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.

Shay Hartis

I am inspired by Jesus Christ and what he has done for me and my family. Jesus’ self-sacrifice with his crucifixion, is seen as the ultimate act of love and redemption. This inspires me to embrace selflessness and to try and serve others when I can. Jesus’ teachings emphasize love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. His messages about treating others with kindness and seeking justice resonate deeply with me being a believer. Read more>>

Shannon Kouser

The idea to start Rooted Counseling & Wellness came when I was 9 months postpartum with my first daughter. I was struggling with PPA and adjusting to my new life. I wanted a place where I could grow as a business owner, therapist, and human. Private practice can be a lonely space to operate in. It was important to me to develop a place that honors both autonomy and community. The intention of Rooted is to create a space where providers can grown in a community of support and where clients can grow with access to holistic care. Read more>>

Sunny Diaposition

Josh: well, I would say my life has changed significantly since having a baby. Finding the time is a lot harder. I have to be strategic when I can be creative- it’s not just me now, I have to schedule the family, conversations on when I can do things- communication. Read more>>

Johan Farigua | Sales Leader, Mentor, and entrepreneur

One of the main habits that helped me succeed is have a disciplined schedule. Always showing up. Ever since high school…. I just felt like I did not have an edge on anyone. I was not the smartest, I was not the most athletic, I wasn’t the best at anything…..Until I realized that I no one was the most consistent one. A teacher once told me that no one ever has perfect attendance, so I saw that as my opportunity to be the best at something. I committed to having perfect attendance, not just one year but all 4 years of high school which I did. That carried over into my first job at Old Navy where I only called off 1 day in 6 years, and that was because I was extremely sick and half way to work I realized I couldn’t do it. At LA Fitness I only called out 1 time in 7 years as well.  Read more>>

Cynthia Akita | Brand Strategist | Brand & Web Designer

Hello everyone! My name is Cynthia Akita, and I am a Brand Strategist, and a Brand & Web Designer over at Gyidi Design Firm and The Design Firmacy. With over 12 years of business experience, I’ve learned so much and grown from the typical mistakes business owners make, and I’d love to share a bit of that with you. Read more>>