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.

Collective Karma

As a band, we’ve faced this question time and time again. Trying to balance five strong personalities and differing opinions whilst simultaneously attempting to align five people with full-time jobs, personal lives, and other commitments on the same schedule can be extremely taxing and frustrating at times. What we always come back to is: “Why are we doing this?” Why did we all join a band in the first place? Why do we invest our own capital and fleeting time into this? For each member, that answer varies – from a passion project, to a fulfilling hobby, to performer’s high, to band camaraderie and more, we all have one or more things that keep us going. Recognizing those things and communicating about them honestly, and allowing each other the space to prioritize other important parts of our individual lives, allows us to make a clearer decision on whether we keep going or give up. Read more>>

Talaya Jessie | Fashion Designer

Knowing whether to keep going or to give up is not a decision you come to lightly. Oftentimes, many of us give up too quickly which is typically the problem. For me, pursuing a career in fashion design is not for the faint of heart. There is no strategy to making it “big” or “taking off”. Through many no’s, I’ve learned that a career in fashion design is more than just making clothing. I had to learn the business of fashion. I had to remember that my identity was not in what I did. That perspective helped me let go of taking things personally. The times I wanted to give up did not last long, because I thought about how much I have sacrificed. I am a firm believer that my labor is not in vain. Read more>>

Miss Shanis

I am a singer and the official voice of Disney, having voiced the main character Elsa in the animated film “Frozen” 1 and 2. I was also a finalist in the show “The Voice” and the national Eurovision selections in Ukraine. Additionally, I have my own online vocal school, 4Tune Vocal Academy, which I started eight years ago in Ukraine. I have taught over a thousand children and adults to sing, play the piano, and play the guitar. I am proud that I was able to bring my business to America two years ago, to New York. It was two years ago that the war began in Ukraine when Russia invaded, making it impossible for me to continue my activities there, so I emigrated to the United States. Now, I continue to teach and perform here. Read more>>

Birney Robert

What makes me happy is being immersed in creative spaces with friends and family – whether it’s in a classroom, an art exhibit, a play, a concert, a movie or a vacation. The most exciting adventures are those with a loose itinerary and little to no expectations. Read more>>

Keisa Stewart-Rucker

Community empowerment is the principle that matters most to me. Through my work with Head 2 Toe Magazine & Entertainment, I am dedicated to amplifying Black-owned businesses and fostering a supportive community. We focus on promoting these businesses, increasing their visibility, and creating opportunities for collaboration and mutual support. This not only strengthens the economic foundation of our community but also helps individual business owners thrive. By connecting consumers with Black-owned businesses and highlighting successful entrepreneurs, we inspire the next generation and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the Black community. Empowering our community is at the heart of everything we do. Read more>>

Chris Williams

The most important value is empathy. People often take for granted the connection between the couple getting married and the love they have for each other. There are subtle details that are often overlooked, even by the couple themselves. The beauty of film is that it reveals the transparency in that connection, especially when the couple begins to forget they’re being recorded. It’s often those candid shots and signs of empathy that speak the loudest to the couple’s love. These videos provide a glimpse into the true feelings for those outside of the marriage. For the couple, they serve as a testament to their affection—a testament they can reflect on during the best and worst moments in their lifetime of marriage. Read more>>

Kimberly Morgan-vann | Cosmetologist & Wig Maker

By the end of my career, I want to have made an impact on the beauty industry in a way that changes how we as Black beauty professionals view our craft. I want those coming up behind me to feel more informed about the importance of the value of a client, gaining financial literacy and fiancial freedom. I want them to think less about the followers, likes and social media fantasy lives they see and more about how they can make a positive impact on the industry now by providing excellent services, getting paid what they’re worth and developing a solid exit strategy for when they decide to leave this industry. Read more>>

Brittany Sims | Global Brand Architect

Leave a legacy as a businesswoman who not only achieved personal success but also inspired and empowered others to do the same. Having my story serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for those who aspire to make a difference in the world through business. By the end of your career, my legacy being one of resilience, empowerment, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place. Establish myself as a global brand builder, with a portfolio of my successful brands Spiritual Shade and Owoto Water that are known worldwide for their quality, integrity, and positive social impact. My expertise in creating and growing brands becoming a benchmark in the business world. Read more>>

Janiyah Peterson | Entrepreneur & College Student

The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was deciding to take a semester off from college to give myself a break. My mental health was at stake, so I decided I needed a breather and making bracelets helps me to relax my mind and allows me to focus on something else. At the time I’ve lost a best friend from high school and I have lost my grandmother and trying to juggle being on my own and being everyone’s dependent. Making jewelry keeps me busy. After I knew it I’ve probably made over 100 bracelets at a time, which reroutes my mind to another place of focus making sure I have a certain amount of beads on each bracelet making sure the customer gets exactly what they ask for executing every action that is required of me as a business owner. Read more>>