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.

Kye Gutierrez

I’ve never put too much thought into it. I think I’ll know it’s time to give up when I no longer have a passion to create anymore. Music has always been a getaway, not permanent residence. I wouldn’t want to be 100 years old & doing this but how impressive & cool would that be? Read More>> 

Elle Arieu

Other than deciding to work for myself, the single most important decision I made was applying for the Mercury Awards. I was nominated for Best Quality and Innovation in Food for Airlines — and I won! That recognition not only validated my work at an international level, but it also opened doors, boosted my credibility, and gave me the confidence to keep pushing boundaries in my field. Read More>> 

Chakina C.C. The Great Watkins

Through Next Level Cosmetology and Barbering for Kids, I’m changing my community—and the world—by creating opportunities where none existed before. We’re the world’s first after-school cosmetology program for children, introducing young people from elementary to high school to hair, nails, barbering, entrepreneurship, and life skills like financial literacy and safety. By teaching college and career readiness early, we help kids see themselves as future professionals and leaders. From Fort Worth to Kuwait, we’re not just teaching beauty skills—we’re building confidence, creating jobs, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. Read More>> 

Brittany McCoy

Young entrepreneurs that are go getters and operate scared. What inspires me most are young entrepreneurs who are true go-getters—people who chase after their goals with relentless drive, even when they’re scared. I find so much motivation in watching others step into the unknown, operating from a place of both courage and vulnerability. It’s not the absence of fear that makes them inspiring, but their ability to keep moving forward despite it. That mindset reminds me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort, and that the best opportunities are often hidden on the other side of risk. Read More>> 

Janell Coleman

I want my legacy to be an example of God’s faithfulness. He truly is my compass and without him none of what I am able to do would be possible. This life has many challenges and with the challenges I have faced, God has never left my side-as I continue on this journey I pray I am a reflection of the grace of the Lord. What I want people to remember about me is that I am loving, free spirited, God fearing, passionate, caring and a joy to be around. I want to leave everywhere I go better than I found it. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. -Maya Angelou Read More>> 

Nipa Patel

I love seeing audiences laugh at my jokes and feel a sense of connection to them. Stand up comedy can be a push and pull relationship, and I always remind myself of the reason why I chose to do it: expression. Expression is a huge reason why I consistently am able to pursue a career in stand up comedy. It allows me to write freely and express my thoughts ranging from daily life to current events. The joy that I gain from being able to follow my artistic expression is absolute happiness! Read More>> 

Amy Shah, DO

One piece of conventional advice I often disagree with is the idea that we should ‘wait until something is wrong’ before seeking medical care. In the traditional medical world where I was trained and still actively practice, the focus is often on diagnosing and treating disease once it’s well established. That’s important, but I’ve seen firsthand how much earlier intervention could have changed the trajectory for many patients. Read More>> 

Mo Holloman

Time management is a scam. Time is a neutral container. Energy is the current that decides what moves.

ADHD brains do not fail time. They get drained by systems designed for assembly line output and constant self suppression. My work replaces hours on a calendar with energy budgeting that honors the nervous system, hormones, dopamine windows, sensory load, and relationship dynamics. Read More>> 

John Dallager

Most people don’t realize the broader alcohol category—beer, wine, even spirits in some markets—is slipping. Meanwhile, ready-to-drink cocktails are the lone growth engine. In fact, RTDs were the only major subset in the global alcohol beverage market to post volume growth in 2023 (up ~2%), along with a 6% jump in value, according to Forbes. NielsenIQ even refers to RTDs as the emerging “fourth category” in beverage alcohol, alongside beer, wine, and spirits. Read More>> 

Nisha Sangani

My ultimate career goal is to become a full-time content creator. I started creating content during my freshman year of undergrad, and I quickly realized that it’s something I want to pursue as a lifelong career. Content creation is truly my passion it excites me every day, and I love using it to help brands thrive. Alongside that, I hope to continue dancing part-time, as it’s another creative outlet that inspires me. Read More>> 

Arlena Crouch

This is such an area that hits home for me. In the past I’d go to bed and wake up at any given time depending on what work was like in different phases of my life. In some of those phases there was no balance and in others, I struggled for the balance I did have.

I’m a Mom now and my priorities have of course shifted quite a bit. My toddler is a rambunctious velcro child that demands a lot of my attention, so managing my relationship with Christ, parenting, family, work, and self-care has its challenges and rewards. Read More>>