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.

Anisha Mandem | Founder and President of NeuroNext Foundation | Nonprofit

The medical field and neuroscience specifically had always been an interest of mine, but I’d never really gotten the opportunity to create a large-scale impact with this passion. I had been playing piano at a local retirement home for almost a year when I noticed that many of the residents didn’t have visits from family members or loved ones. They had often told me that the few hours I spent on a Sunday afternoon were the highlight of their week and that they enjoyed the consistency of my presence. It was then that the idea for NeuroNext Foundation started. Read more>>

Sahaj Satani | Founder of MEDILOQUY & Scientific Researcher

I was inspired to start MEDILOQUY because of my journey into the field of medicine. Volunteering at my local hospital and shadowing physicians, including hospitalists, geriatricians, oncologists, and radiologists, sparked my interest in medicine. I wanted to learn more and was fortunate to gain research experience as well. However, getting these opportunities was not easy. I had to send many cold emails and do a lot of research to secure them. During my mission trips to Mexico City and other locations, I saw that many students like me were interested in medicine but didn’t have the same opportunities to explore it. Read more>>

Jeffery Ou | Pianist

Consistency. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be consistency. Consistency in practicing, in learning, in discovering as much as I possibly can about the repertoire and who I am as a musician. Consistency in taking small steps especially when working on larger projects. Read more>>

Andrea Tran | Small business owner – Cotton Closet Allen

I have a strong work ethic and I like to make sure things are done with structure and I think that’s what makes successful. I believe in working hard for your goal and setting goals for yourself and allowing myself to keep constantly learning. I don’t ever think I know it all and I like to listen and learn from others in the business. Read more>>

Ashley Johnson | LICENSED ESTHETICIAN

As a solo small business licensed esthetician, the end goal is to build a successful and sustainable business that allows me to provide high-quality skincare services to my clients while also achieving personal and financial fulfillment. By the end of my career, I hope to have established a loyal clientele base, built a strong reputation in the industry, and possibly expand my business to include additional services or locations. I also aim to continue growing and learning in my field, staying up-to-date on the latest skincare trends and techniques, and ultimately be recognized as a respected and skilled esthetician in the beauty industry. Ultimately, I want to leave a positive impact on my clients and be proud of the legacy I have created through my business. Read more>>

Alexandria Rhinehart | Founder of Cozy Beauty Bar

My business journey has imparted numerous valuable lessons, with one of the most significant being the importance of self-regulation. Challenges will inevitably come up, but it’s crucial not to sit idly by or blame others, even if they are at fault. I’ve experienced moments where my emotions guided my decisions, but I’ve learned that this isn’t always ideal in a professional setting. By regulating my emotions and managing my nervous system, I’ve found that I handle problems more effectively. With reduced tension and worry, I’ve seen things improve more often. Even during daunting setbacks, maintaining a sense of calm has helped me become a more effective leader and founder. Read more>>

Tee Rose | Visual Artist & Author

I think the most important thing I’ve learned is perseverance. With art, you submit to different shows and a lot of times you get rejected or you go to events and either do not get great feedback or you do not make a lot of sales and it’s easy to get discouraged and feel like your effort is not being rewarded. But I just keep practicing and working and as I get better and better, I get more opportunities to show my work and more positive feedback and encouragement. Read more>>

Lhana Richard | Actress, Model & Writer

I was always very creative as a child I began dancing when I was 5 years old. Around the age of 8, I saw a family friend in a production of “Oliver Twist” at a local community theatre. My Mom states that during intermission I turned to her and said ‘I want to do that”. From there I began to audition for local Theatre companies which led me to perform in professional Theatres in my local area for most of my childhood. I then became homeschooled so I could partake in multiple productions at the same time. But once the pandemic hit, all of the Theatres shut down. It caused me to turn down a new path and I began to pursue film and modeling. This leaves me to where I stand today! Read more>>

Torrie “el Capeteaux” Ferguson | Recording Artist

The arts has really been all I know, starting from when I was a kid being introduced to vinyl albums like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. I was about three and I knew almost every step to Billie Jean, that was when my love for Michael Jackson started and studying and also being inspired by him and his brothers of the Jackson 5. I wanted to dance and even learned how to cheer, but music took over my life. Joined the band in the 5th grade playing Clarinet at Roger Q. Mills then middle school at O. W. Holmes joined the band learning about the baritone saxophone and the bass clarinet some interesting instruments in my opinion. Read more>>

Yeshua Hannah | Chief Executive Officer | Technical Strategist

I am Inspired by My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and My father. The teachings and principals the bible has are timeless, and can be applied to everyday life. Everyday I try to do my best to praise the lord, and practice the teachings. My father also inspires me because of how down to earth and humble he is, as well as a hard worker. He’s taught me what really matters in this life as far as taking care of your family and being there when you are most needed. Read more>>