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.

Jesse Jones

Giving up in my experience has such a negative connotation that the mere mention of it puts people on the defensive. I choose to reword the phrase and not look at it as giving up, but rather look at it as recalibrating or reassessing what is working. Once that mindset has been changed it becomes much easier to recognize whether or not it is time to change course (another good phrasing) or not. Read More>>

Shakarra Archie

For me, I know when to keep going because I have already survived too much to quit now. I have faced setbacks, heartbreak, betrayal, and loss, but I did not let those moments define me. They shaped me, they made me stronger, and they taught me lessons I can carry into the next season of my life. Read More>>

Zari Behzadfar

Everyday, if I feel like I have been useful in some way, that makes me happy. I believe when you do something beneficial for your family or community, it means that your life means something. This could be anything from work to cooking for my loved ones to spending time with them and making sure people feel taken care of. It can be as small as giving someone a ride or doing something bigger like taking care of someone in my house who is in need.  Read More>>

Sydney Stone

The only way to truly be happy in your career is to do what you love. Adjust your lifestyle so that you can do it for the most joy instead of the most money. Read More>>

Ashley Abshire

My entire life, I’ve always been intrigued by the creative arts world, specifically entertainment. In a way, I guess you could say I’ve had a passion for it since birth, starting when my mom went into labor with me while buying concert tickets and later, delivered me while that year’s Oscar ceremony was airing in the background. From there, I took matters into my own hands.  Read More>>

Sarah Racine

Sustaining someone with good food and good hospitality is a spiritual calling, and a core part of who I am. Getting to do that not only as a hobby or special interest but as a career gives so much meaning to my life. Since I am the General Manager of Dogwood Catering, I also get to instill this belief and pursuit in others throughout the company, which is very rewarding. Read More>>