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.

Josh Bonilla

Ever since I was little I was always into visiting theme parks and riding rides. I also had a side hobby of filming everything I did, making small home movies for the family to watch. Back then it wasn’t too common to see a roller coaster niche on YouTube and when it started to become popular none seemed to focus on the region I lived in. I almost felt like Texas parks went under the radar.  Read More>>

Virginia Miller

Founding Valkyrie James Candle Co. was a heartfelt decision, deeply rooted in my personal journey and the profound inspiration I draw from my daughter, Valkyrie James.

My journey into the world of candle making began with pregnancy – all those moments of stress and anxiety left me searching for relief, and so it led me to aromatherapy. I walked into stores, intent on buying scented candles. I loaded myself with as many candles as I could purchase and headed home ready to light them up – Read More>>

Nicole Blackwell

Success, for me, is about impact more than impressions or appearances. It’s about letting your character speak louder than your reputation, but both telling the same story of you being a person of integrity, humility, and substance. It is defined by how you influence the lives of others—did you leave them better than you found them? Do you show up every day with intention, and with a heart that prioritized people over power? Read More>>

Antonio And Yhoel

Other than deciding to work for ourselves, the most important decision we’ve made has been to believe in ourselves—our profession, our passion, and the quality of what we do.

When we opened our company in Forney—a predominantly English-speaking community—we knew we would face multiple challenges, including the language barrier. But we took that risk with full confidence in our work. Every obstacle became an opportunity to grow, and we truly believe that our trust in ourselves and our commitment have been key to our journey. Read More>>

Arabella Trasca

I’ve never been someone who craved security—that’s probably why I became an entrepreneur in my early 20s. To me, the regret of not trying is far worse than the fear of failing. At 25, I left a stable career with MAC Cosmetics to become a freelance makeup artist, even when it wasn’t considered a “real” career. I had no clients, no money—just a vision. Read More>>

Darneil White

Taking a risk is inevitable for growth and movement, whether it’s personally or professionally motivated. It can be fear-inducing to face because you don’t always know the outcome. Will I get a yes? A no? Maybe? What will be the domino effect afterwards? Read More>>

Brad Thompson

I really try my best to understand the person or organization that is wanting to hire our band. Once I understand their tastes, passion for the event, and the overall vibe they’re going for, it usually helps me get on board and then we can really embrace the event as a band. Read More>>

JENNIFER VILLATORO

Great question! While I don’t have personal experiences or habits, I can share the habits that successful people—especially in learning, problem-solving, and personal growth—tend to cultivate. These are also the principles I was designed around:

1. Consistent Curiosity** Read More>>

Brittney Solomon

Fake it till you make it” doesn’t resonate with me. I understand the intention behind it—building confidence, stepping into something bigger—but for me, authenticity is everything. I believe people can feel when something is real versus when it’s performative. Especially in a wellness brand, trust is everything. I didn’t want to pretend to be an expert or force a polished brand image before I was ready. I built VARA slowly, from my own experience, my healing, and the rituals that changed my life. Read More>>

Edamovement Lab

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned through our activities is this:
It’s not about understanding—it’s about accepting.

When people encounter something unfamiliar—whether it’s a different culture or simply something outside of their lived experience—they often try to understand it. But in doing so, they sometimes build resistance or even rejection. Read More>>

Yesenia Watts

As an educator, especially coming from a first-generation background, I’ve faced moments where doubt, burnout, and the weight of responsibility made me question everything. But every time a student saw themselves in me, every time a kid believed they could do more because I believed in them first — I was reminded why I started. Read More>>

Richard Harmer

There is no balance. That word makes it sound like life is two forces pulling against each other and we just do not look at it that way. For us, it is more about rhythm. Life has seasons. Some days we are fully focused on a project or goal. Other days are about rest, family, or reconnecting. We make sure the things we are involved in are integrated into our lives. You do not get your eight hours back. Life is life. The older we get, the more we realize it is not about dividing time evenly. It is about being present. If we are with our families, they get all of us. If we are creating or building something, that gets all of us too. That shift in thinking has made all the difference. Read More>>

Ian Maltz

My thinking around work-life balance has evolved, but the core belief I keep coming back to is this: people don’t get paid for being balanced, and no one wins awards for keeping strict 9-to-5 boundaries. I’m not chasing balance for its own sake, I’m focused on impact. Read More>>