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.

Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster | Pastoral & Temperament Counselor

Yes, I do! I read a quote by Anthony Gucciardi some time ago that says: “The Butterfly does not look back at the caterpillar in shame, just as you should not look back at your past in shame. Your past was part of your own transformation.”Look at a caterpillar, we would say it is ugly, even scary, but look at what it is transformed into…a beautiful, colorful butterfly! So many times, we’ve allowed our past to rob us of our joy, happiness, love, confidence, achievements, self-esteem, peace, emotional well-being, success, destiny, purpose and so much more. But this quote encourages me not to look back at the ugly stuff in my past and allow it to ruin my future but to take all those experiences and allow them to transform me into someone authentic, beautiful, bold and courageous, compassionate, loving, etc. Read more>>

Keven Mema | Director, Cinematographer & Editor

“All good ideas start out as bad ideas,, that’s why it takes so long.” – Steven Spielberg This quote to me simplifies my experience and journey as a filmmaker. No matter what I’ll be working on the initial idea is always the roughest conception of the final product but as I refine and develop I end up with something that always brings a smile to my face and it is the toughest thing to achieve as you doubt and question yourself and whether it’s even worthwhile pursuing. I like this Spielberg quote because of how simple it is and how honest it is about the process of creating something. There is no easy way to creating something your passionate about. Read more>>

Elijah Parks | Artist & CEO of Realmotiononly

Being a father to my daughter is one of my best decision I’ve made in my success because I want her to have something to carry over and also starting a label having alot of great talent depending on me to lead them to success. Read more>>

Laquana Sinclair | Wellness Coach & Business Consultant

I want people to remember the profound impact I had on their lives. Not just through our encounters, but through the genuine intent I had to connect with them on a deeper level and empower them to make significant changes. I want my legacy to be about how I inspired and encouraged others to recognize their own personal power and pursue their life desires with confidence and determination. Being a Feminine Boss is not just about business knowledge or attitude; it’s about embracing your inner strength and striving for your dreams. It’s about taking risks that build faith and resilience. Read more>>

Dr. Gwennetta Wright | Serial Entreprenuer, Tax and Business Strategist

It has been two key habits that have significantly contributed to my success. First, I make a weekly task list every Sunday by reviewing my goals for the next 30 days and deciding on the next steps for each goal for the upcoming week. This helps me create a clear set of tasks for the next seven days, keeping my time organized and ensuring I stay on track with my daily tasks and long-term goals. Second, I wake up early, usually between 5 and 6 a.m. This early start allows me to work without the usual distractions of calls and texts, giving me 2 to 4 hours of focused, productive time. These morning hours are crucial for my productivity and have greatly contributed to my achievements. Read more>>

Kiguta Francis | Photographer & Creative Director

Discipline I’m a firm believer of being disciplined leads to great progression and success. In the words of Bernard Law, discipline strengthens the mind so that it becomes impervious to the corroding influence of fear Read more>>

Terri Lonowski | Founder, Soulful Listening®; TEDx Speaker; Bestselling Author

For me, it’s relationships—both in my personal life and beyond. Deep listening is at the heart of creating and sustaining fulfilling connections, and through these meaningful relationships, we become our best selves, amplifying our unique gifts and talents. We simply thrive when we feel seen, heard, and supported by others. Period. Let me share a story that shaped this belief. At the tender age of three, I would hide under my covers, trembling as the late-night bar crowds roared beneath my bedroom. Our home was on the second floor of a small-town mansion. Second floor because my family converted the first floor into bustling restaurant. Read more>>

Patricia Kelly Marsh MD | CEO & Cofounder of Ask Me Your MD, Inc.

My end goal is to establish Ask Me Your MD, Inc. (AMY MD) as a global leader in telechat medicine, revolutionizing healthcare delivery. I envision AMY MD as the foundation for global telechat medicine, providing seamless, evidence-based connections between patients and doctors in real-time while lowering access and cost barriers to make healthcare more sustainable. Widely adopted by the largest health systems worldwide, AMY MD will support patients with varying levels of tech and health literacy through robust accessibility features. Driven by data, our AI will offer free, reliable medical advice. Read more>>

Tekena Smith | Actress & Creator

The most difficult decision I ever made in life, was trusting and believing in myself. Once I took that risk, God began to open many many doors for me. I’m so grateful I took that risk. Read more>>

Jay Coston | Keynote Speaker For You Woke Up Today

One of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever faced was the pivotal choice I made in 2006 to uproot my life from Delaware and relocate to Atlanta. This move meant leaving behind my family, including my young daughter, to pursue a dream that was shrouded in uncertainty. Little did I know at the time the profound impact this decision would have on my life’s journey. Much like the biblical tale of Jesus navigating the dangers of King Herod’s threats, I felt a sense of impending peril and uncertainty as I embarked on this new chapter in Atlanta. It was a period of personal transformation, where I grappled with the unknown and questioned the path that lay ahead. Read more>>