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.

Bobbie Johnson | Cotton Candy Lady

Sweet Carolina Delights came about as my daughter and I tossed around different business ideas. From a bagel shop, to face painting, to cotton candy and concession items, Sweet Carolina Delights was soon created. We operate a mobile business that specializes in hand spinning cotton candy at public and private events with other delightful concession items to come for our sweet customers. Read more>>

Mario Jovan Shaw | Leadership Coach & Founder

I passionately believe that we are facing a global leadership crisis. Good leaders are stepping down while inadequate ones are taking their place, resulting in a troubling lack of diversity and increasing isolation within leadership teams across various sectors. This is not just a minor issue but a significant impediment to progress and innovation. Read more>>

Emily Crowell | Photographer

I have been capturing my family and friends important milestones for years. When I became a parent, I spent so much time taking photos of my babies. After many discussions, my mom surprised me with my first DSLR and I started my journey. I realized that I could combine my love of meeting people and photography – the idea was born. I started with free sessions and before long I had created a business. I have had the honor of documenting almost every milestone has to offer (except birth) and it is such a privilege. I have many clients that I see grow year after year and I am so thankful. Read more>>

Ellysa Smith | Chief Human and Choiceness Coach

As a first generation American, my parents emphasized hard work. As immigrants, their goal was always to provide a better life for their children and to live the American Dream. Much of the responsibility to use their sacrifice as a greater blessing came to me as the eldest child. Work life balance was nonexistent and it showed up as pursuing education strongly. In highschool, I had one of the highest GPAs at 104 yet balancing seemed impossible between basketball and school work. College was just as much of a struggle. Imposter syndrome attending a prestigious school as a minority also made balancing school, work, and life hard. Read more>>