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.

Lizette Cruz Watko | Founder & Executive Director

The Diamante Arts & Cultural Center has been around for over 25 years. However, in the last year, we embarked on a new endeavor. Many know of our two art galleries, but we wanted to give Latino makers an opportunity to sell their works. Thus the “La Tiendida” (diminutive for store) Gift Shop was created. And now the “La Tiendita” is hosting a Winter Market. Read more>>

Jamelle | Singer/Songwriter

I’ve changed how I define success. Success is a term that is relative to each person. What one person thinks of as success can be totally different to another person. To me, success is how I impact people. How they remember me. How I made them feel. As an artist, if my art touches 1 single person in a positive way then Im successful! Read more>>

Alivia Moe | Brand Owner & Author

In my own experience, it’s less of a knowing and more of a feeling. When it comes to my path as a creative giving up isn’t a reality I’ve ever considered. The feeling of giving up has always led me either to a new medium or a new outlook on what I am already doing. What I create comes from extensions of myself I need to explore to continue to grow as a person and in turn grow my career as a creative. I am a creative, that is my calling and my choice. And at the end of the day, I am a human surviving and continuing to take on this life through connection and creation. The feeling of giving up has only led me to what’s next. Read more>>

Cindy Hudson | President & Co-Founder

Taking risks has been the heartbeat of our nonprofit journey. We view risks not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and impact. Embracing the unknown has allowed us to challenge the status quo, pioneering innovative approaches to empower future leaders. In the realm of scholarships and community building, we recognize that without venturing into uncharted territories, we cannot unearth the untapped potential that lies within individuals and communities. Our commitment to taking calculated risks propels us forward, shaping a legacy that goes beyond conventional boundaries, making a lasting difference in the lives we touch. Read more>>

Hanif Brown | Photographer & Videographer

Individuality. I believe creating things that are true to yourself is the most important factor. Not creating stuff to please other people or get other peoples approval or for likes and comments. As long as you have a vision for a project that’s for you, not anybody else, only then will you find true success. Read more>>

Shevaun Poole | Dog Groomer

Integrity: one of my main values is integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior in my business dealings. Building trust with customers, employees, and partners is crucial for long-term success. Read more>>

Samantha Vitabile | IBCLC & Owner of Honeysuckle Lactation Consultants

I don’t believe there is an end goal in my career. I have ongoing goals and work towards them, and when I hit a goal, I reflect on how I achieved it, what I’d like to do or experience next, and start working towards that. For example, my lactation business started as me wanting to supplement my income so I could help more families outside of a hospital environment and build independence in my profession. I am almost a year into the business at this point, and have achieved both of those. While I love working for the hospital I am employed at, I have been able to split my time across that any Honeysuckle Lactation. Read more>>

Kenda Kistenmacher | Jewelry Designer

Work life balance is very hard for entrepreneurs, most startups are a one person job that does all the things. When starting out, you do everything from and then when you have realized that you are over your head, you finally seek need help but are constantly wondering if you can afford it. This is especially for creatives, like myself, it’s not in a lot of us to be good at spreadsheets and numbers. The best thing you can do to achieve balance is to hire people that do the things you aren’t good at. By utilizing your best assets and hiring out things that frustrate you, you leave yourself open to have boundaries from your work life. In my case, after 15 years, I”m still trying to find the balance but I’m getting there. Read more>>