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.

Jaycie Forrester | Wedding & Event Planner

Success is always being defined differently because it can mean so many things to different people. Merriam Webster Dictionary says success is “a degree or measure of succeeding: a favorable or desired outcome.” I think that’s a good start, but for me and how I have come to see success in my life, it means “a step in the right direction.” Read more>>

Zayna Almashouti | Highway Girls Official Founder

Success is living a life true to your spirit. It’s about following your own path, embracing freedom, and continuously discovering new horizons. It’s measured not by societal standards, but by the fulfillment you find in your journey and the strength you gain from each experience. To me, success is about the joy of the journey and the courage to chase your dreams. Read more>>

Coley Arnold

Taking risks is an inherent part of entrepreneurship, especially for female founders like myself. Embracing risk means stepping out of comfort zones, challenging the status quo, and venturing into uncharted territories with the potential for great rewards or significant setbacks. As a business owner, calculated risk-taking has been essential in driving innovation, securing funding, and expanding my business.  Read more>>

Nancy Hetrick | Financial Advisor, Divorce Planner, Mentor and Trainer

Every successful entrepreneur is a risk taker. That’s just a fact. The vast majority of humans never push themselves to make their dreams reality due to one basic survival instinct, fear. Fear will stop progress dead in its tracks. If you are not willing to take risks, it’s safe for sure, but also boring and guaranteed to limit your potential. Read more>>

Tina Toro Evans | Silk Floral Designer

Our business helps is extremely community-focused and we work hard to find ways to give back. We have donated $800 worth of silk floral bouquets and centerpieces this year to Tucson non-profits who work directly with people in need of joy and happiness. $800 was our goal for 2024 and our donation goal for next year is $1000. Read more>>

Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Siuts, Ph.D. | Maternal Mental Health Psychologist

As a maternal mental health psychologist, I support women who are struggling with fertility challenges or experiencing symptoms of depression/anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum. I also frequently help women navigate their new identity as a mother. Perinatal Mood Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) is the #1 complication of pregnancy and childbirth and approximately 21% of women will experience major or minor depression following childbirth. Read more>>

Sierra Dominguez

I am always inspired by art, but more so, I am truly inspired by the “movement” of an object that could be turned into art. Whether it be the flow of water or hair, they way a certain texture/fabric might lay, the silhouette of a character or their outfit as a whole. Those are examples of every day things I that I might come across in every day life and suddenly I am inspired to paint, sew, fabricate, “create”. Read more>>

Rob Boyd | Music Artist

Consistency/ focus/ Determination always wanted something out of my Life . I love to achieve. Read more>>

Jess Pate

“Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” I completely disagree with this statement! I promise you I love what I do, but I have worked extremely hard to get to where I’m at. I need breaks and vacations from time to time. But the best thing is that I’m excited to come back to what I do… And that’s how I know I love it. You should always work hard for the things you love. Read more>>

Freddy Prinze Charming

There are so many lessons I’ve learned over the years, but one of the biggest has to be “it’s not personal, it’s business”. When you’re a creator or small business owner, it can be easy to want to bring your friends into that circle so they can benefit when you benefit.  Read more>>

Jimmy Gialelis | Owner–Advanced Massage Arts & Education

Remain true to yourself and your values. Many people have offered advice to make major changes in myself and presentation. In the end, small changes that still honored the major facets of my business proved a more successful strategy. Read more>>

Janet Watkins | Ceramic and Mosaic Artist

My journey as a ceramic artist began unexpectedly, after retiring from a 30-year career in banking. One day, I stumbled upon a pottery class at a charming century-old church in my neighborhood. Within just a few hours of molding clay, I felt its magic—the endless possibilities. Read more>>