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.

Faiza Rasheed

The idea behind my business started with something simple—I was making mousse cups for friends and family gatherings. I loved the creative process of making desserts that looked as good as they tasted. Over time, I realized I wanted to elevate the presentation, so I began setting up styled dessert tables. That’s when I discovered my deeper passion for decor. I found so much joy in designing each element—from florals to props—and bringing a full vision to life. That naturally led me into bigger event setups, where I could combine both my love for desserts and decor to create unforgettable experiences.  Read More>> 

Kylie

This question hits close to home because I’ve asked myself the same thing. Last year, during my first year of grad school, I found myself drowning in feedback coming from every direction, some of it hard to swallow. I remember one night, staring at a canvas that felt less like art and more like a mountain I couldn’t climb. It felt as if everything I was doing was just not good enough. I asked myself, “Do I really want this? Or is it time to give up?” Read More>> 

Coach Dennis “Ko’ox” “El Travieso” Thomas

Street Jitsu helps the community by building healthier bodies and stronger minds. Our training keeps people active, out of the doctor’s office, and able to show up for work and life. We believe healthcare should be proactive, not reactive.

Beyond physical fitness, we teach resilience, discipline, loyalty, teamwork, problem-solving, goal-setting, and self-defense. Every class is a lesson in respect, honor, and commitment. We prepare our students to handle pressure, overcome challenges, and thrive—not just on the mats, but in everyday life. Read More>> 

Brittany Williams

Traveling With Queen is built around one core belief: that everyone deserves the chance to explore the world, regardless of income. We focus on helping everyday people experience the beauty of travel without the heavy financial burden. It isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about providing hope, joy, rest, and exposure to a broader world which increases mental well-being, gain new perspectives, and a renewed sense of possibilities. Read More>>

Tiffany & Anthony Antwine

We want our legacy to be about people. Our why — and our passion — is to live with a posture of servitude and to serve others the way Christ did. We want people to see Christ through our love, our passion, and the way we show up for them, every single time.

Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or someone closing on their fifth home with us, we want that same care, attention to detail, and servant heart to shine through in every interaction. Read More>>

Christopher Xue

It’s so important to be true-to-self. I think many people nowadays twist and bend their personalities in order to maintain a certain appearance publicly or virtually on social media.

Musicians are especially prone to this. We have to constantly be networking and promoting ourselves to the point that our personalities can become distasteful and fake without even noticing. Read More>> 

Jean Elizabeth

Everyone says you need meticulous planning.

Make a written 5-year plan.

Yeah, well, about that. I had a plan, but it wasn’t firm, written, or even fully fleshed out. I wanted to open a bead store, which is how I started out way back before I started selling kits to knitters and crocheters. Read More>> 

Jinho Kim

My end goal is to teach Jiu-Jitsu with a clear and meaningful purpose.

For kids, my mission is to help them grow into outstanding individuals who contribute positively to our country and the world. Through training, I emphasize two powerful life principles:
• Hard work always pays off
• Never give up — build an indomitable spirit Read More>>

De Anna Young

The end goal for me is to always remain a creator. Whether it is through florals, decor, transforming spaces or expressing myself through music. I want to build a career where creativity is not only part of what I do. It is who I am.

Where do I want to be professionally by the end of my career? Oh gosh, that is a good question. Where ever life takes me. Ultimately, I want to run a successful business being creative. I love the creative process of imagining and designing. It gives me a sense of peace, and joy. My work is meant to inspire and give people a sense of beauty, and hope. There is something about fresh flowers it reaches people in a real and emotional way. That is what keeps me going. Read More>> 

Marvin Campos

Taking a three month pay cut and investing in a team to help us reach our company goals. We wanted to lead by example and pay creatives versus having them do work for us probono. It was very hard but rewarding to pay our friends and grow the way we wanted to grow. Read More>>

Michael Quincy-Sanders

Born and raised in Los Angeles.

1. Grown by up with a Homophobic Mother, while also having an older brother that was gay as well was something. I didn’t “come out” until around 24. But living that has shown me how other people can feel unsafe, and unprotected in simply being who they are. Read More>> 

Evannah V

I’m EvannahV—Chicago-born, Belize-raised, and shaped by both. I grew up moving between Belize City and Chicago’s North Side, learning to balance culture, struggle, and ambition. My grandma ran a music school, my dad taught me journalism and business before he passed, and my mom showed me how to lead with strength. My sister and I do everything together—writing music, building visuals, and now launching our own indie label while growing solo projects. From family roots to fashion shoots, SXSW to GRAMMY NEXT, I create with a Caribbean-American voice—bold, soulful, and grounded in real-life hustle Read More>> 

Danielle Hall

I love creating art from a piece of paper of an idea and bringing to life on camera. Visuals are a big part of art and I love the stories and meaning behind what the artist is trying say through the lens! Getting lost in your imagination sometimes is the best therapy when times get tough. Read More>>