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.

Shameia Crawford

I believe life is about discovering what BALANCE looks like in each Season. There will be times when you have to really put your head down and LOCK IN to get desired results. You have to take moments to do a few hours of Down time or a Staycation for a few days, or do a Work-Vacation. Other times you will have worked yourself into a great sense of Balance and Freedom! Read more>>

Tyler Rood | Character Performer & Actor

At first I bought my Spider-Man suits for conventions only. Then I decided to put them to good use by giving back to the community through birthday parties, charity events, and other public events. Read more>>

Jmarie Rivera Butler | Singer/Songwriter and Background Vocalist

Success to me means having inner peace in all you do. My goal is to continue my journey in bringing peace and joy into all the music I create, the places I go, and the people I meet. Read more>>

Dominic Willi | Model

I don’t define success in how much money you have or how many followers you get on social media. I think success is defined on what the person needs. For me, my success comes from family and friends. If I have people in my life who will stand by my side despite my failures and flaws, that’s success. You can have all the money in the world and all the followers you could want. If you have friends that stay by your side through your worst to see you thrive at your best, that is success. Having a significant other that loves you regardless of what you drive or what is in your wallet, who will watch you grow and get the money and car. That is success to me. Read more>>

Frances Fomai | Decompression Session Founder and Podcast Host

Figuring out that I was the problem in the relationship with my kids. While going to therapy to find a solution to “fix” the kids I found who that problem really was. It’s like finding your hand in some deep and stinky sh*t and that was not a good feeling. I had to come to terms with the truth of how I showed up for them and if I’m being transparent I was not emotionally available for them and at the time I didn’t know how to be that for them because I wasn’t there for myself. Read more>>

Shareef Cleveland | CEO NMS Records & NMS Radio

NMS Records was founded with the mission of supporting the youth of Akatsi, a small village in the Volta region of Ghana, by providing positive alternatives to harmful behaviors such as drug use and mischief. Dr. Kennesha Bracely, the founder of the non-profit Anuwai Life, and I were approached by the local District Chief, village Chief, and Police Chief to help make a difference. Our organization is rooted in the philosophy of “for the people, by the people.” Read more>>

Haley Minifield | Makeup Artist

The impact I strive for my business in the community is to change the lives of one woman at a time. I want the time spent in my makeup chair to be therapeutic for them. I want each woman to leave with a boost of confidence. Read more>>

 

Aja Stuckey | Content creator/ Plus Size Influencer

I am Inspired by the hate comments and the negative narrative that the people tend to put on me specifically for being a plus size girlie. Frankly i don’t give a care in the world! I love seeing people comment and repost me positively or negatively Im confident enough to know that NOBODY can stop my shine. Being a “fat” “obese” and “big” is something Ive been all my life and Ive never let that stop me from being that bomb person that lights up any room that she walks in. Read more>>

Jordyn Miller | Artist and Musician

I am inspired by all the beautiful small things in life that many look over. From the birds singing each morning to the glow of each sunrise or the red and orange tinted skies in sunsets. It’s nature that brings me the most fulfillment, joy, and peace in life. And that is what brings the inspiration to all the music that I have created. Read more>>

Geo Varghese | Mobile Detail & Pressure Washing Services

There are 3 habits that really help me grow my business. First would be a strong work ethic, coming from immigrant parents I saw my parents work very hard growing up. Second would be having a student mentality, to geo my business I had to be open to learning new things and adapting to whatever changes I came across. Finally having a great attitude there have been some tough times and great times I never let the waves affect my attitude. Read more>>

Sai Shashank Reddy Tadi | Visual Effects Compositor

What makes me happy is the art of creation, specifically in the world of VFX. There’s something magical about bringing impossible worlds and ideas to life—taking a vision and making it tangible for others to experience. It’s the perfect blend of creativity and technology, and seeing a shot come together, knowing that I had a hand in crafting that illusion, fills me with joy. Read more>>

Tashelle Williams | Social Media Manager + Strategist | Owner of Socially Yours Collective LLC

This is not advice per se, but it’s a subject I disagree with wholeheartedly that needs to be addressed. There are some “experts” within the social media management/marketing field that share and promote “cookie cutter” social media strategies for businesses to use and follow. Read more>>

Jai Jefferson | Visual Artist

One piece of conventional advice I would challenge is the idea that you need the most expensive equipment to succeed. In reality, what matters most is the person behind the equipment. Qualities like critical and creative thinking are crucial for effective problem-solving. While high-end equipment can certainly produce visually impressive results, without the right mindset and skills, its potential will fall short. Build your skills gradually and focus on establishing a strong foundation. Read more>>