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.

Jimmy Rios | Business Advisor/Business Broker

Over 23 years of mistakes in building businesses from Mortgages to Tax Preparation, Insurance, lending and Real Estate. I noticed that in my businesses and in many of my clients business models no one had a go-to mentor or advisor to help them navigate through all the intricate mazes that one goes through in running a business successfully. Read more>>

Jake Swartzenberger | Audio Engineer & Music Producer

Consistency is the biggest thing for me. When we first launched our business and had no clients, I took time out of every day I could to work toward the business. I still put in consistent time every day and I maintain the same attitude, work ethic, growth, and love for the art as I always have. I also try to learn new things as often as I can. That is always a good habit for success. Read more>>

Asa Padilla | Foodie and Business Owner

I feel the most important part of my success and meaning of my brand is due to the 12+ years working in the food industry from a server all the way up to a Director of Dining Services. The opportunity to manage a kitchen not just one but 3 on one property, this was for luxury retirement communities around the valley. Read more>>

Maxim & Molly Powiada | Owners & Chiropractors

Our decision to start our own business stemmed from a desire to offer something unique in the healthcare sector. We noticed that many individuals, especially athletes, were not achieving lasting results from quick, in-and-out clinics. We envisioned creating a place where athletes could feel heard, understood, and treated as individuals and have created just that! Read more>>

Jaclyn Levine-Nail | Director of Ballet at Ice Den Scottsdale and Chandler, Owner of Arizona Ballet For Figure Skaters

Funny story…my business literally fell into my lap. I was teaching at several ballet schools in the Phoenix area; Scottsdale School of Ballet, under the Direction of Donald and Sibylle Acatos-Dadey, and Master Ballet Academy, under the direction of Slawomir and Irena Wozniak. One day, an 8 year old girl, Alexandra, walked into a ballet class that I was teaching at Scottsdale School of Ballet. Read more>>

Marsha Vallee | Co-Owner, Noble Beast

“Don’t hire friends.” We have found that hiring our friends and our customers has the best outcome for everyone. With retail jobs, turnover can be really high. When you hire a customer, you get someone who already loves your store and who is motivated by the employee discount. Read more>>

Tabitha Dumas | Signature Color Style

While serving on a team for a fledgling networking group ten or so years ago, we were discussing how to get more people to attend, and a fellow leader said “Well, if you build it they will come,” to mean that if we planned and hosted meetings, people would simply…show up! I vehemently disagreed and reminded them of the importance of marketing and staying in front of people. Read more>>

King Gonzo | DJ/Producer/Emcee

I aim to help open people’s eyes to the truth of the world. There’s a veil over a lot of people’s eyes, and I want to assist in lifting it. Read more>>

Jacob Holley | Foster Care/Youth Advocate

I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, which is quite unique in today’s Arizona. My upbringing and background have had a significant influence on my career and who I am today. My childhood was filled with adventure and the usual chaos that comes with family life. Read more>>

Alyssa Hatchard | Alyssa Hatchard | Career Counsellor, Coach, Speaker, and Reiki Master Teacher

I grew up in a little village in Eastern Canada, a place so small that we didn’t even have stop lights. Despite the size of my hometown, I always harbored big dreams for myself. My upbringing was a blend of practicality and the encouragement to pursue what truly made me happy. My parents instilled in me values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of following my heart, which have deeply influenced who I am today. Read more>>