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.

Earl Roberts

I’ll rather know about my business and don’t support. Than to not support because you did know about my business.
My mission is to market and promote what I have to offer. Read More>>

Lauren Citron

The way my zine Glass came to life was inspired by a combination of things. I was really inspired by zines like Hallogallo and Phase Zero and the messages they stood for. One summer day in 2023, my friend Erin suggested I could create my own zine, and the idea came to me very quickly. I knew I wanted this project to be collaborative, involving all of my amazing creative friends I had made throughout my life – particularly at SCAD Atlanta. Read More>>

Allyson Merchant

From the time I can remember, I have always been fascinated with photography. Even back in the 90s I would always beg my mom to get a disposable camera, and then proceed to beg her to upgrade for the 1hr developing process , ha!

Next, I remember endless selfies & mirror pics with crummy digital cameras. Eventually, after getting married, I knew I wanted to purchase a decent camera to capture special memories and family gatherings. I began obsessing over learning settings and perfecting my skills. Read More>>

Mariah Deiwert

I find success not to be a high bank account balance, following count, or awards. Success, to me, is about being happy, doing what you love, and making the most out of life. A goal of mine, ever since a child, was to ensure that I am happy— it is pretty simple. Success to me, looks like a supportive, loving community and validation within oneself. I find that, if you constantly live your life chasing a goal or endpoint, you will always find it hard to find satisfaction, and the beauty is mainly on the route to that goal. It’s great to be goal-oriented, but it’s just as important to be grateful for what is in front of you right now. Read More>>

CRYSTAL D WOODS

I’ve redefined the meaning of success for my life. Success is alignment and authenticity. It’s not only about what you achieve—it’s also about who you become in the process. When your spirit, purpose, and actions are in harmony, there’s a deep peace and confidence that no title, paycheck, or spotlight can replace. Alignment creates a flow. And when you’re in that flow, it naturally invites more opportunity and abundance into your life. Doors open, people show up, and life begins to mirror your inner clarity and intention.  Read More>>

Austin Wheelis

Of the many times in my life that would encourage the feeling of defeat and for me to wave the white flag, I truly never have or will give up. After the passing of my father, coach and teacher of the right way to live life passed away, this sparked the hardest time I had to endure and adapt to life without a mentor anymore. Not financially being able to make it to his funeral just fueled my fire for success and to help others just like me once I’ve unlocked the most innovative motivational never give up true life stories. Read More>>

Delatria Sam

As I look back on the journey of my life, I’m reminded that the stories we tell are a reflection of who we are. Though I grew up in New Orleans, I’ve found a new sense of community, comfort, and inspiration here in Atlanta. When self-doubt kicks in and I’m struggling to find the right words to say, I think about why I started writing my story in the first place. What motivated me? What was the inspiration behind my story? I ask myself: is this story still worth sharing? If the answer is yes, I find the strength and courage to keep going.  Read More>>

Ashley Richardson

As a parent, one of the most important things I do is showing up with consistency, love, and intentional guidance. For many parents, this often looks like: Being emotionally available – letting your child know it’s safe to talk about anything without judgment. Teaching by example – modeling how to handle conflict, money, relationships, and setbacks with integrity. Protecting their peace – choosing environments, people, and routines that foster growth and confidence.  Read More>>

Alonzo/Bridgett Patrick

We stopped making decisions without putting God first. Read More>>

Anita Hsu

Risk-taking is a natural part of life—everyone engages in it to some degree, though some are more risk-averse than others. Entrepreneurs, by nature, are risk-takers, and I come from a long line of them. My great-grandparents sent my maternal grandmother from China to Malaysia to live with my grandfather’s family, with the hope that they would eventually marry. They did this to help her escape the oppression of the Cultural Revolution, fully aware that they might never see her again. Read More>>

Meg Poveromo

I love taking risks! It’s something you pretty much have to get used to in the creative field. I think about how many people avoid starting something they’ve always wanted to do because they’re scared of looking stupid or think they’ll be bad at it and it’s just a really lame mindset to have. I’m able to say with full confidence that anyone who’s had something to say about me regarding taking risks in my art is in fact a lame person. As a filmmaker, you have to take risks with money, time, your social life and sanity among else.  Read More>>

Abigail Strickland

Often, I have found myself inspired by the moments that have happened in my life, which I have not seen visibly represented in the media or honestly portrayed on TV. I am inspired by the experiences I have had, which I have heard no one talk about with raw emotion. After the death of my older brother, I remember sitting at the funeral home and picking out his casket with my parents and sister. There were moments within that visit that made me think, “Wow. No one talks about this experience, nor prepares you. Read More>>

Ballanah Torbett

A habit I’ve acquired that helps me succeed is persistence. You have to be persistent to be an effective scientist, and of course to be a successful small business baker you need to persist in generating new ideas/recipes, executing them, and troubleshooting them. It can be a pretty tough blow when you take risks and they don’t pay off, but it’s an opportunity to grow.  Read More>>

Kyle Alessair

Setting clear intentions for everything and staying organized has been major, In addition to being intentional with my time. Whether I’m styling a client, designing for my brand, or directing a shoot, I always approach it with structure while also paying major attention to details. It is about staying consistent and executing whether for content or projects, planning my weeks, tracking my goals, and reflecting have also helped. Lastly, building a personal relationship with individuals in your community is important whether it’s a client or collaborator, networking is key. Read More>>

Gina Suárez

Human connection. Truly listening to each client, their story, and translating their vision — their dream — into a unique event. Also, working as a family has been a strength: each of us brings something different to the table, and that combination has been essential for our growth. Read More>>

Jamie Bice

The most important factor behind my success is really multifaceted. It started with hard work and dedication from a very young age. I began training seriously in middle school, coming up in the sport with nothing handed to me. My father, Jimmy Riddle, played a huge role in shaping me—not just as a rider but as an athlete. He showed me what it means to be professional and what it truly takes to be successful in a competitive world. Read More>>

Matthew Turner

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is “A college degree is essential for success.” Success shouldn’t be defined by a seven figure piece of paper that most people can’t land a job with. Most people are more successful with trades now a days than the majority of degrees. I also believe people have many different paths to success and a degree shouldn’t be the only route. Read More>>

Na-Tia Parker

My lesson I needed to learn was understanding my “Why”. When I graduated high school I attempted to do cardiovascular tech. I wanted something in the medical field that I thought equaled financial freedom. I went through & I took an overload of classes. The program was very limited to get in & I was selected to do the radiology program, which only allowed a total of thirteen students. I decided to stop school all together because my heart wasn’t there.  Read More>>

Ashley Goodrich

The most important lesson my business has taught me is definitely that consistency is really where you see results. If you show up each day and do the things that you were taught to get results, you will be successful. Most people give up if they don’t see results right away. Success comes to those who stick with it. Read More>>

Michael Thomas

I was born in Marietta GA and had a very good, strict upbringing from my Air Force dad and my mom. They encouraged compassion and empathy and care for others less fortunate. I did take a humanities class at Marietta High School where we were given cameras to complete a project where we picked a song and took related photos with people, things and whatever we wanted to be in the composition. I chose Money by Pink Floyd and took photos that related to greed that other people didn’t have – fancy cars, big homes, waste etc.  Read More>>