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.

Adi Foister | Owner & Lead Floral Designer

From the start of my entrepreneurial journey almost 20 years ago, my favorite quote has been, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” by Rumi. This quote resonates deeply with me because it encapsulates the idea of living and working from the heart. For me, it serves as a constant reminder to align my passions with my purpose. As a floral designer, this quote perfectly captures the essence of what drives me. Flowers are not just my medium—they are my passion, my art, and my way of connecting with others. Read more>>

Hope Johnson | Halo’d By Hope (Hairstylist)

“Be who you is, not who you ain’t; Cause if you is who you ain’t, then you ain’t who you is.”

Besides the fact that this quote originated (as far as I know) from my hometown church Pastor in Montgomery, Alabama, a vessel who showed me unconditional love as I was his own child, I ultimately adore this quote because it carried me through my success as not only a college graduate but a business owner in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Kani Young-holliday | Massage Therapist & Esthetician

Risk has played a pivotal role in my career, influencing many of the decisions that have shaped my professional journey in owning a successful massage and esthetics business. Kneaded by Kani started in the middle of the COVID pandemic after I had been let go from my from my job. I used this time to attend esthetics school and became a dual licensed massage therapist and esthetician. I started my business the same month that I graduated, with no prior entrepreneurial experience. Every single day you wake up and take a risk, but you have to know you are capable of achieving anything and driven enough to keep going no matter what the journey brings. Read more>>

Vi Sankarlingam | Earring maker & Artist

One of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read was ‘Flowers for Algernon’ (Daniel Keyes). It has some very profound commentary on what it means to be intelligent, and maybe even human. I’ve always been very academically strong, so reading Flowers for Algernon really broadened my view of my knowledge and how inconsequential it is in the grand scheme of things. At the end of the day, we’re all people trying to further ourselves by all means; I realized after reading the book that it’s the idea that we aren’t perfect yet that ails us all, not the pursuit itself. Flowers of Algernon pushed me to diversify my learning and enjoy the very little (comparatively) knowledge I did have—if you haven’t already, I suggest you pick it up! Read more>>

Katherine Scott Crawford | Author

I read Pat Conroy’s The Prince of Tides when I was a kid (probably too young to be reading it). It was one of the first books I’d read which made me think two things: 1) THIS is what I wanted to do: write beautiful, hard, complicated, and rollicking stories like Conroy did; and 2) that it was possible to both love a place and abhor the dark side of its history, and to give voice to that conflicting emotion on the page. Read more>>

Garren Washington | Serial Entrepreneur and Investor

The most important factor behind my success and my company’s success is two-fold. First, I believe in having a growth mindset which means I believe just about anything is possible. If I don’t know how to do something, I find a way to learn. Our skills, talents and knowledge are not set in stone. They are changeable. Business, like life, is hard and how you frame your mindset makes all the difference in the outcomes you want to be a part of. Read more>>

Krista Morehead | Beauty Supply Co-Owner & Notary

The beauty industry is very inclusive, especially in terms of owning a beauty supply store. Our store, Personal Treasures Beauty Supply & Salon, is one of the only Black-Owned Beauty Supply Stores in Greensboro. Being a black-owned business in an industry where there are few of our kind, we have faced systemic obstacles to provide for our customers. Despite these hurdles, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional products and services to our valued customers. Read more>>

Darren Segool | Teacher and Artist

I was raised in Upstate New York in the heart in the Adirondacks called, Tupper Lake. With mountains, rivers, ponds, and endless forests right outside my door, the great outdoors became part of my soul. My friends and family would wander the woods and climb countless mountains enjoying every breath and step. However, I migrated to North Carolina after college to begin my teaching career. Art was always important to me and I showed promise at a young age making cartoons and decorations for my family. Once I started teaching, I found art was a fantastic way to engage my students explain the beauty of creating art.
I began my art business in 2017 making woodburning(pyrography) designs on scraps of wood. Read more>>

Lanette Kelly | Financial Management Senior Consultant

One of my favorite quotes comes from Romans 8:28: “All things work together for the good.” This resonates deeply with me because it serves as a reminder that even the toughest challenges can lead to meaningful outcomes.

I appreciate this quote so much because it encourages a positive perspective, especially during difficult times. It helps me remember that struggles often have hidden benefits and can ultimately lead to growth and achievement. This mindset has been invaluable in both my personal and professional journey. Read more>>

Desmond “dezzmanx” Thompson | Artist & Musician

I want my legacy to be that I inspired people to believe in themselves and their creative sides, to hope, and to overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their lives.
I’d like to leave behind facets of my energy and of my mentality, especially the parts that can help the world grow in some way. Say for example I have a realization about how to process an emotion more optimally after going through any particular high-stress event that others may not have experienced, then I’ll want to share that with the world as best as possible through my creative outlets. Butterfly effecting people that may never even know my name. Read more>>

