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.

Nigeria Cooper | Certified Tax Preparer & Notary

My Favorite Affirmation is,

“I am enough, just as I am, and I have the strength to create the life I desire.”

This affirmation fosters self-acceptance, confidence, and the belief that you have the ability to shape your own path. Read more>>

Meezy | Cinematographer

I’m from St. Louis Missouri. Like most young black men I was born in a less fortunate environment. I have a very humble background while suffering from childhood trauma along with school bullying and depression. Eventually I prayed to GOD when I was at my lowest point and asked him what purpose you have for me. Even though I was unclear at the time, my gift was being a visionary for illustrations. I naturally had the ability to take a vision or an idea and bring it to life on screen. That anger then channeled into a love and passion to help people bring their visions and ideas to life as well. That’s why I chose the art of cinematography. To visually story tell. Read more>>

Trey Seales | Designer & Owner of Seales Merch

“Be you, be the best you can and strut it” – Betty Seales. That’s something my nana would always tell me. Growing up gay and confused, I had nowhere to turn. My nana was my motivation. She would tell me not to be afraid to express myself. Love myself first, and then I’ll learn to love everyone else. She always told me to be the best I can and show the world who I really am. Since my nana’s passing, I’ve held on to this saying of hers, and I want to let other people know it okay to express yourself and be you. Read more>>

Avni Parekh | Award-Winning Author & Entrepreneur

That’s an excellent question! I find many quotes incredibly inspiring, which is why I recently launched my “Affirmation Notebooks” collection. These thoughtfully designed journals, featuring “I am” affirmations on the cover and uplifting quotes on the back, are intended to serve as a powerful tool for personal growth. By encouraging daily reflection and the incorporation of positive affirmations, I hope to empower individuals to transform their mindsets and create a more fulfilling life. Read more>>

Genesis Lyric | Hair Designer

How I define success is doing what you love, not living in regret, facing your fears, not giving up, letting go of anything that’s doesn’t serve greatness in your life, striving in what you believe in, taking those risks, being fruitful, grateful & being yourself; That’s the true definition of success ! Read more>>

Sky Jordxn | YouTuber & Songwriter/Engineer

Success to me is being able to create on a daily basis. Being able to create on YouTube without having to conform to any “creative” rules that most people are afraid to break means a lot to me. Most would say money is the ultimate measure of success but that comes and goes but I feel like having an outlet to express creatively goes a long way for me and I want to show people that success looks differently depending on what makes your happy and aligns with your core values. Read more>>

Madison Castleberry | Wedding Content Creator

The most pivotal decision I’ve made in my career was committing to the idea of being a stay-at-home mom while also contributing financially to our family. I’ve always been ambitious and knew I wanted to work for myself in some capacity. This was a decision I made long before becoming a mother, but it truly solidified for me after my daughter was born. Being able to build and grow my business in the pockets of time that motherhood offers—while being present with my daughter “full-time” and diligently working toward my own dreams—has been incredibly fulfilling. I honestly can’t imagine a better way to live my life! Read more>>

Reup Tray | Artist & Entrepreneur

I want my legacy to be remember as. I made the biggest impact on people lives with my artistry. From music, fashion, and business i really pushed the culture and showed innovation. Hope it inspires the next creative they can do it to no matter where they come from Read more>>

Lola Kash | Business Owner/ Content Creator

I want to be remembered as the women who always stood out! Someone who was never afraid to be innovative, passionate, and creative about my craft. I’ve always been a trend setter and someone who followed my own path. I created my own lane and a a lane for others to follow so when im gone i want my legacy to be remembered as the one who wasn’t afraid to try and fail or try and win! Read more>>

Lena Fantroy | Business Owner & Lash Tech

Being authentic to my customers really matters to me. This means that I am invested in finding them the best quality prices, and personalizing every experience for each customer. I know what looks good on everyone! I love making items affordable because I know how expensive being a girl can be. I never try to get over or run scams on my customers. They always have the best experiences with me because they can trust me. I am relatable and reliable Read more>>

