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.

Nicole Tanner | Functional Health Coach – Hormones + Fat Loss Expert

As someone who struggled with Hashimoto’s I saw a huge gap in the industry of women dealing with autoimmune diseases and other hormone and gut imbalances. I wasn’t getting help from my Doctor’s either being told “my labs were normal” or only being offered medication for the rest of my life that just treated symptoms. No one was addressing the root cause of symptoms. This gap is leaving so many women feeling frustrated, defeated, and like their bodies are “broken”. Thats when I created my Metabolism Makeover Method, the most comprehensive root cause healing program. Read more>>

Amyn Mukadam | Tennis & Fitness Development Coach

It was the final question asked of me by the Vice President of the College I eventually was hired for in 2016. It wasn’t a question that I prepared for (especially in the 3rd round of interviews); however, it was one that I had a very honest and comfortable answer to.

She asked, “If we had a meeting like this in 1 year, how could you define success as the Head Coach for the Tennis Program?”

I thought about it for a moment and realized that my answer lied in the culmination what success meant to me in my tennis career. The answer was exemplified in exactly how I ended up in this very position with the opportunity to have a coaching position I always envisioned my tennis career was poised for. Read more>>

Taylor N. Braun | Film Director & Writer

To be honest, film is a very unforgiving industry, especially for young and upcoming filmmakers. There’s endless competition, battles over equipment and production costs, scheduling conflicts, and location issues. But something about film—the magic of creating moving pictures and telling stories through them—feels like it’s not a choice for me. When I sit down to question if it’s all worth it, which I do often, I imagine my life without it: no writing scripts, no calling producers, no directing actors. I simply can’t picture it. It’s hard, but this is my purpose in life. In a way, I have to keep going just to survive. Read more>>

Junee’ Radford | Transformation Specialist

Our social media impacts the world by creating a supportive community where individuals, especially women, can feel seen and valued. We focus on uplifting and inspiring our audience, providing a safe space where they can share their journeys without fear of judgment. Through our content, we spread hope, joy, and a sense of belonging, reminding people that they are not alone in their experiences
We also emphasize the importance of both physical and internal transformation, empowering women to rediscover their strength and confidence. By highlighting stories of restoration and resilience, we help others realize that it’s possible to reclaim their lives and embrace their true selves. Ultimately, our social media serves as a powerful tool for connection, encouragement, and positive change in the world. Read more>>

Taryn Thibodeaux | Founder & Creative Director of The Taryn Project

At The Taryn Project, I believe that the love we share for animals has the power to bring people closer together and create meaningful connections. My handmade bandanas and bow ties aren’t just accessories—they’re a celebration of the bond between humans and their furry companions. Whether it’s at a market, online, or through collaborations, it brings me so much joy to see people light up over their pets and connect with others who feel the same way. Read more>>

Evan Woodrum | Event Photographer, Founder / Creative Producer at The Verve Agency

I’m inspired by the power of storytelling…how a single moment, captured or created, can resonate universally yet feel deeply personal. I’m drawn to the intersection of innovation and emotion, where art pushes boundaries but remains rooted in authenticity. Read more>>

Blade Hudson | Professional Musician, Artist & Producer

When it comes to music industry, alot of it is built around trust amongst peers, reliability and reputation. The network you have can increase your chances of bigger doors opening for the opportunities professional musicians & artists seek. There’s also alot of behind the scenes work going on, especially on the production side and what’s happening in studios. Read more>>

Swapnil Pardeshi | Director, Cinematographer and Writer

My end goal is to become a well celebrated filmmaker with a production house that comes with the independence of making the movies I want. I want to create universes that the audience would enjoy putting themselves in. I have this worlds inside my head that want to see the light of day and at the end of my nights I should be able to tell myself that I put out there the worlds I dreamed of in my mind. I want to create things that stick around long after I have gone. I realize and understand that these are big dreams, my grandfather always told me in order to make it big you first have to dream big and do absolutely everything in your power to achieve them. Read more>>