Patricia Fearing | Trauma Therapist

That what can appear to be the smallest event can get stuck in us in detrimental ways, especially when we are kids. This doesn’t mean we lack resilience or that we are weak. Trauma can look different for each of us simply because we are all different have different experiences of life. Read more>>

Zamariya Clemons | Founder

“I am a Raleigh native who grew up being raised by a single parent. My mom, a healthcare provider, instilled in me the importance of community, as she herself grew up in South Raleigh and dedicated her time to giving back. She taught me the value of hard work and resilience, balancing the responsibilities of raising three children while continuing her education. Watching her tutor at local churches, volunteer at food banks, and support others inspired me to adopt the same values. My mom showed me what it means to give from abundance and to always look back to uplift others as you progress in life. Her example has deeply shaped my character and the mission I carry with me today.” Read more>>

Kim Bell | Owner/Innkeeper/Chef

Funny that this question was offered as my New Year’s Resolution for 2025 is “Balance”…Balance in all aspects of work & life, finances and health, physical and mental.

Let’s face it; Balance is tough, especially as a small business owner, there’s no 9-5 structure or Monday – Friday focus In hospitality, for us it’s what I call a flex day or flex lifestyle I should say. As owners/innkeepers/chefs Jon & I tease we are always spinning plates & juggling cats (though not to upset PETA I’ll say balls…but balls that are always moving & morphing!) Read more>>

Ana Celeste | Model, Photographer, & Founder of Network Night

Everything changed for me and my business when I noticed the incredible connections and collaborations happening beyond my events and my work. In the past, I had hosted events only for models and photographers to meet and collaborate on themed photoshoot projects; but what I really loved to see was the art they created throughout their professional relationship after meeting at my events. I decided to embrace the evolution of my role as a community connector, not only for models and photographers, but also for local businesses and other creative professionals. Read more>>

Mark Bettis | Artist at Mark Bettis Gallery

After working for a large corporation for many years and having grown up in a family business, I knew I wanted to have my own business. Read more>>

Becca Crutchfield | Steward of Four Farms Place

Over the years I have made a living at basket weaving, baiting fishing boats, gardening, having a private practice in speech therapy and helping to start Camp REACH (for kids with complex communication needs.) I am now the steward of Four Farms Place where we bring people together in community, sometimes to just stay the night and other times to share in a special gathering. Read more>>

Velmy Trinidad | Flamenco Dancer and Instructor. Group Fitness Instructor

My name is Velmy Liz Trinidad, I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. I started taking dance classes at a very young age (ballet, jazz, Spanish dance, among others). My whole life in Puerto Rico was surrounded by dance, different genres, and I think that has led me in part to be the person I am today. I love to dance, I love teaching others to dance and to enjoy this art. Read more>>

Kiana Jackson | Spoken Word Artist & Author

I would say the single most important decision I made was accepting the pros and cons to becoming a spoken word artist and just an influencer in general. It took me the longest to be okay with putting myself out there into the public to be in negative spaces. I had to first build my spiritual protection in order to not be taken back when negativity came. Because everyone has a perspective and it may not align with yours. I feel as though people get caught up in the glamor of fame without seeing the darkness of it and to be honest for me it was the opposite. I had to force myself to look at the good I could do, to the people I could uplift and become a role model for black and brown girls that wanted to become a spoken word artist and author. Read more>>

Robin Stevens | Owner and Accountant

Giving each client personal service and being available after tax season. As industry professionals, especially when it comes to the tax industry, we can get so wrapped up in the numbers, we forget there are real people behind each of them. I spend more time with each client to be sure they understand their tax situation and know how to read their return. I feel this gives them power because as we all know, knowledge is power. Read more>>

Monika Christopher | Chef/Caterer/Small. Business Owner

The most important factor behind my success is the passion I have for making food people enjoy. Secondly, I would also add my daughter is also an important factor as well because she gives me motivation . Read more>>

Kathryn Crawford | Muralist & fine artist

Each muralist has a different story and different reasons why we do what we do. The murals themselves also have a different stories. Murals sometimes go on a long journey from initial design to end product. For me, the best opportunity to express myself is when I have complete creative freedom. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with so many clients that want my style represented, with some added parameters to make it fit their specific look. Read more>>

Sean Norona | Independent Filmmaker & Cinematographer

I think most people understand the cliche of Hollywood is that it’s all about who you know, but there is a misconception about the independent film world and small local filmmaking scene. Sure talent does matter, but the more I make art and work in the independent film world, the more I have come to understand that who you know still matters the most. You can make great films, or create good art, but getting your work out there and really scene or recognized really hinges on the connections you make. It’s important for upcoming and aspiring filmmakers to know that networking is a huge thing, and it’s so important to be ready to make friends, build your connections, and be ready to not only take what other offer, but also to give to those around you. Read more>>

Kevin Andrew

As a Lifelong Creative, I followed the right path for many years before questioning it. After obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering, years working in IT Corporate America, and a successful Entrepreneur Business Exit, I now paint abstract artwork full time with intention and a business mindset. Read more>>