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.

KARMA

I define success as a mindset. It’s not really about the material things and the accolades one may obtain in this life. Success is about facing one’s inner self so that an individual can own their insecurities and flaws and learn how to turn them into strengths. Of course, life will throw challenges in our paths every now and then, but this is all a part of the process of growth and development we need if we want to truly learn how to master ourselves. Actively doing that is success and allows for us to have the confidence to continuously go after opportunities that we desire to have in life. Read More>>

Tré Gibson

The way I see risk and risk taking, you have to take chances. Feeling stagnant is a real thing, the feeling of not going anywhere, being stuck, is maddening. You have to grow, you have to see what’s over the hill, hesitation is natural… Failure causes growth. Take the risk, jump! Growth comes from conflict. For example, I used to be so shy about showing off my art, it’s part of the reason why I started my Instagram, now, I’ve illustrated things, I’ve had my own personal gallery, I have people interested in my art and what I do.  Read More>>

Carolina Rojas

Cariku Art Lab is more than just a pottery studio; it’s a creative hub that fosters connection, healing, and self-expression through the transformative power of clay. Located in Black Mountain, NC, our studio is a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity, develop new skills, and experience the grounding rhythm of working with their hands. Read More>>

Storm Lover

The most important factor behind our success is staying true to our values—authenticity and community. I’ve found that both my business, The Jade Rabbit, and the nonprofit running team I co-founded, Hare Bandits, thrive when I follow my own vision and stay grounded in what matters most: people. When I make decisions based on what feels right—rather than outside pressure—it creates something real and resonant. That authenticity builds trust and connection. Read More>>

Maria Hantzos

I believe the most important factor behind my success as a salon owner is authenticity. Authenticity is how I connect with my clients. I’m able to create an environment where my clients feel comfortable and I’m able to build on that friendship while doing their hair. One of the biggest aspects of a service career, is being able to connect with people. In my salon, I’m able to build real friendships with my clients, and that, in turn, keeps them coming back, and even referring their friends and family. Read More>>

Jacob Starr

My husband, two dogs, a good martini, french fries and anything by Sade.

In terms of art, I’ve always been a creative person. When I was little I was quite timid, but expressive through drawing. I became kind of known as the kid in class that liked to draw. As I got older, I realized it was just a part of my DNA. I still daydream constantly, thinking about projects and building up pieces or designs in my head. I’m inspired by art, music, nature, film, and life around me. Read More>>

Haley Kelsay

I feel incredibly blessed to live a life overflowing with things that bring me pure joy. I have a loving family, an adventurous husband who joins me on this journey, and curious children who constantly wonder about the world. My home is filled with books and photographs, each one either taking me back to a cherished memory or transporting me to another world entirely. It’s the little moments of being barefoot, chasing after chickens, or lying in a hammock with my little ones. And then, there’s the ocean— Read More>>

Ann Campanella

Words have always felt magical to me. When they are put together in the right way, they can communicate, create stories, conjure a myriad of emotions and touch hearts.
Writing was woven into my DNA before I was born. My mother was a writer, and we used to visit my grandmother’s summer home in Lake George, NY, that was built by my great, great grandfather, Edward Eggleston, who was a well-known writer and historian in his day. This home had been Eggleston’s library, and the walls were filled with books. Read More>>

Bethany DiLoreto

Art was always my outlet growing up, and I couldn’t imagine a life where I wasn’t creating in some way every day. I wasn’t sure exactly where it would take me, so I studied fine arts for a bit before choosing a more structured path in graphic design. But about five years ago, I found my way back to painting, and once I picked up a brush again, I couldn’t remember why I ever put it down. Read More>>

Rachel McNellie

Starting a business is hard and time consuming no matter what stage you are in life. It means taking a risk and involving your time and energy in something you are passionate about. Additionally, taking that risk there is also making the necessary balance between your business and home life, and even the mixing of the two. When I started my cookie business, RaeVin Creation Cookies, I did not have children, so devoting the time and energy to grow my business was easier. After having children, especially young children, the priority shifts more to them and less to business, then there is that balance that falls into place where your time is split evenly or comfortably to each side.  Read More>>