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.

Jaden Poteet | social media branding

“philipians 4:13…i can do all things through christ who strengthens me” i have this verse tatted on my arm and live by it. i believe literally anything in this world is possible. No dream is too big to accomplish if you walk with the lord and truly have faith then youll be good however people dont realize its more than that yes having faith in the lord is important but actually doing the work behind closed doors and staying consistent and disciplined is just as important Read more>>

Kheston & Tiffany Dawkins | Owners of MySix Cooking & Catering

Have power over yourself. This means to have control over your own thoughts, actions, and emotions. Essentially meaning you are in charge of your own life and decisions. This is something I instill in my kids daily. Read more>>

Ashley Love | Wedding Business Consultant & Coach

Hospitality is pretty broad- weddings, restaurants, hotels. I’m lucky to have served in so many different parts that I know what it takes to make a hospitality business thrive. Returning every summer to the same hotel or becoming regulars at a restaurant. Those are marks of happy customers. Some businesses understand that intrinsically and the other businesses that don’t, I felt called to help them. To work with other owners to define what they want their business to stand for so they can ultimately find success in doing what they love. Read more>>

Latasha Kinnard | Holistic Wealth Coach

Aside from deciding to work for myself, the most transformative decision I’ve made for my success has been redefining what success truly means to me. For as long as I can remember, I was driven by a relentless desire to achieve and be the best. I once saw this as a strength rooted in ambition. But, over time, I realized that constantly striving to fix something—or someone—left me feeling drained and unfulfilled. Instead of empowering me, it created an insatiable void. Read more>>

Na’shan Clay | Purpose-Driven Educator and Advocate

I’m deeply inspired by the gift God has blessed me with—the youth. They have become the heartbeat of my purpose. Every day, they remind me why I’m here, and they inspire me to keep going, no matter the challenges life throws my way. Their resilience, their potential, and their trust in me fuel my determination. They give me a reason to push through the storms, a purpose that’s bigger than myself. It’s because of them that I wake up each day with a fire in my heart to make a difference and to glorify God through the work I do. Read more>>

Jada Thorpe | Influencer

One thing about the influencer industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is the extensive behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating and maintaining a successful online presence. Most times it may seem like influencers are simply posting pictures or videos for fun, there’s often a lot of strategy, planning, and effort involved. Read more>>

Lotus Grove | Atlanta-based Indie Rock Band

I think there are two main end goals for Lotus Grove. The first is that we are able to look back at the end of our time making music as a band and feel confidently that we adhered to creating music we are all passionate about, and that the music has grown and developed along with us. It’s important to all of us that the songs come from a place of real relevance to our lives, and that we continue to create honest music that interests us. The second end goal for the band is to tour the records full-time. Read more>>

Sri Jyothi Vellenky | Digital Creator & IT Employee

I’m from Hyderabad, India. Growing up, I was the troublemaker in my family—always keeping my mom on her toes. I have one sibling, my sister, who has always been the complete opposite of me. She’s the one with clarity, focus, and a clear plan for her future. Me? I was more of a ‘go-with-the-flow’ kind of person. Read more>>

Lara Mamoun | Singer, Artist, Comedian, Filmmaker, Co-Owner of ‘La Vie en Rose Crêperie’, Writer, Producer and Entrepreneur

I’m an American Lebanese Singer, Artist, Comedian, Filmmaker, Entrepreneur and Co-owner of the Atlanta-based mobile food catering business called ‘La Vie en Rose Crêperie’, that I started alongside my business partner Berna Agan. I was born in Youngstown, Ohio but I spent my childhood living in between the United States, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be cosmopolitan by growing up in the Middle East, as it allowed me the privilege to immerse myself in the wondrous and diverse cultures of both the West and the East, while also being French educated – as most Lebanese people are. This is why today I’m able to speak 4 languages fluently, with French being my first, and why I have such a deep appreciation for all of the cultures and all of the people this beautiful world has to offer. Read more>>

Marissa Melchor | Master Cosmetologist/ Pro MUA

My work life balance just recently changed last year when I was working a full time job and had to put it on hold due to my pregnancy. At first my clientele was low and I never had time to take clients how I wanted to. Fast forward to this year it increased. I sat out for a year and just took my clients while my daughter is in her newborn stage and I found the balance I wanted all along. Yes I have slow days but I love this work life balance. It does not seem like work when you love doing what you do. Read more>>

Kristin Gipson | Sewing Instructor & Business Owner

I think about the balance all the time! In the early years, when my son was little, I worked very part time during the school year, and only working full-time during the summer for my sewing camps. As my son got older, I worked more. He’s in college now and I’m working a ton. Thankfully, I love what I do, but my struggle now is making time for hikes and bike riding. I need to be getting more exercise. That’s a goal I have for 2025. I need more balance there. Read more>>