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.

Jesse Meraz | Co-Owner

My favorite quote is “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” What I like about it, is that it gives me a sense of self-empowerment. Read more>>

Jessica Lozano | Artist/Creative

My favorite quote is by Georgia O’Keefe, “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it stop me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.” It has helped me with pushing past the anxiety that comes from putting myself out there and sharing my art with the world.. Read more>>

Grace Mitchell-jenkins | Baker, Pastry Chef, Cake Decorator

January 2020, I attended Lackawanna College as a freshman to receive my baking & pastry degree. I knew it was important to get the educational background needed to be successful. Read more>>

Andres Garcia | Barber

In my career so far as a 22 year old barbershop owner, I believe taking risks was an important factor in my success. I took the risk of dropping out of college at 19 to pursue barbering full-time. Not knowing how successful I’d be, I went all in because I was confident my passion for barbering would take me far. Read more>>

Dr. Teresa Stewart-meli | Music Studio Owner and Author

This studio is a deliberate and research driven haven of musical expression for all people. Teaching piano and music in general has been taught in generally the same manner for a few hundred years, but researchers know much more about the manner in which different brains work. Many of the greatest geniuses in history were on the Austism Spectrum, had ADHD, or another type of neurodiversity. The current paradigm of studio teaching doesn’t widely make this population comfortable. My studio aims to do just that. Read more>>

Mindra Sahadeo | Musician, Music Teacher & Harmonium Specialist

My father started his own business, so I practically grew up in a Family owned Clothing/Garment and Accessories business in my country of birth. Starting my own business in the U. S. was like moving up to another level in a new country.
I began by repairing Harmoniums, firstly by taking one apart and then putting it back together, I did this as Seva…donating my service selflessly to the Hindu Temples first in Guyana, South America, my country of birth and later in New York. Read more>>

Lisa Martinez | Poet/Author

This is an interesting question as we all hope we will be remembered in specific ways; however, how we are actually remembered is based on the individuals remembering us. I want my legacy to be one of an overcomer who is thankful to God for overcoming! Read more>>

Anabel Rider | Owner of Ro’s Gluten-Free Treats

There are so many things that change when you become a mom, I think this was something that changed for me. I have always been one to try to keep true to myself and not worry much about what others think about me, good or bad. Now as a new mom, I find myself wondering “what do I want my daughter to learn from me?” Even more so than before, I try to be myself and speak lovingly of myself and others. I want her to learn from watching me to do everything with love, to be proud of our culture, to lean on God, and always have faith.  Read more>>

Anthony Proa | Barber/ Stylist

What makes me happy is using my platform and talent to help others. I have a passion for creativity and enjoy art in all forms. So giving people a catalyst for change, whether it be a clean haircut for a date or job interview gives me a sense of fulfillment. Read more>>

Sophia Deahl | Functional Medicine Dietitian & Entrepreneur

Community matters most to me because it represents the essence of connection, support, and shared purpose. In my personal and professional life, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people come together—whether to uplift each other, exchange ideas, or create something meaningful. Community is not just about proximity but about being surrounded by those who inspire you to grow, keep you accountable, and celebrate your wins, both big and small. Read more>>

Dominique Salery | Wedding Planner and Owner of Elegant Occasions Planning

When I am at the end of my wedding planning career I would like to at least have 2 storefronts for brides can still go in and get wedding services. I also want to have a whole wedding team so we can be a one stop shop ! Read more>>

Isaiah Smith | Podcast Host of “The Zaya Show”

The most difficult decision I made was to comeback to the podcast I once ended. I battled through my fears of not being able to deliver the content I once delivered prior. Being a successful and charting podcaster it’s pressure to be perfect. I know my supporters will support me regardless, but I am creating this comeback season for me! Read more>>

Chris Schnabel | Founder, Schnabel Studios

When I started my business, I had a solid background in video and social media, but the business side of things caught me by surprise. I knew running a business involved more than just shooting and editing videos, but I wasn’t prepared for how much there was to manage. The experience taught me how to balance my time effectively—getting my work done, handling business operations and paperwork, and still making time for my personal life. Read more>>

Daylon Johnson | Writer, Photographer, & Filmmaker

I’m from Lancaster, Texas, a small suburb outside of Dallas. As a kid, I was in plays that my mother wrote as well ass some school plays. In junior high, I got my first film camera and in high school, I moved to digital cameras and eventually a video camera. I took journalism classes and decided to major in journalism in college. As a writer, I was always moved by stories and when I went to college in Mississippi, I took a real interest in the way people’s lives and backgrounds shaped who they were. I knew that I’d want to tell those types of stories one way or another. Now I use writing, photography, and video to do just that. Read more>>