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.

Summer Eleese

Both of my parent inspire me tremendously. They equally have passion for their careers and have always had strong family values. I’ve had a pleasure to be raised by two people who are committed to their personal growth still in their later years – which has inspired me to be a continuous student of life. Read more>>

Kenneth Hoursey

I’m from New York, I lived there until I was about 22 years old. My background has definitely molded me for the better from some of the most absurd circumstances and events. It helped me realize that we all have a choice with our life we can either make a difference or fall by the wayside. I’ve seen and done things I’m definitely not proud of but I saw a quote that said if I changed my storyline I’d be erasing myself. From losing people and friends to playing with my own life I’m glad it molded me to be mature and to want more for myself. I left New York and changed the trajectory of my whole life shoutout to my grandfather who I promised to get on track. Read more>>

Chris Leoutsakos

Whenever I get to bring a character to life, I always strive to not just create movement from point A to point B but to tell new engaging stories and provide powerful visuals for audiences to enjoy, always with passion and respect for the artists who came before me. Read more>>

Rodney Iler

On July 13, 2024, I released my latest single entitled “Yes Forever” and it is available on all digital media outlets. I feel like this song is a great representation of how my artistry is different from others in the industry. While there are thousands of extremely great artists out there, I feel that music is different because it creates a generational gap between old-school Christians and new-school Christians. I am a millennial whose focus and heart are centered on serving God and his people through my ministry. Read more>>

Reco Davis

I’ve always had something about me that stood out even to the fiends they would tell me all the time one day the world will kno your name one day you gone be on tv etc when I’m out in public before going viral I would have all kinds of people approaching me askin if I rap act model everyone’s time is different I knew mine would come right on time ! But all in all me jus bein who I am a believing in me is how I got here ! Read more>>

Amelia Siamomua | Development Economist & Practitioner

“Actions speak louder than words” Far too often politicians will say one thing and do another simply because it is easy to lie with words than with your actions. As a first-timer politician, stepping into the political arena, I don’t have a legislative scorecard, but I have professional records of my professional actions and performances throughout a career of 39 years that are a better indication of my character and performance than what I may say. Separate, but related to this idiom, I was raised by hard-working parents, and the youngest of eight children, I always remember how my parents led by examples at home by practicing values of respect, love, compassionate, caring and sharing with others (neighbors and relatives) while living within their means, and forging positive behavior and actions that built strong family and community relationships for our family and for community projects in our small island village communities. Read more>>

Lutfy | Sexual & Mental health Advocate, Love & Relationship Guru

My favorite quote is from the movie “Field of Dreams”. It simply says “If you build it, they will come”. I’ve heard this saying in different shows and movies so much over the years. It was often made to be something said in a spoof, so its true meaning never quite settled in my mind to make sense or have a strong purpose. As I began to build my business that quote resonated with me and its meaning finally landed in my soul and in my business model. I promised myself that I would build a business that would not just garner attention, but one that would bring forth fruitful opportunities and that’s exactly what happened! I built it, and the opportunities came rolling in. Read more>>

Raheem Clyburn | CEO/Entrepreneur

At Trap Finger Kennels, we are inspired by the profound love and dedication that my brother poured into this business. His tragic passing in July 2023 left a void that can never be filled, but it also ignited a fierce determination within me to carry on the legacy he built with such passion. My brother started Trap Finger Kennels to create a better life for our family, and his vision was rooted in love, commitment, and a desire to uplift those around him. Read more>>

Carmen Xotica | Performer & Influencer

What makes me happy is the ability to be a creative. Every since I was a child, my imagination and creativity has given me an outlet of freedom. Being able to bring your imagination to life is so beautiful within itself, because its authentically you! Theatre and performing arts sparked a joy in my heart when I was nine years old. I was a part of an organization called All Walks of Life Inc. I was later casted for acting roles, but I quickly fell in love with dance. During hardships in my life, performing was the only thing that gave me happiness and peace.  Read more>>

Kaiya Harin Lee | 3D Texturing & Look dev Artist

Definitely my parents. I know they have always trusted me, and I understand that sending their only daughter overseas, 14 hours away from home, from a young age can’t have been an easy decision. I really want to make their choice worthwhile by being successful. They have always been my motivation and source of happiness. Read more>>

Magalie/sawanda Remy/ Spinks | Magalie Remy & Sawanda Spinks : Co-founders and Mindfulness and Nature Connection Guides of Soul Sistas Hike Too

Before the pandemic, the answer would have been family, work, or relationships are what we value most. As we found ourselves inundated by the busyness of our own personal and career lives (i.e. taking care of home, others, leaders at work, and other chronic stressors that encompass burnout). Read more>>

Sophia Davila | Pastry Chef and Content Creator

The most important lesson my career has ever taught me, is that people won’t care, until they know you care about them.

This is applicable to many things but as someone who has spent the entirety of her career in hospitality, I have seen the impact caring truly makes.

When you go out of your way to be genuine, to form relationships based on giving rather than always receiving and look for ways to improve other’s experience, something very beautiful happens. Read more>>

Shaquille St. John | Atlanta-based Content Creator and Musician

I was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, but grew up in Georgia from the age of 4. Growing up with a single mom, she served as the backbone of our family. All of the person I am today is a direct reflection of how she raised us. She was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and wanted to come to the United States at 18 to start a better life for herself and for her future family. Once she realized I had a gift, I was involved in many of our home church’s musical ensembles, from singing with the Sunshine Band to joining the adult worship team as an 11 year old. She taught me never give up on myself, and to always strive for what I want, and earn it fair and square. She taught us to be kind, compassionate, and also determined, as far as accomplishing our goals and achieving success. Read more>>

Rome Farrar | Cosplayer & Drag Royalty

I’ve learned a work life balance is extremely important. I used to think it would be easier and better if I accepted every work offer or commission I got because that equals more income. However I found myself getting exhausted easily and burnt out and losing the joy in what I did. It would be irritating when I would do everything possible to finish a project and not have any time to enjoy the result. I had to change because I love what I do and I want to continue loving making things for others, but that requires I take breaks and sometimes turn down offers that may be out of my expertise range.  Read more>>

Aurora Joanna Harris | Macrame Designer and Ritual Dancer

There were times when I first started my trade that I was putting in 40-50hrs a week creating. Now that I’m a mother and expecting a second, I’m lucky if I can put in an hour a day. At times, I feel the silent pull from within calling me back to my art. Luckily I’m able to express myself through other mediums like cooking, dancing, and play with my child. Read more>>

Soniya Momin | Architecture & Design | Airbnb | Real Estate

I’ve often had people ask why I travel with my kids when they’re so young, especially since they may not remember everything. I’ve also heard others say they avoid taking kids on vacation because it could ruin the experience for them. I get where they’re coming from, but for me, it’s a whole different mindset. Read more>>

Rachael Maliwa | Singer

I am a parent to my 7 year old niece, The most important think i have done is by first believing in your child, giving themselves opportunity to express themselves and having a little trust in them, encouraging them to pursue on their interests, being career and studying, being positive giving them moral to work harder. Read more>>

Lily Grace Klinar | Model, fashion stylist & rising influencer

All my life I’ve been a creative, and involved in the creative industry. I started singing and playing the guitar when I was 8, which led me down an acting path as a teenager. Where I went to high school the creative paths weren’t as encouraged and talked about. It was always my dream to be involved in fashion and modeling, but something I never thought would be my reality. I’ve loved fashion since I was a little girl, playing dress up at 5 and now getting to play dress up for a living is the most surreal feeling. I knew when I was 3 and styling myself, that this is what I was meant to do. Read more>>