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.

Francisca Harrison | Writer

I tried so hard to choose between these two quotes. It was an impossible task. Lol, both quotes are from the late great Jim Henson. The first one is:

“Watch out for each other. Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.” Read more>>

Alicia Forbe

My mother came into a substantial sum of money and turned to me for advice on how to invest it wisely. I promised to explore her options and guide her. But life took an unexpected turn when a man from her past resurfaced, proposing an investment in a fishing boat business. Despite my concerns, her lack of experience in the industry, the risks involved she decided to move forward with the venture. What followed was a heartbreaking spiral. Read more>>

Sharva Akpona | Planner and Designer

Oh, let me take you back for a minute. I was *that* kid—always dreaming up weddings in my head. I’d spend hours going over every detail—from the dress to the flowers to the music—like I was planning a real-life celebration. One summer at my grandparents’ house, I would play pretend with my sister and cousins, and together, we’d execute an entire wedding, with a dress made from paper. Yep, paper! Even at 10 years old, I was already setting the stage for my future as an event planner without even realizing it. Read more>>

Victoria Tanner | Creative Seamstress and Project Manager

For years I always attributed success to making a big name for myself and reaching a certain status financially. But as I have matured in my life and experienced more of it, I have found that success has so much more substance. The world tells us success is found in the physical value we have. This view is superficial and unfulfilling. You will find nothing but a unquenchable hunger and empty drive to speed through life while missing all the precious moments we get to experience along the way. I think success is much more humble. For me, success is my ability to have a positive impact on others. To bring joy, ease, and value while I am here on earth. Read more>>

Fjolla Hoxha | Sales and Personal Styling at Nordstrom

Success is the process of setting meaningful goals and consistently making progress toward achieving them while maintaining balance in other areas of life. It’s not just about reaching milestones, but also about growing as a person, building relationships, and staying true to one’s values. For me, success involves achieving personal fulfillment, professional accomplishments, and contributing positively to the daily life.. Read more>>

Dashawn Ricks | Professional Voice Actor

It can be very challenging, this industry is hard and saturated to the brim with voice talent. There will always be a gig for someone to book but whenever you miss out on auditions or didn’t land the job because of someone else you start to feel the dread of it all.

I’ve almost quit twice now in my years, money can be a real discouraging factor while also just having the good ole imposter syndrome play a role in your fears. But one of things that helped me keep going is remembering why I loved doing this in the first place, its my love for performing, nerding out about character growth, and a community of friends and talent that inspire me, or tell me I inspire them! Read more>>

Oc Seann | Musical Artist

I always have a Positive Out look on things giving up is not a option I always try to find a way to things work. Read more>>

Meryska Taylor | Master Loctician

I have always taught my children to protect their dreams fiercely and to never believe they can’t strive for more or do better in life. I encourage them to take chances, trust their instincts, and follow what makes their hearts giddy with excitement. Life is meant to be lived abundantly, and the best way to embrace that is to pursue their passions with everything they’ve got. By staying true to their dreams and giving it their all, they can create a life filled with purpose, joy, and limitless possibilities. Read more>>

Swapnil Mahendrakar | Pediatric Dentist, Veteran

As a parent, the most crucial virtue I have instilled in my children is gratitude and kindness. Read more>>

Morgan Combs | Cosmetologist & Combs tHAIRapy Lounge Owner/Operator

My career has been full of moments where taking risks was the only way to level up, but the biggest one by far was in 2023 when I packed up my life in Southeastern Ohio and moved to Dallas/Fort Worth.

In Ohio, I had everything figured out—my life and career were solid. But sometimes you just know when it’s time for a change, and I had outgrown where I was. Moving meant leaving everything I knew behind. When I got here, I went all in and opened a salon suite right away—a huge gamble in the beauty industry, especially with zero clients or local connections. Read more>>