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.

Elizabeth Kott

One I always come back to is from The Artist’s Way: “Creativity is not about picking something up, it’s about putting something down.” It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t about striving or reaching for inspiration, it’s about the action of doing. I’m a one foot in front of the other type of person, a little action each day…. a little putting down of something each day will eventually create something. Read More>> 

Jaimie Chaurice

My favorite quote is: Let whoever think whatever and just keep getting better. I love this quote because it’s a reminder that everyone is at different phases in the journey of life and the opinions of other people shouldn’t deter you. Whether it be in regard to a spiritual walk, career goal, health goal, etc. If it isn’t something that is meant to aide in your personal growth, you shouldn’t let it affect you. It took me some time to be okay with where I was in my walk of life and stop comparing myself to others or living by someone else’s standards. Read More>> 

Missy Nemeth

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is to turn inward and do my own work. This involves noticing my triggers, emotional patterns, and wounds I still carry — and meeting them with compassion. By tending to my own nervous system, I can be the steady ground my children need, without letting my unhealed parts spill over into their world. Read More>> 

Maria Salinger

Wow, we’re diving right in but I’m up for it! So, I’m not a parent yet. However, I believe one of the most important choices I’ll make as a future parent is the partner I choose. Someone who values honesty, respect and open communication will naturally shape the environment my future children grow up in. In a world increasingly driven by status, fame, and fleeting “situationships,” choosing someone who prefers a home-cooked meal over a fancy dinner says a lot. I believe that this intentional choice will be my first true act of parenting. Read More>> 

Cathy Riso

I chose to become a Private Voice, Piano, and Speech Teacher that can also provide Coaching for Acting and Public Speaking because I wanted to be the teacher I always wanted to find for myself. Most Music Teachers provide ONLY instruction from their education. They teach fundamentals and the students must supply their own sheet music and/or tracks to practice with.I provide, not only a 200+ Page Vocal Curriculum, but also all the sheet music and Custom Read More>> 

Jacob Grant

I grew up in a home that reinforced the importance of “giving back, service, and practicing generosity” which has deeply informed the way I imagine my career and sense of purpose/self interacting in the world. Because of this, I tend to view my work as an overflow of who I am and have been privileged to get to this point in my life where the work I do feels in alignment with who I am as a person.  Read More>> 

Joanna Azami

I am inspired by the resilience of the people around me, including those I work with, as well as the world and nature that surround me. My role models as a kid growing up have overcome so much difficulty, hardship, but have continued their journey, in life or their artistic one. I strive to see the world from their perspective, see it for its beauty, and chaotic order. Read More>> 

Kelsee Reynolds

Being creative is what genuinely makes me happy—I love that there’s no one “right” way to do it. Every project starts with this wide open space full of possibilities, and that freedom is where I thrive. I get excited about the little things: tossing around ideas, building out mood boards on Pinterest, and finding the best way to bring a concept to life. And that moment when it all comes together—when the shot matches the vision in your head? Chef’s kiss. Read More>> 

Allison Carter

I orient my practice around the idea of treating others with curiosity, dignity and respect. I think the most powerful thing we can do is to really see and appreciate the person we’re with in *all* their complexity.

I also feel like forces in our current world, including social media algorithms and an increasingly polarized political arena, reinforce a lack the patience and spaciousness for people. It is within this context that human rights violations become increasingly frequent. Read More>> 

Victor Josiah

I dare to dream of a future where I can comfortably adapt my insane ideas, a future where i can share the stage with big names, a future where my story (as a nobody from a village somewhere in the world becoming a worldwide critically acclaimed filmmaker) can inspire anybody, a future where i make films that doesn’t need to speak a familiar language for people to follow and enjoy, a future where i have the whole world as my audience and a farther future where my art is regarded timeless and full of essence. Read More>> 

Megan Gillespie

The end goal: to be in charge of my time, to take care of my aging parents both with my time and money, to travel when I want to and inspire others to communicate effectively by trusting themselves and everyone around them. However, I do not see an end to my career, because I am a coach and teacher, if I keep learning, I can keep teaching through my experience, strength and hope. Read More>> 

Kimberlee Countryman

The most difficult decision I’ve ever made was choosing to leave the career I had built over 19 years in international cargo claims to go back to school. I decided to pursue my certification in Equine Gestalt Coaching and an additional certification in Equine Facilitation. It was a leap into a completely different field—one that aligned more closely with my values and passions—but it meant stepping away from a secure, established career. Read More>> 

Jen Liv

This can be a tough one, and something I’m always working on. I’m a comedian, actor and musician, and I recently got married! So, all of the sudden time I would be spending at comedy shows and open mics, became dedicated to wedding planning (to be fair my husband did most of the planning, he’s a saint!) . My husband is also a comedian, musician, audio engineer and producer! I”m very lucky to have him in my corner. Read More>>