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.

Demetrie King

The habits that have significantly contributed to my success include a consistent routine of listening to audiobooks, working out regularly, and actively networking. Listening to audiobooks has been invaluable in expanding my knowledge and staying inspired, even during busy times. Working out keeps me disciplined, focused, and energized, which is essential for maintaining high performance. Lastly, networking has opened up countless opportunities, allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights, and collaborate on new ventures. Together, these habits have created a balanced, growth-oriented lifestyle that fuels my hunger for success. Read more>>

Rebel Mariposa | Co-Creator and founder of La Botanica SA

A quote I read over decades ago and I think about every week since I have read it is by Mark Twain :” Do what you fear the most and the death of fear is certiain”. The quote reminds me that most of my fears are just something that is unknown and if I keep moving forward, face my fears that the unknown goes from knowing and the fear dissipates. Read more>>

Jenn Boff | Business owner & fitness instructor

“The real battle of entrepreneurship is in the mind. Not the strategies or systems.” This quote is all about your relationship with failure, success, and the confidence you have in yourself. The end of the quote says “It’s why your brand can never grow past your personal development.” If you take the path of entrepreneurship, you’ll face yourself over and over again, especially during the hardest of times. You’ll face your relationship with risk, with perseverance, with putting yourself out there for judgement and criticism. I think I love this quote so much because it’s asking if we have the bravery to choose a life of setting foot in the arena. Read more>>

Ace Diosa | Model | Actress | Creative | Entrepreneur

Success to me is pursing what you want and not letting hardships stop you from doing so. Success to me is also learning from your mistakes and not letting those mistakes hold you back from your dreams. Getting up each day and continue to work on your goals, no matter how yesterday went. Success in my opinion is not always about the destination but the journey that helps develop the skills you need to thrive. In other words, success is growth, as long as you are growing and making progress (no matter how fast or slow) you are succeeding. Read more>>

Disha Varkala | Founder and CEO of largest youth-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization for assisting rural small businesses

I want individuals around me to remember to give back to their community. Through starting an international youth-led non-profit organization, Hand a Chance, I have realized the importance of supporting my direct as well as global community. I want people to remember that I helped my own community and that they should do the same. I hope to inspire those who view my legacy to start their own initiatives to assist rural communities or underrepresented groups of people. I also hope that the future young generation gets involved in their own local communities whether that is through doing internships or participating in volunteering. This is what I want my legacy to be, one that inspires and motivates individuals to better their local and international communities. Read more>>

Malik Johnson | Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Producer, Media Personality

My success so far is based on faith and perseverance. I can take a break, a breather, vacation or whatever but I can’t give up. I will work all night in the studio and spend my last to make sure my show is right. I’ll put in the work to have the resources needed to create. I’ve performed several times with minor injuries, would not recommend but the show must go on. Practice truly does make perfect so I always make time to rehearse. Investing in my craft and knowing when to take a break has also been a game changer. Read more>>

Jessica West | Social Media Content Creator

Jesse, my six-year-old son. He has been my best friend through various challenges and has taught me valuable lessons along the way. Our time together is filled with laughter and fun, often spent dancing, creating, and watching TikToks. Lately, Jesse has taken a keen interest in vlogging, showcasing his smart and intelligent nature. He also actively participates in karate, soccer, and swimming, which highlights his loving and fun personality. Read more>>

Lancine Aday | Interior Designer and Contractor

Outsiders think being an Interior Designer is spending my days thumbing through beautiful fabrics, shopping with other people’s money at high end stores, and mostly stress free.
The reality couldn’t not be further from the truth. I spend 95% of my time on construction sites, I’m no stranger to black mold, construction dust covers my clothes, and my coworkers are plumbers, electricians and tile guys. It’s a very dirty, high stress job, and the second it’s gorgeous, I’m done, and on to the next job. Read more>>

Aisha Byrd | CEO and Baker

I chose to bake dog treats because it allows me to express my creativity by developing my recipes, designing custom dog cakes and unique treat delicacies, all while ensuring that I provide healthy options for dogs. Dogs are part of the family, and like most pet parents, I want to ensure that I offer a high-quality diet. I enjoy making custom dog cakes and cupcakes because they enable families to come together and create lasting memories with their furry companions. Our custom cakes feature the ability to choose from various cake flavors, frostings, colors, and shapes. Read more>>

Lily Ewald | Actress

I’ve always wanted to be an actress because I feel as though it is a super power of sorts. I have always enjoyed being able to bring characters to life both on the stage and on the screen. There is something so powerful about being able to make people feel connected to someone that doesn’t actually exist just by watching them. It’s fascinating that actors can be so good at connecting with their audience that people leave the theater feeling all of the emotions. Whether they leave crying or belly laughing, I aspire to have that much of an impact on people one day. Read more>>

Imag (emmanuel Anguiano) | Electronic Music Prodocuer & DJ

When it comes to balance, its really important to know how to juggle your priorities properly. Whenever i started making music I was so focused on that alone that I stopped focusing on whats around (friends, family, etc) . Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to focus on yourself but its also good to take a step back and reset yourself, that way your’e not over-doing it. Read more>>