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.

Shavanti Baker | CEO, Founder

I began Pretty Gurls Pray after a year of posting prayer videos on TikTok. My videos began reaching women around the world who desired a closer relationship with GOD. I’d wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a little girl but got so caught up in corporate America that my dreams began to slip away..something was missing and I didn’t feel like I fit in. Read more>>

Jozee Moton | Recording Artist & Songwriter

Does it bring you peace? Can you see yourself doing it regardless if people acknowledge you? Can you see yourself doing it for the rest of your life? Are you willing to put the time into it? These are some of the questions I ask myself when determining if something is for me. Read more>>

Dr. Tamara Greene, M.D. | neurologist

As a parent, the most important thing that I’ve done, and try to continue to do daily, is lead by example. I try to instill the principles of hard work, being healthy, and just being an overall good person into my daughter. In regard to hard work, she often has a front-row seat of seeing me run my practice and taking calls, and she sees me getting dressed for various business and networking meetings. Read more>>

Shontwell Wells | Shamanic Tantra, Kemetic Reiki, Heart-work Integration Practitioner, Certified Tantra Teacher, Oracle, Author, & Staff Accountant

The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was choosing me. I am a natural giver. I’ve always enjoyed being of service to others. I’m a natural care taker and for many years I believed that all I needed was someone to care for and I would be happy. Read more>>

Celest Anderson | Owner & Creative Force behind Aclue! Jewelry

“The value or principle that matters most to me is quality — in the way I live my life, in my relationships with family and friends, and in the artistic creations I present to the world. While ‘YOLO’ is a relatively new phrase, its truth resonates deeply with me. Read more>>

Ferrari Smith | Certified Hairapist

Integrity is what i value the most. I practice and preach in always doing the right thing when no one is looking. At a young age, i began to learn that practicing honesty, respect, being authentic, and doing right by others would soon transform me into a person of value. I strive to become valuable to the world through integrity. Read more>>

Brian Smith | CEO/Founder

I’m inspired by people who have goals and ambitions and want to help our race, our people, our community to be GREAT. I come from an era where we as a race want to see our young black kings and queens succeed. Were so focused on what the next man got or what the next person is doing that we lose focus on OURSELVES, and develop this feeling called HATE. Read more>>

Daisha Taylor, Ed. S. | CCPS DTOTY 2024 & GaTOTY Finalist 2025

I am deeply inspired by student achievement. Throughout my teaching career, my primary focus has been on implementing and incorporating strategies that boost student performance. Witnessing students succeed and reach their full potential is incredibly motivating for me. Read more>>

NaQwanna Thomas | Personal Stylist and Corporate Buyer

I want my legacy to be that I lived a life pleasing to Christ. I want every decision that I make for my family, for my business, for my life to be led by God. I want people to remember that I am woman grounded in faith and who is walking in the will God has for my life. I want my business to speak for who God is and what he can do in your life when you totally surrender it to him. Read more>>

Anastesia Opata | Entrepreneur

I want my legacy to be one of empowerment and opportunity for my children and future generations. Just as my father did for me by bringing me from Ghana to America to provide greater opportunities, I strive to leave my children financially free, ensuring they have the security and freedom to pursue their dreams without financial stress. Read more>>