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.

Rylee Oyler

I’m very goal-oriented, so I set goals for myself and make to-do lists so I can see my progress and the strides I’m making toward my bigger goals and dreams.

When I first started at SCAD, I didn’t really know working in film was an option. I had mostly only heard about theater, and even that felt like a stretch from a traditional career path. In my second quarter, I got involved in some student films and was given the chance to do production design and set dressing. Once I was given that opportunity and that confidence boost, I was all in. Read More>>

Gabby Dawson

I believe one of the most important things I’ve done as a parent is showing my daughter what it looks like to work hard and persevere through difficult seasons. I want her to see that challenges are a part of life, but they don’t define us—our response does. Through both the good days and the hard ones, I strive to model joy in work, gratitude, and a deep reliance on faith. My hope is that she grows up understanding that with God’s guidance, perseverance, and a grateful heart, she can walk through anything with strength and purpose. Read More>>

Frelecia King

I view risk as a necessary part of growth, but it has to be intentional. I don’t take blind risks; I take calculated ones where I understand both the upside and what I’m willing to lose.

Every major step in my career, starting my business and entering a niche childcare market with limited information, required me to move before I felt fully ready. Nearly a decade later, as I expand, securing hotel partnerships and expanding into new markets, that same mindset still applies. Each of those decisions created opportunities that wouldn’t have existed if I had played it safe. Read More>>

 Kristina Svirskaite

After spending many years in the corporate world, I found myself consistently drawn to the creative side of my work. Whether I was photographing marketing events, contributing to advertising, or supporting new campaigns, I naturally gravitated toward visual storytelling. Photography was always a constant in my life. I always had a camera with me, especially while traveling solo for work. Read More>>

 Bari Mcknight

I decided to pursue music because as I reached adulthood I was trying to reinvent fun. I had some free time and pinned up emotions and I figured what a good way to express it by doing music . It started out with me in my room playing beats from youtube. Then I would come up with lyrics and melodies. When I liked it enough I would record then and listen back later. As I kept doing it I started to feel accomplished and proud but most importantly I was having fun. Read More>>

 Jamese Wiley

With the increase in bookings and now having a part time waitressing job, the balance has definitely shifted some . It has become a bit challenging to make time for the small luxuries , if I’m honest . Now, I will say that I think of this shift as a good problem to have . An increase in bookings shows an increase in interest and a new level of understanding for my work from the public . So that is actually exciting ! Life is full of growing pains and fresh obstacles – these things are meant to keep you nimble and agile . And I’m positive that as I move forward with my photography and work completely for myself, the time wrinkles will smooth out ! Read More>>