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.

Jennifer Hannah | Owner of Sit Beside, Learning Support Specialist, M.Ed. Special Populations

Thinking outside the box to envision a unique and unexpected environment for learning support that allowed for flexibility was the single most important decision I’ve made that has contributed to my success! Read more>>

Marisa Peebles | Canine Behavior Specialist

The absolute single most important decision I made that has contributed success to my business has been trusting God. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and allowed my passion to drive my creativity in all things I do. With the economy, markets, and culture constantly shifting, it caused me to dramatically shift my focus to where I’m investing my time, abilities, and my faith. Once I started investing more time to my relationship with God everything fell into place. During a morning quiet time and journaling session this “idea” popped into my head, later understanding it was God speaking to me. Of course, the enemy tried to use doubt and worry to derail God’s plan, which is always the scheme, to separate us from God. But that wasn’t nearly enough to stop me from executing my business plan. Recently I have been able to armor myself with practices to keep me protected from strategies the enemy has tried to use against me and my family. But I haven’t always had this defense, it’s been uncomfortable at times and taken intentional release of the things I cherish most in this world. The Lord has taken care of me, my family, our careers, my marriage, everything the moment I decided to hand them over. I believe I was given this opportunity to share my story about Pawsitive Impact Pet Services and trusting God through the process. It wouldn’t be possible without Him. Read more>>

Patricia Ray-Lipsey | Accountant & Small Business Consultant

I would like to be remembered as a giving and kind person. Early on I realized that I have always had a big heart and care about others. I think that it is always better to give than receive. Giving gives me much joy. Although I have been driven to better than my circumstances while growing up in very challenging situation. As a youth, adult and senior adult, It has is and has been important for me to be active in the community that I live. Read more>>

Kevin McCulloch | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Social Media Director for DietMD

My biggest goal and what I want mine and DietMD’s legacy to be is having lasting positive impact on people’s health and their lives. I want to instill the confidence in people that they can take control of their health by focusing on the foods that they are eating while also showing that healthy food can be simple and delicious too. With rising rates of obesity and diabetes we want turn the focus to the food and our choices rather than focus on just medication as a band-aid. Read more>>

Hannah Sheree | Dallas + Fort Worth Wedding Photographer

To me, serving people and serving them well is the most important thing. It means a lot to me when I’m able to make a lasting impression on my clients that goes beyond just creating amazing images for them. To do this, I focus on creating relationships with my clients that helps them to feel heard and valued as more than just someone that booked a photoshoot or wedding day with me. I strive to cater to each of my client’s individual needs when it comes to photography, all while creating an atmosphere of ease and comfortability to make it fun. Read more>>

Christine Imoukhuede | Founder @ Ahavaplan

By the end of my career, I want to look back on a journey where I’ve not only advanced technology but truly changed the world with the products I’ve developed. More than that, I aim to be a mentor, particularly for women in tech, by opening doors and guiding the next generation. As I reflect from my future home by the sea in Funchal, Portugal, I hope to be proud of both the innovative, world-changing technologies I’ve helped create and the stronger, more inclusive tech community I’ve fostered. Read more>>

Jamie Finley Lopez | Founder and CEO Serial Entrepneur

My name is Jamie Finley Lopez. I’m from Waco, Texas, and moved to DFW in 2008. My parents were hard workers and community leaders. They taught me the importance of giving back to others and being active in my community. Growing up in a household where service and leadership were valued definitely shaped who I am today. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around me. Additionally, being from a small town like Waco taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Overall, my background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping my values, beliefs, and actions as an adult. Read more>>