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.

Makala Muhammed | Artist & Engineer

Open-mindedness is a value that I hold high. Being open-minded is something that allows you to always see the glass as half full, with enough space for new ideas, perspectives, and knowledge. Read more>>

Taryn Souders | Children’s Author

I never planned to be an author. I actually got my degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a specialization in mathematics, and then got my teacher certification. Read more>>

Jonell Lay | Interior Designer, Retired UX Leader, Founder of Rae Adam Design Studio

I have several favorite affirmations that lift me out of the inevitable yucky spots, and one of my most referenced is “Trust the process.” I love it because the affirmation applies so broadly – to design, to relationships, being an athlete, musician, student, preparing for a presentation…you name it – and it grounds me in the moments when I’m swirling as a reminder the swirl is normal and it’s not the conclusion. There are steps and stages to follow for a reason. If I do the daily work, the rest will take care of itself. Read more>>

Zoe Walker | Model/Actress

My favorite affirmation is “Peace is in your feet. You have the power to walk away from or towards whatever does or does not serve your peace”. This affirmation has been a life saver for me in all type of situations. Whether it is a relationship, or a tough decision that needs to be made. If I go this way, will this bring me peace or chaos? Asking myself this question has been the deciding factor in all my situations over the past few years. Read more>>

Kendra N. Bryant Aya | Black Womanist Professor and Writer

I don’t take risks. I trust the universe. In Paulo Coehlo The Alchemist, he writes: The universe conspires in our favor. However, for the universe to do so, we have to be open and trusting–trust that whatever decisions we make on our life’s journey, having made the decision, we have surrendered fear and trepidation re: “risk.” Instead, we have said to ourselves, who are of and in the universe, that it is so. There’s nothing left to do but to witness our decisions unfold. Read more>>

Theresa Raines | Solutions Architect, Artist & Pilates Instructor

Risk is exciting! I’ve never shied away from it. In fact, I often run towards it. In high school and college, when I was a competitive diver, this meant asking the coach to do harder divers maybe even before I was ready. With my art, it means saying yes to things I haven’t done before. “Go Big or Go Home” became a mantra at some point. As did “More is More.” As I mature as an artist, and a solopreneur, I am trying to be more logical about risk, considering not just the upside but also the potential downside. I will take risks for commissions, where people pay some money up front. I mitigate the risk by working on four different versions of the commissioned painting at the same time being more conservative with some and more experimental with others. This allows me to push boundaries while still ensuring I have at least one version the clients like. Often, they end up liking more than one and may be one of the others too. Art that isn’t commissioned, is speculative by nature. You don’t know if what you are creating will sell. In these situations, I am becoming more risk averse, e.g., working smaller, spending less money until I gauge market reaction. Read more>>

Jasmine Encarnacion | Worship Leader/ Gospel Artist/Singer & Songwriter

The most important factor behind my success and brand, is God and family! That is the strongest foundation, I believe one should have. Without God, I am nothing. Without God, I wouldn’t carry the level of anointing that I do and in return, that wouldn’t mean anything for my brand. My brand is about me changing lives through the ministry of worship and song. Family is a HUGE factor in my success and brand, because they are apart of who I am. My husband, John, pushes and supports me like no other. Without him, Jasmine E. Ministries wouldn’t be as successful as it is. I thank God for family. Read more>>

Gabe Ben-Or | Owner and Licensed Home Inspector

I think there are several factors that contribute to our success. I began in this industry over 20 years ago starting my own construction company. I believe having a GC license and over 15 years of building experience gives me a different perspective when inspecting homes. Read more>>

Janessa Saunders | Behavioral Health and Communication Coach

Expressive Coaching’s end goal is to provide adults and children with the tools to demonstrate the highest level of integrity, compassion, and determination. By the end of my career, I would like to own one of the world’s largest and most influential coaching organizations. Read more>>