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.

Trina Boyd

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is putting my children in a Christian school and raising them in a faith-filled environment. The current school system is failing our children in so many ways—academically, morally, and spiritually. I wanted my children to be surrounded by values that align with our faith, to learn right from wrong based on biblical principles, and to grow up knowing who they are in Christ. That foundation will guide them far beyond the classroom. Read More>>

Elizabeth Pippin Nelson

For me, the most important thing I’ve done is show my kids what it looks like to bet on yourself—and follow through. I bought Milkin’ Cookie just weeks before I was surprisingly laid off from my fancy corporate job after returning from maternity leave. I didn’t know it then, but that timing was the universe handing me a blank page. And instead of waiting for someone else to write the next chapter, I picked up the pen myself. Read More>>

India McKinney

I see risk as a necessary part of growth—especially in entrepreneurship. The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving a stable corporate job as a technical support trainer, with a clear career path, to become a full-time real estate agent… in one of the toughest markets we’ve seen in a while. Read More>>

Ruslan Millinhton

The most important factor behind my success in the tattoo industry is style and uniqueness. I believe that’s what truly makes you stand out to clients and helps you feel confident as a professional. Whatever you do—whether it’s tattooing or anything else—you have to give yourself to it fully, with maximum responsibility and attention to detail. Read More>>

Max Rivera

Prior to The MAKRS Society, I co-owned another event business in the area. The MAKRS Society started in 2020, with the idea to have an online marketplace for local vendors, but soon emerged into running pop-up markets. With the vision to bring bigger events to the city, we started our MAKRS Holiday Fest in 2021, which had 170 vendors and almost 10,000 attendees in 2024. Read More>>