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.

Markia Ash

Hi My name is Markia Ash, a creative director, beauty expert, and all around entrepreneur. I am the owner of The Pro Boss Agency a creative agency specializing in assisting e-commerce and service based brands aiming to launch a new campaign. Our focus is on providing expertise in creative direction and producing compelling advertising visuals for social media campaigns. Read more>>

Amber Marie

When it comes to GAM Photography I always think of my grandmother first. The name it self stands for Gwendolyn and Marie’s Photography. My grandmother always have been my inspiration and I just want to be able to be at least half the woman she was. She believed in me becoming a photographer before I even knew that was something I truly wanted to do. She is the reason no matter how many obstacles I may face that I have not given up. Of course nothing in life is easy, but trying to be great in a profession that is known to be a “male dominated” industry it can be a little bit discouraging at times, however I have to remember not only am I great but my grandmother thought I was great since I was a little girl so there is absolutely no way I will be giving up. Photography is truly my passion, I truly enjoy making people smile, brightening up their days and most importantly bringing peoples visions to life. Read more>>

Kimberly Carter | Choreographer & Creative Director

I always enjoyed dancing ever since I was a little girl, but when I went to college my passion for creating grew and I found a new love for the art of dance. Once that fire was ignited, I began choreographing halftime routines for my college dance team, hosted dance classes, and put together showcases with various styles of dance. I loved creating a space for movement literally anywhere, so a year and a half ago Ki Movement Limited Co. was born. Read more>>

Ashley Williams | Owner of Rezulz Fitness

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It started when I did not have a place to work out during Covid because all of the gyms had closed. It was not intended to be a business, but it grew out of a personal need into a public need. Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world? We are trying to change people’s health and body one person at a time. The healthier person creates a healthier community which creates a healthier world. Read more>>

Namita Dogra Sudan | Journalist & UX\UI Designer

Honestly, for me, giving up isn’t really an option, I’ve never lived that way. However, I do believe there’s a significant difference between giving up and letting go. I’ve let go of things in my life, but I’ve never truly given up. Letting go happens when you’ve poured your heart and soul into something, given it your 100%, and it’s still not bringing the results you hoped for. At some point, you realize it’s time to move on. But that’s not the same as giving up; it’s about making space for something better. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, no matter what is your background, so it’s crucial to use that time wisely. When one thing doesn’t work out, I focus on the next opportunity and give it everything I’ve got, as if there’s no tomorrow. Read more>>

Coach Ty Morrell | Boxing and Fitness Trainer

Love. Loving what I do. The love I have for helping people progress. The love I have for myself. The love I have for helping people reach their full potential. Read more>>

Victoria Paul-chatman | Your Boutique Bestie & Fashion’s Philanthropist

The most crucial decision I believe I’ve made that has led to my success is simply never giving up. I’ve always kept in mind that faith without action is meaningless, so I consistently put in the work, both personally and professionally, to align my goals with the right opportunities for growth. Embracing lifelong learning, whether through reading, seeking mentorship, or staying adaptable, has been crucial in helping me navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and keep evolving in my journey. This commitment to growth has allowed me to stay ahead, innovate, and turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success. Read more>>

Luca Valentine | Mental Health Therapist

My private practice was built with my community in mind. As a neurodivergent transgender individual, I had to much difficulty accessing competent mental health services that could meet me where I was at. Now through my practice I help bring care to individuals who also live at this intersection of experience. With a lifetime of lived experience and over a decade of professional experience, I work everyday to improve the lives of my clients. I do this through individual, group, and family therapy, as well educating other providers through trainings and conferences. Read more>>

Mariana Betancur | Life creative and purpose coach, yoga & breathwork instructor

When I founded Crebe and so long before I was wishing to create a business that not only thrived but also made a positive impact in the world, that’s when after years of searching for the right problems to address, I discovered solutions and committed myself to ongoing learning to make Crebe a place where people can feel free of embracing their vulnerabilities to start creating the life that resonates with their true selves so that can create a good impact in their surroundings as well. Read more>>

Ben Ivey | Audio Engineer / Production Manager

My wife and daughter. Good people. Meeting engineers that are willing to chat and share ideas. Read more>>

Dwayne Curry | YouTuber & influencer (Shlidetv)

I’m inspired by certain situations in my life A big one for me is my dad he was all American linebacker college football player at Mississippi state set to be a high draft pick but unfortunately he was injured the last game of the season breaking his hip this was a big impact on me growing up witnessing his pain from the incident and everyone telling this story when I was little this made me feel like I had to make up for that since I was little but football was never my favorite sport but I knew I had to avenge this and make him happy being his son. Read more>>

Tory Keit | Chairman of the Board of Directors

My legacy is something I hold close to my heart. I want to be remembered as someone who prioritized family, always nurturing and supporting those closest to me. Family forms the foundation of everything I do, and I believe it’s the core of a meaningful life. Beyond that, I want to leave a lasting impact on my community. Whether through my work as an author, artist, photographer, or nonprofit leader, my goal has always been to uplift others and create opportunities for growth and self-expression. My passion for the arts isn’t just about personal creativity; it’s about fostering an environment where others can thrive and share their voices. Read more>>

Iantha Ussin | The New Teachers’ Teacher

More than anything, I want people to remember that I lived a life by God’s leading. That would be my ideal legacy. I want people to know I simply did what God told me to do whenever He told me to do it. I was born to be a teacher, so in 2006, when God told me to enter the teaching profession, I didn’t hesitate. When He told me to start a dance camp in 2005 that eventually became a dance school, I moved with haste. For 15 years, that dance school taught the Word of God to hundreds of girls and transformed entire families in the process. After 15 years in the classroom, God told me to retire and give my all—through my own business—to equipping new teachers for the classroom. I didn’t question His instruction. I simply followed His lead. My business and any success it has is a result of me following God’s direct plan for my life. Read more>>

Tyanna Watts | Content Creator & Creative Director

Creativity is probably the most valuable principle to me. Well, I treat it like a life principle anyway. Being creative, the act of creation, and creativity as a concept are so important to me. Striving to be creative really has driven all of my most important life decisions from leaving jobs and living situations for space to be more innovative, or connecting myself to spaces and people so that I can be challenged creatively. Read more>>

Louis Buralda | Artist & Rapper

The end goal is to live the most calmest life doing the things I absolutely love. Every moment spent in misery is a waste. Professionally will invest in my art until it invests in my peace years later. Meaning, I will gain artistic familiarity and financial gain years later down the line. Read more>>

Tayana Saul | Media Personality & Event Host

The end goal for me is to be in the fashion industry as well as becoming an actress. I eventually want to have my own clothing brand , skin line , and so more. I want to host huge awards show and events and just be able to make a big name for myself in the entertainment and fashion world . Read more>>

Yudenia Guerra | Real Estate Broker

One of the most important lessons that I have been taught was to work with the end in mind. This is so that you can identify distractions. Anything that comes in your space at the time that doesn’t look like the end goal is a distraction. Have the wisdom to sort through “those distractions” with your end goal and only allow what aligns with your goal or that which you want. This can be applied to all areas in life where you want to achieve something. Read more>>