Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.

Vivian Roan | Entrepreneur, Youtuber & You’re favorite Sewist!

Success is simply, peace. I’ve had a lifetime of experiences, and I just hit 30. I’ve learned that people will come, people will go, life will change with the seasons, and the only thing you can truly control is your peace. When you have reached the point in your life where nothing or no one thing can affect your peace, you have TRULY learned what it’s like to be successful in all things not a few things. Read more>>

Jamille Ivey | Entrepreneur | Natural Hairstylist

For me, success isn’t just about financial stability or recognition—it’s about building a life that reflects my values and allows me to be fully present for my family. Success means creating something that serves others, brings confidence to my clients, and builds a legacy my child can be proud of. It’s about overcoming challenges with faith, growing through each obstacle, and finding joy in the work I do every day. If I can inspire others to keep pushing toward their dreams despite the hardships, then I feel like I’ve truly succeeded. Read more>>

Quanella Jordan | Nanny, Birth/postpartumDoula

Considering I was a teenage mom, one of the most impactful things I did as a parent was to make sure my children understood it’s ok to ask for help. I showed them you don’t always have to be strong, and that your mental health is very important. By seeking therapy and healing, I demonstrate to my children that it’s okay to acknowledge feelings, seek help, and strive for personal growth. I also made sure to APOLOGIZE to my children and show them the value of accountability and humility.  Read more>>

Noemi Peavie | Host of the Coffeewithcurls Podcast & Founder Rooted In Walks

I draw inspiration from a wide array of sources, finding it in everyday experiences and in the people I encounter. Whether it’s the beauty of nature, the creativity of an artist, or the kindness of a stranger, I believe that inspiration can manifest in countless forms. Each interaction and observation adds to my understanding of the world and fuels my own creativity. Read more>>

Rae Driscoll | Creative Makeup Artist

One of the key habits that has helped me succeed is consistent practice. I believe that the more I work on my techniques, the more confident and skilled I become. Experimentation is another crucial aspect; I love pushing my boundaries by trying out new colors and styles, which really fuels my creativity. I find inspiration everywhere—whether it’s following other artists on social media, or even just exploring different forms of art. Read more>>

Gwendolyn Kuhlmann | Artist & Creative Strategist

I’ve become allergic to the idea of the Career Path. I suppose it’s good to start with – while we’re still finding our way, transitioning from being students to being professionals. But at a certain point, either the benchmarks have been reached or they’ve been missed, and you look up and wonder, “Well, what the hell was all that for?” Because with a Career Path, you don’t have to know why you’re doing it. You just have to know the next step everyone else took, then take it, too. So much of the idea hinges on approval from other people – we go from getting straight A’s to getting the promotions and the salaries. Read more>>

Allie Mitchell | Makeup Artist and Creator

The end goal is definitely to be traveling the world teaching aspiring makeup artists the skills that I have learned and also to teach them how to navigate the beauty industry. I also would love to have a makeup studio and have other artists working for me. Read more>>

Desiree Boyd | Private Chef

One of the most important lessons my career has taught me is the significance of being intentional in every decision and action. Intentionality fosters clarity and focus, helping to align my goals with daily tasks. It means not just reacting to situations, but proactively shaping outcomes. This approach has enhanced my ability to build meaningful relationships and make strategic choices. Ultimately, being intentional has been crucial in driving both personal and professional growth. Read more>>

Yin Agbontaen | Wellness + Social Media Entrepreneur

I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York! I was raised there but went to middle and high school in Rhode Island. I then went to college in Tennessee and moved to California after I graduated. I lived in SoCal for 3 years before moving to Atlanta. On top of that, I’m first-gen with parents from China and Nigeria. All of that pretty much sums up who I am as a person! I’m extremely multi-passionate and multi-faceted. I blend well in almost any environment, can turn any stranger into a friend, and am not afraid of stepping outside my comfort zone. Read more>>

Robert Peterson | Architectural and Interior Design Photographer

I love my work, but nothing matters more to me than being a dad. As a single father to two young daughters, I recognize how critical it is to be present and engaged during these formative years. To make this happen, I’ve restructured my schedule and brought in support, allowing me to consolidate my projects into two focused weeks each month. During the remaining weeks, my bookkeeper and editor handle the backend, which lets me fully step into my roles as dad, homeschool teacher, playmate, and steady presence for my girls. This setup gives me the balance I need to excel in both my work and family life. Read more>>