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.

Molly

Back in 2001 I went to an animal shelter to get a cat for our apartment that did not allow animals. Thinking I could easily hide a cat, that was my intention when I arrived. However, my plans changed after spending 8 hours there seeing the horrors of a city shelter. As they drug a puppy down the corridor to her death, I demanded to take her. They explained she was sick but I did not care. I left that day and made a promise to all the other animals there that I couldn’t help all of them but I would make it my mission to do something to make a different to help as many animals as I can.  Read More>>

Veena Jetti

My dad always told me, “True wealth is knowing when enough is enough.” That stuck with me.
To me, success isn’t just about money or titles—it’s about alignment. It’s the ability to live with purpose, to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally, and to know that I’m building something meaningful for my family and community. Read More>>

Fawn Brown

I’m inspired heavily by fleeting moments in nature. When I was young my family would go camping in the mountains every year. They’d give me a disposable camera, and I’d go all over the place taking pictures of streams, rocks, and little animals. Although it’s been a while since then, I’d definitely say that those experiences have shaped my outlook on life and reverence for wildlands. Read More>>

Jacob Gutknecht

So far in my photography career, consistency has been the biggest habit that’s helped me grow. I usually post every week and always make sure I have something lined up to shoot. I’ve always been a go-getter, for example, one day I saw a sign for a D2 conference championship while running errands. I did some research, found the media contact, and ended up with a media pass. I used a similar process to get into Overtime 7v7, which was huge for exposure and networking. At those events, I collaborated with big teams and pages, which really helped me get my name out there. Read More>>

Lauren Burgin

For me, the value that matters most is actually a blend of four things that guide everything I do in my fashion business: confidence, authenticity, honesty, and being genuine. I can’t really separate them—they’re all deeply connected, both in how I run my brand and how I live my life. Read More>>

Tony TheTycoon

The most important lesson my business and career have taught me is this:

Without a clear understanding of your purpose, you will never build anything truly lasting. Purpose isn’t a slogan it’s the compass that directs every decision. If you don’t know who you’re called to serve, or what gift God placed in you to serve them with, your business becomes a hustle, not a calling. Read More>>

Rebecca Ball

Floral design is such a unique blend of art, nature, and emotion. It’s one of those careers that truly brings creativity and artistic ability to life. There’s something special that happens when a floral designer can take floral stems and greenery and create a whole emotional experience—telling stories, setting moods, and capturing once in a life time moments through their arrangements. Behind every creative piece is a couple that has a story to tell!
Each bridal bouquet or centerpiece isn’t just flowers; it’s a memory in the making. Read More>>

Claudia Diaz

I, Claudia Diaz, pursued a creative career in flower arrangements because I am driven by the natural beauty of flowers and the deeper purpose of creating an arrangement that will deliver a meaningful message and memory. In my business, Txluxessentials, clients are able to share their vision and I can bring it to life. Every arrangement is different and personalize to the clients preference in flower, color, paper design, message, and more. It brings me joy to know the arrangements I create, fulfills and brings a smile, happy tears, deeper emotions to the client. Read More>>

Kristin Bartholomew

As a busy mom of three, I have been navigating the work-life balance rollercoaster for almost 2 decades. As a recent college graduate back in 2007, I was excited (albeit surprised) to find out that I would soon become a mom to my first daughter. My husband and I had been married a mere 16 months when I learned that my best-laid plans (to start a teaching career in the public schools) were already being rewritten.  Read More>>