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.

Corinne Cochrane | Photographer

I feel like with any risk even personal having the courage to face rejection is something you have to be comfortable with. I have emailed countless amounts of coordinators, possible brides and multiple other clients. You need to accept the fact that we work in a dense industry and there is competition. What makes me stand out, besides my work would be my personality. I tend to be called bubbly and energetic and on photoshoots that is the energy clients feed off of. Read more>>

Monica Burnett | Owner, Mon Christian Gifts & Founder, Mon Ministries

The most important lesson that my business has taught me is that qualifications alone do not determine success. Often, we find ourselves hesitating to pursue a certain path because we feel our skills and experiences fall short of some imagined checklist. However, the truth is that we are already equipped with all we need to fulfill our purpose in this world. Read more>>

Jill Kalisiak | Commercial Real Estate Broker and Broker in Charge at Kalisiak Properties, Inc.

I was fortunate to begin my career with commercial office furnishings Steelcase where I was afforded best in class learning and development opportunities. The 20 years I spent in the industry allowed me the privilege to partner with global corporate real estate teams at Fortune 500 organizations as well as immensely talents architects and designers. It ignited a passion for spaces and the people spend time in them but it was very demanding and involved a lot of travel. Read more>> 

Leah Kemnitz | Founder & Buyer

I have been drawn to the fashion industry as far back as I can remember, even before attending Art School. Starting my retail career at the age of 15, I was hooked from the first day. Because I enjoyed connecting with people and putting together beautiful looks, retail made sense. Read more>>

Bryn Khoury | Our Day Founder

I started Our Day after my own wedding experience! I wanted an easier way to explain what I needed out of my wedding team and let vendors come to me with proposals to compare and decide on Read more>>

Essence Smith | Certified Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator, Certified Yoga Instructor, Creative Director, International Dancer

As the founder and director of, Uniquely You, my community goal is to create a safe space where individuals are educated on the “Essence of L.I.F.E.” In order for them to Learn Independence For Excellence (L.I.F.E), they need to understand the true meaning of self-esteem, self-awareness, social awareness, “life skills, and coping strategies. Read more>>