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.

Logan Fleck | Marketing Consultant & Virtual Operations Manager

When I finally stepped away from the startup scene, it wasn’t some sort of noble, slow-motion walk away. No, it was more like, ‘I’ve got to get out of here before I turn into a walking, talking stress-ball.’ Quitting my VP role and starting my own gig wasn’t just about chasing a dream; it was survival, you know? And that decision, that moment, I think it’s made all the difference for my kids. Read more>>

Stephy Leigh Griffin | Music Educator/Performer/Songwriter

Most people would not call me successful according to the conventional definition of success, which seems to imply having a career that pays more than a livable wage. I am not successful in that regard, but I wake up happy and proud of the life I have made for myself as a musician. I have one decision to thank for that. When a new 4th grade student named Bri walked into my public music classroom after school one day, red-faced and out of breath, she said, “Miss Griffin, will you teach me private music lessons?” I spent 16 years saying no to scores of kids and and parents who asked me the same question. But the thought of staying after school 1 minute longer than I had to was not even fathomable. It was always a hard no. I loved teaching in the elementary school, but as a full-time teacher by day, busy songwriter and performer at night, I was exhausted all the time. Fresh to Arizona from West Virginia, Bri was a hot mess. She smelled like pee, had dirty hair, walked with a limp, had a crooked back and a lisp and no friends. But she loved music. She needed music. And I didn’t know it then but I needed her. It didn’t take long for Bri to become the best songwriting partner I’ve ever had. Read more>>

Cass Martin | Fitness Instructor & Social Media Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that taking risks is vital for achieving my goals and living my dream life. I’ve embraced the mindset that even when I fail miserably, it’s okay to start completely over. Every risk I’ve taken, regardless of the outcome, has provided valuable experience that help guide my future decisions in both life and business. Though it has been a roller coaster of ups and downs, taking risks has ultimately built my internal confidence. Read more>>

Angelica Acosta | Lash artist

I am very firm believer that if you never take risks, you will not get anywhere in life and you will be reminiscing of what could have been. Ultimately starting my business when Covid was barely coming out, was the biggest risk I had to take. My lash course took place in November of 2019 and that same day, I told my manager I wasn’t going back to work. That risk took a big part into my career because from the second I decided I was all in, I never looked back. If it wasn’t for me making a decisive to leave my job that day, I probably wouldn’t be a Lash Artist today. Read more>>

Meg Vellejos McCoy | Inter-spiritual community minister, artist, musician and teacher.

I was asked recently what I wanted to leave as my legacy through my work, and the question brought me a surprising amount of discomfort. I don’t think I’ve realized how much my work has impacted others until recently, and I’m just now recognizing my desire to create larger social impact beside others in these dynamic times. In a way, I didn’t set out to generate social change when I started. I had conceived of my work as responding to a need that I was uniquely qualified and interested in meeting: companionship in the inner life wilderness. I have come to realize how much small acts, spiritual friendship and community and access to inner life really matter. Read more>>

Reena Friedman Watts | Mompreneur & Producer

Your legacy can be tied to someone else’s legacy. My dad taught me this. We are t just living for ourselves we are living for those who came before us and after us. Additionally a lot of guys want a son to carry on their name and their legacy. A daughter can do that too! Read more>>

Veronica Hawkins | Natural Cosmetic and Beauty Chemist

The most important factor behind the success of my brand is that I can honestly say I stand behind my products 100%. Many companies create products that they’ve either never used or would never use on themselves. I actually use every product I create. If it isn’t good enough for me to use daily it isn’t good enough for my customers. I want people to know that when you see me you see my brand. Read more>>

John Townsend | Recording Artist & Producer

As far as being a recording artist and producer, the most important factor for me I believe is staying true to the music that feels right to me. I’ve always been less interested in current trends when it comes to art, music, movies, fashion, even cooking. When it comes to being creative, you can’t cater to what you think people might like. If you do that, you’re not being authentic. So many people copy, the world doesn’t need more of that. And as far as my music teaching business, success has come through my connection with my students, and natural growth through word of mouth. Read more>>

Julian Hill | Student-Athlete at Arizona State University

It seems really cliche, but hard work pays off. Competitive swimming is definitely one of the more time-consuming sports out there. There have been so many opportunities I have missed out on over the years due to training, or competitions. Swimming has taught me a great deal of discipline and attention-to-detail. Through this relentless dedication I have bettered myself as a person and met lifelong friends. Read more>>

Antonio Rucker | Tattoo Artist / Shop Owner

How competitive it is! The tattoo industry is full of amazing artists so that means the competition is steep. Every client that comes through my shop door has more than likely has a few other artist and shops in mind. They are just weighing out their options. It’s my job too show them why I am their best choice each and every time. Read more>>

Prabhs Matharoo | Knife Maker

This is a loaded question! There’s a lot of things business owners want. For me, it’s the freedom to work on my own schedule, be financially independent and feel passion and fulfillment that I’m taking control of my dreams and achieving them. Too many times I feel the “safe” route is working towards making someone else’s dream come true; I don’t think I or anyone else was put on this Earth to push our goals aside and work relentlessly, 40 hours a week for sub-par pay, potentially working a job one hates just to scrape by with the rising tide of inflation and greedy corporations…then again, I say that while working a full time job on top of trying to run this business so maybe I should take my own advice! Read more>>

Daniel Howe | Director of The Earnest House, founder of The HOWE Project and owner of Heavy Kettle Popcorn

I am from Tucson Arizona. Like many, my background and upbringing had a significant impact on the person I am today. Unfortunately, my childhood was filled with poverty, which made life incredibly challenging. The struggles and limited opportunities shaped the path I ended up taking. Read more>>

Jypsy Jeyfree | Artist

Choosing an artistic career was solely a discovery of my passion for self-expression, and a love for the arts. It allowed me to channel my emotions, ideas, and perspectives through facing myself. I found fulfillment in the freedom of artistic expression and the ability to make a meaningful impact on others through my work. Read more>>

Tiffany Richards | Business owner, self-defense expert and adventurer

I would think many people from my past would describe me as a workaholic. An idea hits and I’ve been known to go full speed ahead, tossing out any notion of time management or balance. Read more>>