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.

Sonjia Burns

You know to keep going because you go through the stress and burnout. You want to give up but you think about how far you have come. Another thing is alot of people want me to fail but I keep going because doubt is what motivates me. Read More>> 

Ricquelle Badger

I feel the most important thing that I have done as a parent in terms of impact on my children is instilling the value of maintaining strong faith in God. My children have witnessed my successes, my shortcomings, and everything in between. It’s truly humbling being a parent because your children’s actions mirror yours. Read More>>

Madaí Chakell

I see risk as alignment, not fear. Every major step in my career has come from trusting my vision enough to leap before everything was guaranteed. Read More>>

Chirstin Kennedy-Miggins

The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brand.. has been consistency and faith. I’ve been through a lot in life, from becoming a young mom in college to overcoming postpartum depression, losing 100 pounds, and completely rebranding myself inside and out. But through it all, I never stopped showing up for myself. Read More>>

Demarkus (Zem) Hurt

I would say the most important factor behind my success is my family and friends. Their constant support, encouragement, and belief in me push me to aim higher and keep improving on my art. Having people who truly want to see me win has been a major foundation of my growth. Read More>>

Joya Dupree

What truly makes me happy is the love I share with my family and the pride I feel in my business. My family gives me purpose, grounding, and the kind of support that reminds me why life is worth living. This niece of minds, she brings me so much happiness that it’s hard to put in words. Read More>>

Rudolf Martino

I believe we all were born for a purpose, for personal fulfillment, and to benefit others. So I believe that I live true to my divine, purpose for personal gratification and to make the world a better place. So this makes me happy and content. Read More>>

Avy Schondorf

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is: *“Just be more disciplined.”* That advice falls apart once you look at context—especially for women and neurodivergent people. For women, discipline is often assumed to be lacking when the reality is the opposite. Read More>>

Abdul Wasir

It really started with curiosity. Since childhood, I’ve always loved figuring things out, inventing ideas, and trying new things. Creativity felt natural to me. As I grew, that curiosity turned into a love for visual storytelling. I found myself drawn to design, motion, digital art… Read More>>

Venisha Penland

I’ve had a vivid imagination ever since I was little. However what really sparked my interest was when I was in second grade, my art teacher sent my self portrait out into an art contest and I unknowingly won second place. She informed me that when people saw my artwork, they were overjoyed. Read More>>

Alex Gettlin and Rachel LaForce

Creating and operating a small production company and entertainment venue while married and raising two young boys is like doing the obstacles curses in American Ninja Warrior blindfolded. You’re just kinda hoping for the best. Ha! For us, balance is most literally ‘a balancing act’. We’re constantly rearranging and juggling. Old things go out, new things come in. Read More>>