 80 dollars in an account, a backpack full of clothes, and one connection to help me find a place to sleep here. The decision to get on that plane will continue to define the rest of my life. It’s almost 10 years later now and it’s crazy that the most difficult thing I’ve ever decided to do is probably the reason I’m even alive today.  Read More>> 

Alyssa Jolee

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that it’s okay to try something different and if you believe in a project then put you’re 100% in it. Just as long as you believe in yourself that’s all the matters and don’t let one person try to diminish all your hard work and dedication. Read More>> 

Socs and DZ Zavitsanos

My brother and I learned an important lesson when our father escorted us to a UN refugee camp in Greece when we were just 17 years old. We had one change of clothes and two rolls of toilet paper. What seemed like a great idea, quickly turned into a what-were-we-thinking moment as Dad’s car vanished over the horizon… Read More>>

Darren Mamaril

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and I’m a proud son of Filipino immigrants who came to the U.S. in the ’80s. My parents worked tirelessly to give me the best life they could, and I’m forever grateful for everything they sacrificed. (Love you, Ma and Tay!) Read More>> 

Vanessa Kao

Los Angeles-born and Taiwan-raised, I am constantly enriched by the diverse people and cultures I encounter along my artistic journey. Having traveled extensively across Asia, I have absorbed the abundant Eastern cultures, traditions, and philosophies. Embodying a fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling techniques and perspectives, I channel the duality of my identity into my films. Los Angeles-born and Taiwan-raised, I am constantly enriched by the diverse people and cultures I encounter along my artistic journey. Having traveled extensively across Asia, I have absorbed the abundant Eastern cultures, traditions, and philosophies. Embodying a fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling techniques and perspectives, I channel the duality of my identity into my films. Read More>>