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.

Shakila Lee | Founder & President of Ladies Athletic Club of Dallas

The Ladies Athletic Club of Dallas (LACD) began as a vision to create an empowering space for women to prioritize their health, fitness, and overall well-being in a supportive, community-driven social club. I recognized that Dallas lacked female-focused athletic clubs that catered specifically to the unique fitness goals and wellness needs of women. I wanted to create a place that wasn’t just about working out, but where women of all ages and fitness levels could come together and create a community of support. Read more>>

Lesley Tierney | Founder and President of DFW Wildcare (501c3 non-profit)

Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to helping animals in need. Before the internet, I would find injured wildlife but didn’t know the specifics of how to help. It was heartbreaking to witness an animal’s suffering and feel helpless. At that time, I didn’t even know that wildlife rehabilitators existed. Read more>>

Yolanda Wilson Smith | Author

Ken Blanchard’s The Simple Truth of Service Book deeply inspired me through its powerful stories of servanthood. Johnny, a grocery bagger with Down syndrome, touched lives by adding handwritten notes of encouragement to customers’ bags. His simple yet heartfelt gestures sparked a ripple effect of kindness, inspiring others in the store to serve creatively, like the floral department giving single flowers to shoppers. Johnny’s story reminds me that true servanthood doesn’t require grand gestures—just a genuine heart to make a difference. Read more>>

Saeed Purcell | Imam (Muslim Religious Leader), Personal Development Consultant (Spiritual and Relationships), Son, Brother, Father, Husband, Friend, & World Citizen.

So, I was born with a metabolic disorder called PKU (Phenylketonuria). It’s a lifelong condition that affects how your body processes protein. Long story short, it means that as a child you can become severely physically and mentally retarded. As an adult, it leads to neurocognitive and psychological issues with attention, focus, thinking, emotional control. I spent most of my adult life untreated, after following a strict diet in my youth. The effect of this was increasing difficulties with work, school, and relationships. I say all of this to set the stage for what comes next. Read more>> 

Terrelle Dames | Loctitian

Consistency. Consistency is one of the many keys to success. You have to keep telling yourself to keep pushing and to keep advertising your business no matter how tiring or unrewarding it may seem at times. Read more>>

Oneil Brown | Board Certified Herbalist and Founder of Herbal Enrichments

The most important factor behind the success of Herbal Enrichments is our unwavering commitment to serve others. This purpose forms the core of our business, guiding every decision and fueling our growth. Our work is driven by a belief that true wellness should be accessible to everyone, and this dedication has not only strengthened our resilience but also allowed us to overcome challenges and grow stronger in the face of adversity. Read more>>

Krishitha Pingeli & Vaishnavi Tatineni | CEO and Co-Founders

“Good things come to those who wait” – We disagree with this piece of advice because it downplays the importance of active effort & initiative. While patience is valuable, waiting too long can often mean that you fall behind or miss out on valuable opportunities. In our opinion a more effective piece of advice would be “ Good things come to those who persist”. Read more>>

Dipen Parekh | Center Director

I disagree with the advice that students should focus solely on their weaknesses. While addressing gaps is important, strengthening strengths can be equally valuable. Building on a student’s existing skills boosts confidence, motivates learning, and can often lead to greater overall improvement, rather than solely focusing on deficits. Read more>>

David Narita | Mobile Mechanic

I was born in fountain valley, California in 1981, and in 1983 my parents were convicted of a crime that landed them 16 years to Life behind bars. My dad’s parents took me in and raised me in Orange county until 1988, when we moved to Riverside county. My grandparents were both managing bowling alleys from the time I was born until about 1985. My grandfather decided to change careers and started works my for a glass and screen shop while my grandma still managed her bowling alley. Grandpa Larry worked hard, and took me to work with him often. I learned how to make screens, and watched him cut glass. Eventually by 1988 he had an opportunity to buy an existing business in Riverside called Al’s Glass & Screen. I would spend countless hours at the shop honing my skills as a glazier until one day my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Read more>>