Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.

David Pierce | creator & executive director of Denton’s Day of the Dead Festival

“it doesn’t have to be easy, it just has to be worth it.” That really sums up how working on a festival and preparing a halloween musical at the same time feels. It’s never easy, and just about when I feel it’s time to throw in the towel, the magic happens. I’m also partial to the Mother Teresa quote, “not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love/in a great way.” That’s how Denton’s Day of the Dead festival started, really. It was only a small block, on Industrial St, right off the Denton Square. Read more>>

Jason Brown | CEO

Starting a business always involves an element of risk. Unfortunately, when I first started my own company, I didn’t have a clear understanding of how much I would need to sacrifice for success. This was a difficult balance, especially since I had a family to support. Read more>>

Alex Malave | Musician

I think taking risks is a huge part of any creative journey! Whether it comes to creating something new or getting opportunities to showcase yourself, there’s always some amount of risk involved. In my case, I took a chance and moved hundreds of miles away with bandmates I hardly knew at the time for my music career and it’s been an invaluable decision for me. I also think that in terms of making interesting music, it’s always a little bit of a risk to try out new things and explore avenues you haven’t previously taken. At the end of the day though, I think that’s also part of what keeps things interesting. Read more>>

Len Noe | Transhuman / Whitehat Hacker

when I reflect on my life and consider what legacy I want to leave behind, the answer has evolved over time. To be completely honest, much of my past isn’t something I would want to be remembered for. I spent many years living in a way that most people would avoid—I was a biker, a criminal, and not someone who could be seen as a positive influence. I followed my own rules, indifferent to the impact I had on others, even those closest to me: my friends, family, and children. Read more>>

Sela Vo | Freelance Nail Tech & Accounting Student

Learning and self-improvement is the most valuable principle to me. When growth comes from within, everything else comes together. Learning to reflect on myself and hold myself accountable is the reason I can show up as a better person than who I was before. My only competition is myself. Read more>>

Michael Romatowski | Sports Training Entrepreneur

By far the most important trait to possess is the ability to adapt. You have your vision and you map out your plan, but the laws of the Universe dictate that nothing ever goes smoothly for long. Read more>>

Sandra Walters | Our Inspiring Stories Publisher / Editor/Writing Coach/Teacher

My aspiration to become a teacher began in the second grade. School was my safe haven, a place where I could escape the challenges in my life by focusing on learning. However, that year I missed 30 days of school, which sparked a personal goal—not to miss another day. From then on, I aimed for perfect attendance each year. Read more>>

Troy Tippawang And Hannah Abercrombie | Teachers/Co-Founders at AberWang Music Studio in Allen, TX

We both grew up in the North Texas area, playing in ensembles and taking music lessons all over the metroplex. We met at SMU (pony up!) while pursuing undergraduate and master’s degrees in piano and bass performance/pedagogy, and then we got married a few years later! Every day, we think not only about the lessons in music we learned from our favorite teachers, but also about the ways we can be kind and supportive, like them. The relationship between a music teacher and student is incredibly special; we’re honored to be entrusted with people’s music education! Read more>>

Marquest Williams | Fashion Influencer

It’s something that I can express myself in. Through art, fashion, etc. I love art and fashion and they both can go hand in hand for sure and both of those are my specialty. I love fashion I’m not trying to repeat myself or anything but especially through fashion I can express myself a lot through fashion. Read more>>

Sky Strickland | Dentist & Bodybuilder

I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and having the ability to create something from scratch. Dentistry is awesome because you’re an artist and you’re goal and mission is to design someone’s smile that is pleasing to the patient in an aesthetic way. The ability to create something is what drove me towards dentistry. It requires you to think outside of the box and to get creative. To see someone’s smile and to know in your mind the slight adjustments that can be made to improve their look while also keeping their natural beauty. Read more>>

Shelbi Vaughan Walley | Gym Owner/Trainer

When I decided to open 911 Fitness I was 7 months pregnant. I knew it was going to be hard but I knew it would be worth it! I actually went back to work 3 days after having my baby. And had my grand opening 4 weeks later! It was very different from having my first child because this one was along for the ride! Going to 5 am class with me and all. My kids do come to work with me and I am grateful for that! But it does get tricky at times when I have to take my older one who is 3 and goes to a Mother’s Day out program or dr appointment or if someone gets sick. Read more>>