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.

Jana Rife

Yes. This quote has been hanging on my studio wall for over 12 years. It reminds me to keep moving forward towards my dream, even if it’s risky.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
Henry David Thoreau Read More>>

DJ Croft

How I came up with my business was when growing up I saw myself acting as different types of characters and dressing up as them. I really enjoy the creativity and the arts of being someone different and making and drawing things. One day I decided to become a video game character from a very popular video game franchise and I self taught myself how to hand make the costumes from scratch using different types of materials. Read More>>

Zaevan Cherilus

So the team and I wanted to make something that we felt represented all Caribbean nations. Being from a Haitian background we felt at the time that there wasn’t a lot of representation of Haitian culture in the ATL area. We made the name “Karayib” which means Caribbean in Haitian Creole to be a way of giving the spotlight to not only Haitians but to all Caribbean countries as a whole who don’t get talked about as much. Read More>>

Krissy Williams

Sometimes life puts us in situations where either option, pushing forward or walking away, feels like a form of surrender. But for some of us, giving up was never truly on the table.

At 16 years old, I became a mother. That moment could have defined me in limiting ways, but instead, it lit a fire in me. I developed a strong sense of ambition early, knowing I wanted more, not just for myself, but for my daughter. By 17, I had my first apartment in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Tallahassee, Florida. I was working at Popeyes, budgeting pennies, and dreaming big. It wasn’t glamorous. It was grit, determination, and survival. Read More>>

Ayanah

One book that deeply impacted me is We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers. As a Black woman entrepreneur, this book was a game-changer. It challenged everything I had been taught about money, worth, and success. Rachel doesn’t just talk about making money—she talks about reclaiming power, creating legacy, and giving yourself full permission to live abundantly. Read More>>

Josh Watts

I am always in awe of any piece of art that has a stunning, colorful composition. Whether it be paintings, sculptures, films, animations, concerts, etc, nothing can influence me more than art with an outstanding creative visual. A strong example of a specific creator who inspires me in this way is Edgar Wright. His films, such as Last Night in Soho, for example, have so much clever color usage that they make me feel connected to his films emotionally, and just thoroughly impact me from the moment I see them. Read More>>  

Keya Trivedi

My journey as a storyteller began with a deep desire to share honest, underrepresented narratives. I was honored to be featured in Brown Girl Magazine, which opened the door to meaningful conversations and visibility. This experience inspired me to expand my voice through podcasts, where I explored culture, identity, and personal growth in more depth. Read More>>

Shuronda Booker

I want to be remembered being warm, leaving a beautiful presence, being the person that anyone can be their authentic self without judgement, or left feeling uneasy or uncomfortable. I want to be remembered as & positive energy shifter. I want to be remembered as a loving wife and mother.

I want to be remembered as the vault person that one person you can spill the tea with tell your vulnerabilities, and unseen success and they know that it stays safe. I want to be remembered as the crown fixer as a woman or man crown may tilt I will help them straighten it with grace. Read More>>

Bo Diesel

I want my legacy to be that I helped artists bring their most honest, powerful stories to life. That I was the person who made them feel heard—literally and emotionally. I want people to remember me as someone who didn’t just chase trends, but who created a sound that stood for something deeper. Whether I was behind the boards or mentoring younger engineers, I want my work to echo integrity, soul, and connection—something that moved people, elevated the culture, and opened doors for others coming up in the Atlanta scene. Read More>>

Amber Millians

The end goal for me as the owner of Notorious Jeep Club is to build something that outlives me — a movement, not just a club. I want NJC to be nationally recognized not only for our love of Jeeps and the off-road lifestyle, but for the impact we make in our communities. Read More>>

Meredith Staton

It’s interesting that this particular moment in my life is when I am doing this interview. Although I am more focusing on my creative endeavors here, my work life has recently taken a huge turn. I have been a Victim Advocate for 18 years. I have assisted hundreds of people as they walk through the criminal justice process after experiencing some of the worst things a human can experience. Although there are some very rewarding moments in being an Advocate, it also takes a toll on you and how you view the world.  Read More>>

Latoya Wilson

The most important lesson that my career has taught me was to trust in God. There were highs and there were lows but my Faith in Christ is what kept me going. Many people thrive in high times but lose their mind when they experience lows and can’t bounce back or recover, but the secret to success through those time is found in Christ. He has given me strength and wisdom to navigate through the those times. So, yea the biggest lesson is holding fast to my Faith in Christ. Read More>>

Terry T Miles

To believe in myself before believing in others. Because people mouth will say a lot of things that they aren’t really ready to back up but I am as a dreamer. Read More>>