Shanna Coulter | Artist

Deciding to close my business. After three years of dreaming and hustling, I had to weigh the facts, sober up and make the difficult call. Closing the community art studio I had built was a personal, family, public and financial predicament. Because the venture of a brick and mortar community art studio involved mine and so many others’ dreams, I made a lot of decisions based on feelings and hope. Ultimately, that kind of thinking led to situations I couldn’t overcome, and I had to close. Beyond making the decision to close, deciding to continue in another space and direction has been the second most difficult decision. Getting back up brings all the feelings and fears into play again, and it’s hard to see clearly. Maybe the overarching theme here is that turning your talent and passion into a business is a really hard thing to do. It’s very personal. Read more>>

Bukola Azeez | Registered Nurse and content creator

I think every entrepreneur should have a budget. Most time it’s a financial budget but at this time in our society where half of the consumers spend their time online, then time management and budget becomes a thing. I allocate 2 hours minimum to creating online content for my social media page. I’m a registered nurse who works 12 hours per night for three nights . More than half of my creative mi d is blurred and fatigued from lack of sleep; hence why I make a conscious decision to allocate a two hour/day time budget to my side hustle. Read more>>

Shedarra Hill | Lash Artist

I came up with the idea for my business when I decided to leave corporate America and become an entrepreneur. I wanted to do something that I enjoy that wouldn’t feel like work which was doing eyelash extensions. It may sound silly but when I would get my lashes done, I was always felt more beautiful and confident. I wanted to make others feel the same even if it’s in a small way so I focused on learning the craft and have continued to hone my skills with the goal to become one of the best and most sought after lash artists. In order to achieve that goal I’ve made it a mission to provide a high quality service and an exceptional customer experience for every client every time that sets me apart from other lash artists. Read more>>

Antoinette Jones | Multi-Media Artist

If it’s okay I’m going to combine two questions. Because I think my definition of success is based heavily on my satisfaction with my work-life balance; both of which have changed drastically over time.

I’ve been a visual artist for a little over 5 years now and for a good part of that I would’ve defined success by the numbers (the likes, the engagement, the growth, the sales, etc.). But throughout my journey, I have realized the dangers of basing your idea of success on something that will waver. Read more>>

Bray Druz | Recording artist

Taking risks in my life has worked for the better than the worst. I don’t look at any risk I’ve taken as a waste of time or money . I took any loss as a learning experience. I Believe in my self 1000% in whatever I choose to do because if someone else has achieved the same vision theirs no reason I can’t achieve it to . It’s been times where money was a big issue in chasing my dream in music but somehow I always managed to come up with something. A lot of people don’t understand that trying to make it in music is gonna cost you. I don’t care who you are.Your going to pay for something cause everything cost. Just make sure whatever you spend your money on is a wise investment. Read more>>

Natasha Dillard | Model and Author

Aww man, taking risks is why I’m here today. When I first started out solely working for myself as an Author, that was huge! I had written and published my first book four years ago. I wasn’t sure if people would enjoy my story. Because it was so vulnerable. It actually sold very well. For which I’m proud. Now when it comes to my modeling it’s also a risk. Celebrating my brand of beauty, I don’t often see women of my body type on magazines and on billboards. So that was taking a risk. I didn’t know how the online world would receive me. So far, it’s been beautiful and I’m confident and hopeful it stays that way.

Jeremy Cole | Executive Director, Clarkston Community Health Center

I am proud to lead an amazing team of people – board, staff, volunteers, and community members – at Mosaic Health Center (formerly the Clarkston Community Health Center) in Clarkston, Georgia. Mosaic provides access to health care for individuals who have no health insurance. We are a community of people who believes that health care is a human right, and we know that in providing access to health care to those in need we save lives, save money, and make the entire community healthier. For every $1 spent on primary care, it is estimated that $13 is saved in overall health care costs. Our work is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. Read more>>