 Ugo Agoruah

I would say the principle of cultivation. Cultivation is showing up and working towards whatever it is that you want to see in your life, whether it be a change from a bad habit to a good habit or a friendship or love. Cultivation is the key principal you must have everything. You don’t have to be everything yet l. You don’t have to have everything, but when you know where you wanna be or where you wanna go, you cultivate. As you continue cultivating in your life, showing up, doing a little bit each and every day, you get closer and closer to the idea of where you’re supposed to be. So I’d say cultivation is important. And within cultivation, discipline, the discipline to keep showing up for whatever it is that you’re trying to cultivate. I wouldn’t be where I am now if I didn’t cultivate community. Supporting those around me that I believe in and giving flowers where ever I could to those that sparked something in me allowed me and then get that reciprocated back to me allowed me to build a genuine support system. Read more>>

Jesse Loughman | Real Estate Agent

Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. I never planned to be in real estate. Ten years ago, I was in my early 20s living in an abandoned house on the southside of Atlanta. I applied for every job I could think of – from barista to bookstacker and watched the last few dollars drain out of my account. I finally got my break as a part-time assistant to a successful real estate agent. It was lucky, beyond lucky, as I knew nothing then about the world of real estate, what it would eventually do for me, and how it would shape the landscape of my life. Read more>>

Kensly Fresh | Smart Work Pays Off. Learn to work smarter not harder.

Hard work pays off. The truth is smart work pays better. It’s an unpopular opinion, but working hard doesn’t pay off enough. You have to work smart at working hard. If you find a way to work smart and work hard at working smart, then you are more likely to be successful. The most successful people learned to work smart and make good use of their time. It’s something I’m still learning as a filmmaker. Those who get further ahead in this industry aren’t always the most creative, the most talented, or the hardest workers; it’s the ones who work smart and know how to maneuver. I’ve worked with countless people who are far less talented than I am but are miles ahead of me. Read more>>

Crystal Mclaurin | Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Innovator in Skincare Solutions | Licensed Esthetician

Outsiders may not realize the sheer amount of continuing education required in the skincare and wellness industry. The field constantly evolves, introducing new treatments, products, and technologies. Staying current on industry innovations, attending conferences, and obtaining certifications are all necessary to provide the best care to clients. It’s not just about mastering techniques. It’s about staying informed and continuously improving to meet the industry’s ever-changing needs. Read more>>

David New | Barber and Tax Accountant

One thing that many people don’t know about the barbering industry is that you don’t learn how to cut hair at MOST barber institutions or schools. They teach you mostly theory and historical cases of barbering. They are meant to make sure that you follow health and safety guidelines so you become licensed. The art of cutting hair is just that, an Art! You must have talent when it comes to this game and it can be learned or trained but having the eye to cut hair is something special. Most people don’t know this. Most of my barbering knowledge has come from in the field experience and studying other barbers. You never stop learning how to cut hair and it is a journey from the day you pick the clippers up until the day you put them down… There is always room for improvement and the best thing you can be as a barber is a student of the game. Read more>>

Diamond Cherie | Loc Stylist & Creative

I’m originally from the East side of Atlanta. Kirkwood to be exact, but I was raised in Decatur and not the city of Decatur either. Although I lived in a rough area, my parents tried their best not to allow the negative to seep into my upbringing. My father was very present and very strict. No boys, no tight clothes, no sleepovers. I was a straight- A student and graduated high school early. Decatur was known for the fire hair styles, nails and night life. I think the culture inspired me to be me. Yes, I’m smart and studious but I love a mean updo, I stay in some bodycon/ spandex, I get the long decorative nails and I will most definitely turn up in the night club scene (as long as I have a section). As a Loctician, I love recreating pin curl updos and French rolls because I wanted that as a kid when I was going to Ms. Trin’a shop off of Glenwood. Now that I think about it, the salon culture is what sparked my interest in loc styling. The nostalgia of the salon, the hair magazines, the smell of spritz, and all the transformations gives me a warm feeling inside. I want to bring that to the loc world. Read more>>