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.

Austin Amaral | United States Marine and Hip-Hop Artist

One book that absolutely changed my perspective on business and life in general was “It’s All In Your Head” by Russ. The book centered around the successful rapper’s career and what it took to get there. Russ really embraces that we, as people, need to get out of our own way when creating the life we want, hence the title, “It’s All In Your Head”. In his autobiographical take, Russ discusses Self-belief, doing something you truly love, how delusion can be a good thing, and how dreams only work if you do. Reading this masterpiece has been one of the best decisions of my career due to his insightful words and the similarities in our careers early development. Instantly after reading this book, I felt my whole mindset shift and I really started embracing the struggles that come with chasing your dreams. Work hard, love what you do, and don’t be scared to fail; just make sure you learn from it! Read more>>

Qween Qweezy | Artist, icon, superstar

Staying consistent helped me succeed. I consistently post content. I consistently create content. I engage with my fan base I ask them what they want from me as an artist and how I can best serve them. I pivot when a plan is not working or there is a better way to do something. I remain positive even if the world is falling apart. I focus on the end goal and the things that matter. Read more>>

Steven Mendez | Actor, Model, Costume Designer, and Project Manager

I am a planner by nature. I love to map out any project from beginning to end. I use this in every aspect of life. Whether it’s my choices for a scene or my meal preps. I have a visual for it. Establishing that kind of habit helps control the chaos that is an artist’s life. Good habits creates good art. Read more>>

Curtis Menifield Jr. | Event Coordinator & Creative Consultant

What makes me happy? First off, I would say food. I love to eat as many can tell. I don’t play about a meal or snack. With my career choice; seeing people enjoy themselves and leaving with a smile, is the best feeling an event coordinator desire. I’m a people pleaser and love to cater towards entertainment wants of guest. Read more>>

Jeff Jeudy | Jeff Jeudy | TikTok Star

As a content creator on TikTok, one of the most important values or principles that matters to me is authenticity. Authenticity is crucial because it fosters genuine connections with my audience. When I create content that reflects my true self, beliefs, and experiences, it resonates more deeply with viewers. This authenticity builds trust and loyalty among my followers, leading to a more engaged and supportive community. Read more>>

Donna Jacobs | Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Certified Doula

At RAGGz DOULA we pride ourselves in establishing and maintaining values that equate to not just the survival of Mothers and Babies during their most vulnerable time of birth, we also ensure that Mothers and their baby have the exposure to options. Giving a Mother the ability to choose what she wants to do regarding the birth of her baby and the care of herself and baby exposes her to a side of prenatal, birthing and postpartum that she did not even know existed. Read more>>

Tonya L. Cornelius | Licensed Life Insurance Agent/Licensed Investment Broker /Business Coach

Attending school and obtaining a good education often leads to securing a good job upon graduation.

While I am not opposed to higher education, I do question the practice of accumulating student loan debt for a degree that may not lead to employment in one’s chosen field. Read more>>

Antwon Patterson | Protective Hair Stylist & Artist

At times throughout my childhood, I would hear my elders teach us children that the only way to success was to pick a job or career and stick with that for as long as possible. Life is an adventure and passions grow and die while new ones are birthed on the way: I’ve learned that it’s actually okay to explore many different avenues and success is dependent on you not giving up rather that the conventional advice of playing it safe wherever you’re comfortable. Read more>>

Avery On The Beat | Platinum Selling Music Producer & Audio Engineer

This is a long game and you have to be patient and persistent at the same time. Even though you might have one or two big records out, you always have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what’s next. You have to constantly change up how you are doing things and start to be more efficient with your time and what you put energy into. Read more>>

Helen Crawford | Florist

The most invaluable lesson I have come to learn from my business journey is the importance of patience in fostering success. As a business owner, mastering patience proves to be one of the most formidable challenges. Reflecting on the myriad of near-miss decisions stemming from impatience, I’m humbled by the realization that patience is not only a virtue but a necessity. Gratefully, through introspection and divine guidance, I’ve cultivated patience for both myself and my business. This newfound virtue instills a profound sense of confidence, reassuring me that what is meant for me will come to fruition in due time. Read more>>

Joseph Cole | Serial Entrepreneur

The most important lesson that I have learned is to be patient. Success is not going to happen overnight. Everyday you have put in work and keep moving forward with your vision. Read more>>

Zuri Pryor-Graves | Intimacy Coordinator, Sex Therapist, Mental Health Consultant for Television & Film

As my journey in the fields of intimacy coordination, sex therapy, and mental health has progressed, I’ve undergone a profound transformation in how I approach work-life balance. Initially, my focus was singularly devoted to establishing my expertise and effecting change within the entertainment industry. Immersed in this pursuit, I dedicated long hours and boundless energy to advancing my career aspirations. Read more>>

Soo Oh Bang | Film, commercial, music video director

When I began working in the film industry, I aimed to achieve a balanced approach between my professional and personal life. However, I soon realized that in the film industry, schedules are subject to frequent changes, and project timelines can be unpredictable. Consequently, I had to adapt my approach to prioritize intense focus during work periods and seize opportunities for rest whenever they arose. Read more>>

Candace Orange | Creative Director & Serial Entrepreneur

When faced with the decision of whether to continue pushing forward or to consider letting go, as a seasoned entrepreneur, this is a challenge I encounter regularly. Many people mistakenly equate “giving up” with failure, but through my experiences, I’ve come to understand that failure is not an endpoint, but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement. It’s about addressing weaknesses and imperfections and using them as stepping stones toward success. Read more>>