Rachel Mottern | Special Education Advocate, Owner of Mottern Advocacy, LLC

Mottern Advocacy, LLC exists to give every child with a disability the opportunity to thrive—not just in school, but in life. My journey as a Special Education Advocate is personal. Growing up with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD, I intimately understand the frustration and self-doubt that can accompany learning differences. But I also know the transformative power of the right support. A dedicated special education teacher changed my path, helping me turn my struggles into strengths and inspiring me to earn a master’s degree in Special Education from Vanderbilt University, the nation’s leading institution in the field. Read more>>

Prep And Reflect Llc Erin Waxenbaum And Alyson Jarvis | Co-founders

Erin: My legacy is rooted in helping others, particularly when it comes to mental health. From the beginning of my career as a teacher, I’ve always wanted to make a difference by supporting children in their emotional and mental well-being. In the classroom, I strived to incorporate practices like meditation, organization, and conflict resolution to create a space where students could thrive emotionally, not just academically. Read more>>

Te’andrea Bigsby | ItsTeAndreaUnique LLC, Serial Entrepreneur

If I could choose, I would want my legacy to be that of someone who consistently chose to grow and face every challenge with triumph while spreading love and light throughout the world. I believe that every experience, tragedy, and trauma has shaped me into who I am today, allowing me to be able to share my deepest thoughts on life with everyone that I come into contact with. It is apparent to me that it was and is in God’s plan for me to go through many insignificant situations in order for me to serve my true purpose on this Earth. You know the saying, “God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers?” That in fact is what I believe. Read more>> 

Evan Whitfield | Content Creator

Everyday that I am given another chance at 24 hours from my lord and savior Jesus Christ makes me happy. It’s just something about waking up grateful and completing my goals for the day that satisfy my soul. I look at everyday as an opportunity to grow and get at least 1% closer to my aspirations. Read more>>

Brian D. Longoria | Pentecostal Preacher

One of the most important principles I make a point to live by is that, in whatever I find myself doing, I must honor the Lord. Colossians 3:23 says
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

Additionally, 1 Corinthians commands us in the 10th chapter and the 31st verse,
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Read more>>

Revati Damle | Graphic Designer

Good design takes time! People often underestimate the efforts and thoughts a graphic designer puts in designing. Just because a design looks good, doesn’t mean it was a five-minute job. Graphic designers take time to research, ideate, concept and, execute. We try 100 different layouts/designs to make sure the design fits the target audience and the brand standards before we finalise one design. It takes years of experience, knowledge, understanding and research to come up with good graphic design. Read more>>

Antoinette Webb | Yoga Instructor & Body Neutrality Enthusiast

I have a lot of goals when it comes to this, actually. I’d say the main one would be to have touched and changed millions of lives in the wellness space in a way that it reverberates through the generations to come. Of course I want the financial freedom to be able to physically help even more people by creating safe spaces for Black people, and those in marginalized bodies as well as poverty stricken places where access is limited or simply nonexistent, where they can come in, let their hair down and lay their worldly burdens to the side, even just for a little while, as they commune with those of like minds all with the goal of inner work and outward connection. We need village again, and not simply for the kids. So I’d love to be a pivotal part of that. Read more>>

Jaden Newman | Independent Wrestler

From starting at the age of 15 and still going strong at 26, my work-life balance has evolved significantly over the years. In the early days, it was all about juggling school, traveling, and performing.

Now, my responsibilities have expanded to include working a 9-5 job, running my own wrestling school and promotion (TWE Chattanooga), training nights, traveling, performing, and making time for my family. Read more>>

Elizabeth Graycheck | Elizabeth Graycheck | Fine Art Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Work/life balance has changed drastically since I started my business. I spent those first few years HUSTLING. I was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge and experience I could get. I think I shot 35 weddings between February and December of my first year. I booked myself out that second year not realizing 4 weddings per month is not sustainable for me–I’m also a mother of three, I’m a wife, and I have 2 cats and a Siberian husky. I can’t be that emotionally, mentally and physically unavailable. The amount of computer work that 4 weddings a month requires is astronomical. I think finding balance means actually crossing the bounds of what you can handle—you don’t really know your limit until you push it and exceed it. Read more>>