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.

Caroline and Chris Tucker | Business Owners of Caroline’s Custom Impressions and One Dapper Gent

“If people aren’t laughing at your dreams, then you’re not dreaming big enough.” I love this quote because I’ve seen that “you must be crazy” look in friends’, family’s, strangers’ eyes so many times when we talked about starting a business, quitting our office jobs, buying rental properties, or building a custom house. People would tell us “that’s going to be really hard” as if it was supposed to be some kind of deterrent. I guess I’m fortunate that Chris and I both have always had a sense of wanting more for ourselves and our life together. We’re always looking to take that next step, whether it’s growing the business, looking for our next investment, working toward early retirement, or planning a new adventure. We’ve had some big dreams, but we’ve also worked hard to achieve them. I don’t think we’ll ever stop having dreams in our heads to work toward! Read more>>

Rena McDonald | Attorney, Entrepeneur and Best Selling Author

My favorite quote is from Willy Wonka. I little nonsense now and again is relished by the wisest men.

It is very easy, being an attorney to get sucked into dealing with very important life changing issues for myself and my clients. This quote helps me deal with both the stress and the challenge of work life balance. When things are beyond stressful, I remember this quote and it relaxes the tension. I try to keep things light for the staff so that they don’t become overwhelmed. As a parent, I try not to let my problems become the family’s problem. A little nonsense now and again can not only relieve the tension so that solutions become more clear but also make the job worth more rewarding. Read more>>

Dr. Madeleine Heuer | Mindset & Empowerment Coach

Deciding whether to keep going or give up is a challenging crossroads in life, and it requires careful consideration. Here are two key things I learned from my own journey that can help anyone going through this decision-making process. Read more>>

Dr. Nadia Brown | Founder

Integrity. I have worked with women business owners to uncover the emotions and negative thoughts that prevent them from mastering sales and creating a profitable business. It usually comes down to removing the myth that being successful in sales means being salesy or manipulative. It is so important for people to develop their own selling style that embodies their personality and values. Holding fast to their integrity and anointing these conversations with dignity, class, and grace allows them to genuinely connect with potential clients and close sales. Read more>>

Amy Charbonneau | Founder & Formulator

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often blurs the lines between truth and fiction, the principle of integrity stands as a beacon of authenticity and trustworthiness. As the founder of a skincare company committed to crafting the cleanest products, I find that integrity is not just a personal value but a cornerstone of my business. It guides every decision, from product creation to supplier selection, ensuring that our actions reflect our deepest beliefs and commitments. Read more>>

Rhonda Sturgeon, D.C. | Chiropractor

I am from Old Town Maine. I went to undergraduate school for exercise science at The University of Maine at Orono. I continued my education in Chesterfield, MO at Logan College of Chiropractic. I have practiced in Fort Collins, CO and Stratham, NH before moving to Tucson, AZ. Deep in my core I have always been sensitive to other peoples feelings and emotions. I have always known that I was here to help people heal and release their pain, tension and trauma that keeps them from living their optimal life. Read more>>

Ryan Goss | Professional Artist, CEO, Art Instructor

I’m from the vibrant city of Forest Park, Illinois, nestled near Chicago. Growing up as an only child, I was constantly on the move, immersing myself in activities like basketball, skateboarding, drawing, and exploring. Forest Park’s diverse culture provided endless opportunities for adventure and connections with fascinating people. Read more>>

Luisa McDougall | Creative Writer & Screenwriter & Illustrator

Im Luisa(or Lulu!!) a NYC writer/filmmaker, and I specialize in mythology. Lore, is a fantastical way to tell history, as it relates to the events, culture and people within the region the stories originated. This has been my all consuming interest since childhood, as soon as I could read. A practical career, such a medicine, is undeniably important, but I have always been more interested in medicine for the soul. A creative writing career, for me, is a means of connecting people across the globe, so I suppose people are part of my Art as well. To say that passion is the only reason I’ve pursued the Arts, would be unfair. I’ve been exceedingly fortune in this life to have a stable home life, that allowed me to take risks, knowing that if I fall I will have a support system behind me. My mother is an Artist and my father unwaveringly supported my interests. No wonder they ended up with 3 creative daughters! Now at 26, I’ve worked for HBO, ViacomCBS, Disney Television, amongst many other smaller companies, bringing stories to life on screen. Not only has this career been an honor, but a privilege. I choose Art for the girls, somewhere in the world, with the same passions, the same knowledge, but not the same opportunities. I choose Art because when you’re given this chance, you run for it like hell. Read more>>

Courtney Colvin | Entrepreneur & Accountant

Work life balance is continuously evolving for me. I started this business when I was pregnant with my son almost four years ago and in 2023 i had my second! As many know, being a wife and mother while working, especially running my own business comes with challenges but I stay flexible with my time to balance the needs of my family and the needs of my business. A big motivation for me is to show my children that perseverence pays off, that life can be hard but it is also fun! Another huge factor to the balance is my very supportive husband, he supports my business and always helps to include the children in events and traveling so we can all be togher. It’s not always the most ideal but we make it work. Read more>>

Carrie Giordano | Photographer

My work life balance has changed quite a bit over time. When I was younger and didn’t yet had a family, I would say yes to any and all work. I felt like I never wanted to miss out on an opportunity. However, now being a mom of three young children my priorities have definitely shifted. Saying yes to something means saying no to something else. So I have to ask myself what do I really want to say no to? I really try to only say yes to jobs that are meaningful to me or that I feel will really lead to more positive opportunities. Read more>>