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.

Gabriel Hill | Actor & Voiceover Artist

My favorite quote is from Zechariah 4:10, which says, ‘Don’t despise the day of small beginnings.’ This means that, instead of looking too far ahead and worrying about what’s to come, we should focus on what’s already happening and enjoy the journey. Things always work out in God’s timing; we just need to relax and have faith in the process. I love this quote because it rings true for all the things I’ve overcome as an actor and as a recent graduate. Although I’m not yet at the place I want to be, I know the journey has just begun, and there is much more for me to learn. Read more>>

Tim Macon | Owner of Macon Music Academy, Drum Instructor, Drummer/Percussionist

“The single most important decision I made was choosing to prioritize the people I surrounded myself with—both professionally and personally. Early on, I realized that the success of a music school isn’t just about talent or curriculum; it’s about the team and the community you build. I made a conscious effort to hire instructors who not only excelled musically but also shared my passion for teaching, empathy for students, and a commitment to growth. Read more>>

Sunisa Ingram | Licensed Massage Therapist & Entrepreneur

I believe that risk is often a barrier to reaching one’s full potential, and embracing calculated risks is essential to achieving our dreams. For me, the most significant risk I took was immigrating from Thailand to the United States in 2019. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and soon after, I entered the massage industry in Texas.

In 2023, I took another major step by opening my first business, Deluxe Thai Massage, in Roanoke, Texas. This was a pivotal moment in my journey, as it allowed me to fulfill my dream of becoming a business owner. Through this venture, I’ve not only grown personally and professionally, but I’ve also had the privilege of sharing the healing art of Thai Massage with my community. Read more>>

Viridiana Rojas | Entrepreneur

We put our savings and gave up a formal job to start a business, without knowing if it would work or not, with fear and uncertainty but without regrets. Read more>>

Brianna Curtis | Owner, Senior Midwife at Center for Birth

At the Center for Birth, we are committed to more than just providing exceptional midwifery care—we are dedicated to being a trusted resource and welcoming space for all families in the Fort Worth area. Whether it’s through midwifery services, wellness offerings like massages, or access to our supplement shop, we strive to create a community hub where families feel supported, informed, and cared for. Even if they didn’t have their baby with us, our doors are open to anyone seeking information, resources, or simply a friendly, supportive environment. Read more>>

Eugene Barnes | Consultant, Strategist, and Performing Artist

There have been many life events that, when walking through them, seemed difficult, but in hindsight, what has been the most pivotal for my professional and personal growth was my stopping my usage of drugs and alcohol and the start of my recovery journey. For almost a decade, my life paralleled “Dr. Jeykel and Mr. Hyde.” I have found success in both the arts (I’m also a retired professional ballet dancer with an eighteen-year career) and the corporate employment sectors. However, in my twenties, I was genuinely motivated by the “Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll” lifestyle, and while thrilling, I quickly learned the destruction and despair that comes with dancing my addiction. Read more>>

Julien X Peralta | Business Coach and Lead Agent of The X Group

My name is Julien X Peralta and I am the Lead Agent and Founder of The X Group.
When I think about risk and how it has shaped my career, I often associate opportunity and a healthy dose of delusion with the word “risk”.

My perspective is that risk implies a certain level of reward, if everything goes well. What if the risk is worth the reward and would it be a mistake to not try? It was a risk to jump into real estate. It was a risk to leave my previous real estate sales team and start my own. It was a risk to abandon old school methods and lean into doing things in my own unique way. The healthy yet delusional voice saying, “of course you can do it!” battling with the “what if this doesn’t work out” was quickly drowned out by the one voice saying, “What if everything worked out?”. Read more>>

Nishi Patel | author & artist

Taking risks is scary, especially for an introverted South Asian girl like me. Creative careers just aren’t in the books for a cultural society that prizes over more traditional ones. I would often wonder, “What will people say about me?”

