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.

Damien Duque | Ambient Musician / Sound Artist

I have two quotes that I resonate with and providing reassurance.

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” – Albert Camus Read more>>

Aliyah Brown | Lifestyle & Motivational Creator

The most important decision that I’ve made that contributed to my success was 100% believing in myself, and trusting that God would lead me in the direction I needed to go. A lot of times people have this dream or idea in their mind of what they could be, but don’t take action on it because the dream seems so far away. When I first started taking my TikTok seriously in April of 2022 after losing my corporate job, you couldn’t pay me to believe I’d be where I am now. I didn’t believe in myself at the start of it all I was just “doing what I could”, and testing out the waters. After a few months of trial and error I started to really zone in on how I wanted to carry myself, my brand, and what I wanted to be known for. This started with fashion and beauty, but as of late I’ve aligned with Lifestyle and Content Creation Advice. I’ve learned that I have a gift of being able to motivate and inspire others to show up and believe in themselves, just as I would always tell myself. How I feel is that once God shows you what your purpose is, its important to lean into it. People love to hear me talk, give advice, and be my authentic relatable self, so this is what I’ve done and will continue to do. Obstacles will always arise because we’re all human, and its life, but if you believe in yourself there’s nothing that can stand in your way for too long that you can’t overcome. You just have to believe for yourself. Thank you! Read more>>

Aniya and Ishya Jain and Jain | Radio Show Co-Hosts

Aniya: I recently read Trevor Noah’s memoir Born a Crime and really enjoyed it! In the book, he explores his childhood in the apartheid era of South Africa as a mixed-race boy. I was intrigued by the way he contrasts racism in South Africa and America by including anecdotes of his encounters with his friends, family, and even law enforcement. His reflection on the perseverance of all the women in his life, including his mother and grandmother, resonated with me. Read more>>

RaSheena Jones | Real Estate Agent, the You First” agent”

One piece of conventional advice that I would disagree with is “waiting until all of the pieces of the plan are in place before starting your new venture, career, or business” I would say that I disagree with that advice because it doesn’t matter how much you plan, lief always has a curve ball to throw at you that wasn’t in the plan. Do we give up because our plans had to change? or do we adjust the plan to move forward? If we keep waiting for everything to line up perfectly, you will be waiting forever. Learn to pivot! Read more>>

Samantha Jones | Content Marketing Specialist

I would have to disagree with the advice to “always be prepared.” Yes it’s obviously important to be as prepared as you can be in any situation but I also think it puts a road block in the way of starting. Sometimes you just jump and figure out the rest along the way. You will never be fully prepared to start a business, have a baby, or make a major life change. In these instances waiting until you’re prepared can stall you from ever starting. You don’t always have to be prepared, sometimes you just need to go for it. Read more>>

Zuma Attah | Graphic Artist & Designer

There is always something new to learn and you will always be exposed to new ideas and approaches to the work that improve your own fundamentals. Read more>>

Harriette Patrick Barron | Author/Screenwriter/Motivational Speaker

My end goal is to leave a legacy of love, hope, and courage for my children. I want to leave a pathway that they can follow in life and find their way. I hope to leave this same legacy for the world that I live in. I am hoping that any person in need of hope and inspiration, will be able to pick up anyone of my books and find what they are looking for. Even my novels are filled with hope, recovery, and love. My books are filled with imperfect people, living imperfect lives, but yet they find hope to move on in life. By the end of my career, I plan to have multiple life-changing movies, books, and television series for the public to remember me by. Read more>>

Jai Humble | Afro/RnB Artist

The Most Important Lesson I’ve Learned, You Have To Build A Solid Foundation For Your Business/ Career And Surround Yourself With Those Who See The Vision Also Can Help Evaluate Mentally, Emotionally And Spiritually. Read more>>

Tiffini Sher’ee | Author & C.E.O of Tiffini Sher’ee Studios and Hair care line

The most important lesson business has taught me is that it’s okay to start over!

We as entrepreneurs full of ambition start business ideas or projects with success at the end of the goal, we never see failure in the beginning, we are so full of optimism and confidence and strategy that we undermine over and over all the steps to win! Read more>>

Karrington Sneed | Singer/Songwriter

I’ve done a lot of underground work to get to where I am today from background work, plays, musicals, features, favors etc. I’m blessed that my talent has created doors and placed my name in rooms I had no clue existed. I don’t think anything worth fighting for is easy. Worth it? YES! I’m most proud of where I came to get to where I am currently. I’m proud to see the work I’ve done. It’s one thing to talk about ideas and what you want, but to see them come to life is another flex. So to see projects, songs, shows that I’ve curated from scratch is so humbling and beautiful. What sets me apart from another artist is pretty easy, I’m Karrington. I’ve never met anyone like me. Sure, I’ve met other Karrington’s but if we had to duplicate a project they would both be totally different. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to use what I have. As artist we feel like we need shiny new tools to stand out and the want for these things can stand in the way of what you already have. I don’t need to invest in anything more than myself. I have everything I need until i feel the need for something else. I’m blessed that I have enough to execute anything i want to accomplish. I want the world to know that your journey looks completely different. Utilize what you have because that’s probably all you needed. Read more>>

Diana Jones | Author/Poet

Great Question, I’m located in the
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, and surrounding area. As a Host and recently named Ambassador for AAALAC African American Authors Literacy Awareness Campaign Book Tour and Expo. I’m an Author and motivational supporter, as for new and small Black business focus here in Fort Worth, Texas. I manage B’galz Boutique, a licensed Insurance Consultant for 15+ States, including burial. I’m a Mother, Wife, and grandmother. It began yesrs ago however the stepping stone was thrown, In 2021, I had my first battle with Thyroid Cancer and started doing things I had dreamed of. I hosted several educational events and a successful Cancer awareness breakfast with an associate, where we honored many types of cancer warriors. No doubt the most challenging thing in my life has helped me become the most successful. Here’s Todaythe essence of balance, after round 3 and being hospitalized for over 20 days due to complications of this Thyroid cancer journey, I am looking forward to my next chapter and I love sharing my story. Outside of hosting, I have self-published several books available on AMAZON.COM, and in local DFW libraries and bookstores Read more>>