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.

Chef Bri

I started my own business back in 2016, fresh out of pastry school, when I was also working 2 full time jobs, and was single with no kids. So much has changed since then. I now have a husband with a very demanding career, a 5 year old about to start elementary school, and a 1 year old entering into the toddler phase. There are some days where my business has to take a back seat, and other days where my family does. Read More>>

Ivan Scott

I think when we are passionate about something, it makes it difficult to give it up, even in the face of adversity.

I remember my father used to tell me when we love something, and need to work hard to make it happen, we either come up with a way or an excuse. Read More>>

Carolyn Amayo

When I think about risk-taking, I view it as a necessary catalyst for personal and professional growth. One of the biggest risks I took was deciding to switch my major in college from Finance to Psychology during my junior year. At that point, I had already completed most of my core finance courses and was on a clear path toward a career in the financial sector. Read More>>

Danielle Maslan

I think risk is a necessary part of growth — both personally and professionally. Risk-taking is about trusting yourself enough to step outside your comfort zone, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. Read More>>

Christen Seguin

In April 2024, my partner and I proudly established Psychiatric Health Specialists (PHS), a nurse practitioner-owned and operated psychiatric clinic located in Cartersville, Georgia. With over 19 years of nursing experience—including 12 years as a nurse practitioner—I have witnessed firsthand the increasing need for accessible, compassionate mental health care. Read More>>

Briana Edmonds

Briana Edmonds is more than a name — she is a movement, a legacy in motion.
With every story she tells, every brand she uplifts, and every dream she helps bring into the spotlight, Briana leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touches. She is a fierce believer in the power of authenticity, the beauty of ambition, and the quiet, unshakable strength of perseverance. Read More>>

Vernice Gaston

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is authenticity.
Whether it’s a dish, a recipe, or a story—it all comes down to being real. People connect to food when it feels genuine, when it tells a story, or mirrors who you are. Staying authentic to your roots, your voice, your style, that’s what makes something noteworthy.
That would show up in things like: Read More>>

Krista Durant

The most important factor behind the success of STAPLE The Community, LLC has been trust — earned, not given — through consistent presence, community involvement, and lived experience. For the past three years, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside the very communities I serve. I’ve shown up — not just as a business owner or facilitator, but as a neighbor, a volunteer, and someone who understands firsthand what it feels like to be unheard, unseen, and underserved. Read More>>

Stella Braune

What matters most to me is authenticity. I’ve always believed in staying true to who I am, both in my work and in life. I’ve never been one to conform to expectations just for the sake of it; I value honesty, whether it’s in how I communicate, collaborate, or approach creative challenges. I think when you’re authentic, you naturally build stronger, more meaningful connections, whether that be with colleagues, clients, or friends. It’s about being real, owning your story, and finding your own voice. Read More>>