Creative work requires vulnerability, and hiding it leads to isolation. I have always wondered how my paintings and poetry would be received publicly. Posting one of my poems about grief on Instagram was a huge step out of my comfort zone. Read more>>

Marie Leu | Production Director

I am a Photographer, and I see things artistically, the way Photographers envision beauty and creativity. Having this insight helps me create scenes and portfolio opportunities that will elevate the businesses of Photographers who work hard to attract their target clients. Helping Photography businesses to grow is what Avila Weddings is passionate about, and our impact can be viewed on so many Photographer websites and instagrams as they portray their participation in what we offer. We help Photographers grow, and when they grow, they help people capture special moments in their lives. It is so meaningful and an honor to support Photographers. Read more>>

Daniel Kinnel Ii | Serial Entrepreneur

A few habits I would say define my success would be consistency through the hard times and discipline through the good times. Read more>>

Saad Kassis Mohamed | Indian Entrepreneur & Equestrian

As someone deeply committed to both business success and social impact, the principle that matters most to me is integrity. In every venture I undertake, whether it’s leading WeCare, investing in sustainable technologies, or contributing to philanthropic initiatives, maintaining integrity ensures that we build trust and foster genuine, long-lasting relationships. Integrity is the foundation upon which we can make meaningful, positive changes in the world, ensuring that our actions consistently align with our values and promises. This principle guides every decision and interaction, reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and the well-being of the communities we serve. Read more>>

Campbell Fearing | Youth Pastor & Public Speaker

I have heard a piece of advice a couple times in my life that goes, “If you can’t find the answer, look within yourself and you’ll find it -” or something to that extent. I disagree. When I look in myself I almost always hear desires in my head. These desires are not always beneficial to myself or others. They could say something like, “smoke that joint” or “rip-off this customer.” Rather, I simply pray to God. From learning about God in the Bible, I learn His ways and His desire for relationship with me. If I need an answer for something, I ask the One who delights to grant me that wisdom. I have learned that God not only cares for my pressing ignorance that needs guidance, but everything – pivotal or inconsequential (1 Peter 5:7). Read more>>

Emily Gregg | Tattoo Artist and Painter

Tattoo artists, and artists in general are very emotional people-we get in our heads over certain things very easily. When you’re in the headspace to create it’s difficult to separate yourself from the piece you’re making, and especially when creating for someone else in a way that’s intimate like tattooing is, you tend to fall into overthinking and self-criticism on a massive scale. One thing goes wrong and you feel like your skills are completely null. An artist I look up to once told me “If you don’t have imposter syndrome you aren’t doing it right”. Read more>>

Jasmine Bell-ervin | Intercessor & Dance Minister

Hello my name is Jasmine Bell-Ervin. I am the founder of God’s Destiny Dance Ministry. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas to Cynthia & Billy Paul. I feel as though my upbringing has made a huge impact on my life because it has truly taught me to be Strong, Humble and Grounded. My life hasn’t always been made easy. Since birth I have been a fighter. Doctors told my parents that I wouldn’t live overnight but I fought. As my mom took me home they said I wouldn’t make it past the age of 6. At the age of 22 I found out that I had a Disease called Turner’s Syndrome. Later on that same year I started to lose my vision… But I have a praying mother and here I am today 33 years and counting. She made sure that in my upbringing We implemented prayer & That has shaped me into the woman that I am today.  Read more>>

Leslie Marin | Lash Artist , Instructor & Dog breeder

Personally I feel as my work life balance has changed drastically but in the best way possible I use to work long hours for a very low income at my job Home Depot ,never got weekends off ,had to work holidays , always had to do closing shifts while in high school then I invested into my business and got my lash license to be able to obtain all the knowledge I needed in order ti build my business up and be financially free , I now can take any days even weeks off without having to worry about income I am blessed to be able to spend lots of time with my family, loved ones and of course my pets without having to worry about the bills , or not having enough money due to having so much time off . Lashing has changed my life in the best way possible . My work balance now is amazing , and my clients are super awesome and understanding I have truly built my dream clientele Read more>>

Joey Geisel | Musician & Multimedia Marketer

After facing various episodes of burnout as a highly motivated multi-hyphenate artist, including severe depression for about 6 months of 2011, I knew something needed to change radically as I rolled rapidly towards my 30s. Billions of people around the world today are commanded by a kind and loving God to take a “sabbath” (one day off a week), and y’all for the first 30 years of my life I ignored Him like most of those billions do. But after I humbled myself enough to realize that maybe Jesus and the prophets were right about the sabbath like they were right about so many other things, my work life balance has changed for the better! Now I fight hard to take a weekly 24-hour period without doing anything related to my primary job, and as I do, my physical and emotional endurance is a lot more sustainable…just like obedience to the tithe, where 90% of my income goes farther than 100% could go if I was living for myself, I sacrifice one day of immediate gratification or productivity in favor of long-term health, and I hope I never look back. Read more>>