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.

Savannah Samples | Founder & CEO

Yes! I have an evergreen budget. A budget should always be a live document. Life ebbs and flows, and the budget should reflect this. I update my budget at least quarterly, both for the company and my home. Read more>>

Le”andra (elle) Dove | Creative Consultant and Content Creator

I want so deeply for success to be more than monetary for me so I’m in the process learning what success is for me.

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
Thats it, that’s the definition? So why has it been so hard for me and many others to define and apply it personally? Read more>>

Karen Menjivar | Paralegal & Entrepreneur

As a parent, I believe the most meaningful contribution I can make to my son’s life is to help him recognize and cherish the everyday blessings around him. Building a strong foundation in his faith is essential to guiding him through life’s challenges. Understanding the principles of right and wrong through his faith and a deep respect for God will help him make thoughtful choices and treat others with kindness and integrity. Read more>>

Shay P. | Business Owner/Entrepreneur

The most difficult decision I have ever had to make was being put in a position to having to make a life or death decision. In 2022, my big brother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that unfortunately placed him on life support. The doctor’s came in and stated that he was not responding to the medications or any of the efforts to saving his life. Life hit me hard that day. My parents, neither was in a emotional state to make the necessary decision. My brother’s girlfriend was stunned, traumatized and unable to make the decision as well, because she is not family. The decision then fell upon me and I had to make the decision right away. No time to think, pray, consult….NOTHING! I was hurt, scared, yet I had to remain calm to make the right decision. I was told if I left him on life support, he’d been moved to hospice where he’d be a vegetable. While in hospice, it would just be a waiting game where we’d just be keeping him comfortable. In that moment, I looked around and saw the pain in my momma and knew I couldn’t do it. I told the doctor to wait; that we’d just wait it out. I couldn’t take my brother off life support. I couldn’t give up on him. I struggled everyday if I made the right decision. Although, he did pull through, its been a beautiful uphill struggle for the past 2 years. He’s made so many strides and improvement. I would never wish being put in that situation on anyone. It’s a hurtful feeling. Read more>>

Lisa Engberg | Executive Director – Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.

Everyone has a different opinion on what helped them succeed, reading more, risk taking, etc. For me, it’s my list! At the end of every week, I take a look at my calendar and then make a list of the top things that MUST be done every day the following week. That way when I come into work, I tackle those first thing, usually before the workday has started. This way, I ensure I stay on top of things and then have time to tackle the unexpected as the day goes on. Read more>>

Ugly Josh

I want to fulfill my life by doing everything I can while I’m here on earth. I want people to know that my heart and my joy that I have is indescribable because of the God I serve, therefore I reap supernatural benefits that will help my family and the legacy that eave behind for generations to come. I want my legacy to be fruitful and blessed because that obedience I had by saying Yes to God and his will for my life. Read more>>

Chef Jadie Byrd

As an Indigenous woman, legacy is very important to me. The importance grows the older I become. I want my legacy to be that of wealth that can be passed on to my family and offspring. I want to be able to give my children and their children a family-owned business. I want people to remember me and my brand for the way we showed up for people and our community. I want people to remember the incredible artistic projects we took on and how that helped heal others. I want our uniqueness and authenticity to shine bright. Read more>>

 Sean Sheppheard | CEO

One of my favorite recent books is called “How an Economy Grows and Why It Crashes” by Peter Schiff. I really enjoyed the Island Metaphor used in the book to simplify an economy. Schiff breaks down macroeconomic topics such as the role of savings and investment, the impact of debt, and the impact of the money supply on inflation. Even during our current turbulent economic times, this book puts into perspective how the economy works and what factors lead to its prosperity, or its demise. Even though I don’t agree with every point the author makes, I still believe it’s a good perspective to understand for anyone interested in Economics. Read more>>