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.

Raphael Yamoah

“It’s not about what you have in your hands , rather how you treat what’s in your hands “.
This quote always brings my awareness to the power I have over my situations. Knowing that my attitude towards my situation will always be the factor that determines my success or failure. Read More>>

Jonathan Foreman

Pay The Toll Boxing started as a reflection of the sacrifices fighters make. Nothing in boxing, or life, comes without a cost. You’ve got to pay the toll through sweat, pain, and discipline if you want to reach greatness. Then it all clicked while I was training at Booth’s Paint and Body Shop in Houston, right off the Hardy Toll Road. I was literally paying a toll every day just to chase this dream.  Read More>>

Shay Willis

I define success as an effort to continue to show up for yourself no matter what you’re doing in life. Success is just being consistent with your goals and aspirations. Everyone’s consistency level is different but you will eventually reap the benefits of your efforts in due time. Read More>>

Isaiah Rucker

Success is simple.
You define a target, focus all your energy and resources on that target, and hit it. That’s success.

It doesn’t matter what the target is—if you clearly define it, commit fully, and achieve it, you are successful. Read More>>

Stacy Garza Cunningham

I’m inspired by my kids. I have an almost 4 year old daughter and an 11 month old son. They are my daily inspiration. Read More>>

 Jarek Crew

One of the biggest habits that’s helped me succeed is consistency—especially in the small things. I built my life and career on showing up every day, whether I felt like it or not. From training to nutrition to business—it all comes down to doing the work, even when it’s not glamorous.

Another key habit is intentionality. I don’t just go through the motions. Every workout, every meal, every client interaction—I’m asking myself, “Is this getting me or my athletes closer to the goal?” That level of focus has kept me aligned with my purpose and elevated the standard at J.Crew Coaching. Read More>>

Brache’laun Womack

I believe discipline has helped me to succeed. As an entrepreneur, you have the freedom to work whenever you want but at the same time you have to have the discipline to be able make time for your business and stay on schedule week in and week out. Each business is different but for my business, for example, I get up at 3am-4am every weekday to start at 4am-5am to be available for clients that need to go to the airport, or have early business meetings to attend. Read More>>

Tobe Duru-Onweni

Money and Money Read More>>

Priscila

Seeing how others light up with my creations. “This looks too beautiful to eat” is what I hear very often, and it warms my heart. I grew up with both of my parents having a culinary background, so taking this on and now curating beautiful events for others while they get to enjoy their day makes it all the better.

My favorite part of this is seeing how my regulars continue to use me for several events. From weddings to their baby showers and now all birthdays. Seeing their children grow up and being a part of their special day makes it all the better. Read More>>

Jasmine Alise

I’ve been noticing a trend lately—more and more people talking about silence like it’s the highest form of healing. —Like if you’re not quiet, withdrawn, and unbothered, then you must not be healed. And while I understand the power of silence—how sacred and necessary is and can be—I also see how it’s being glorified in a way that feels out of balance. Some of this silence isn’t peace. It’s pain with a spiritual filter on it. Some of what people are calling peace Is just fear wrapped in fake wisdom. It’s avoidance dressed up as enlightenment. And that’s not healing—that’s hiding. Read More>>

Denys Kavaler

Most people think plumbing is just about fixing leaks or installing fixtures. But in reality, a big part of what we do is emergency response and that’s something outsiders rarely understand.

When a pipe bursts in the middle of the night or a water heater starts flooding a house on a Sunday, it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a crisis. And while many companies advertise “24/7 service,” most don’t pick up after hours. That’s where we step in. Read More>>

Victoria Piland

The most important lesson my business has taught me is it takes time to grow. You have to work your way up. It doesn’t happen over night. Build connections with others in your industry. They are going through the same struggles as you or have already and can help you along the way. Read More>>

Emerald Tucker

Work-life balance has definitely been a journey for me—especially being both a full-time DJ and a college student. I’m currently finishing up my last couple of semesters, and finding a rhythm between school and music hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments where the balance feels overwhelming, but completing my degree is a huge personal goal. I’ll be the first in my family to graduate, and that alone keeps me grounded and motivated. Read More>>

Sona Pokharel

My idea of work-life balance has changed a lot over the years. I used to think it meant doing everything, all the time—showing up for work, content creation, social plans, and everyone else’s needs. Saying no was really hard for me because I care about people and didn’t want to hurt their feelings or disappoint anyone, and honestly I am a restless person in general who needs to be busy all the time. Read More>>

 John Gallegos

The most important decision I made was actually a realization called “Sonder”.
Sonder: “The profound awareness that each person, even those you don’t know, has their own full and rich life, with their own ambitions, friends, routines, and struggles”. American author David Foster Wallace’s famous 2005 “This is Water” commencement speech perfectly encapsulates it. It led me to the realization that my life isn’t about me. My life is about everyone in it and how I fit into theirs and vice versa.  Read More>>