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.

Rana Coniglio, M.A., LAC, EMDR Trained

In a rapidly evolving world where the pressures and complexities of modern life can often leave young people vulnerable to various forms of trauma, my role as a trauma therapist has never felt more critical or meaningful. As a young adult myself, I hold a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by this demographic. In my work, not only am I able to provide a safe haven for individuals to explore and heal from their past experiences, but this work extends far beyond the therapy room, touching the lives of not only their clients but also their families, friends, and our community. Read more>>

Reggie Rose Gonzales | Reggie Rose Gonzales | Visual Artist of Photography

Heart and Humanity. What drives me is my heart and humanity and all that comes with it. Compassion, empathy, and kindness come to mind. I started my business with a lot in my heart. My heart actually wanted to start my own business for 2 reasons. My 2 reasons were to start a honest business with high quality for any budget, and to be able to afford to get anything my parents want. Not just need, but want too. I am a caretaker for my mom and help take care of my dad so I would love to be able to spoil them like they did me my whole life. Read more>>

Lainie Ann Colon | Universal Wellness Ambassador

I was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised by my aunt, Marta Torres, who lovingly embraced me as her own after my biological parents were not in a position to raise me. Growing up alongside my cousin, Tracey who I consider my sister, I was surrounded by strong, independent, and intelligent women. These women, led by our matriarch, my grandmother Ana Colon, played pivotal roles in shaping my values and the person I am today. Read more>>

Cindy Eversmeyer | Mom, Teacher, and Mom Blogger (Adventures as Mama)

My work life balance had changed drastically over the years… When it comes to my 9-5, I used to be all work. My job used to consume me. Then I became a mom, and there is no surprise that priorities changed. My balance is now an ebb and flow that fully revolves around my family. Because I work a full time job and have three young children, my time is very important. My number one priority is to be present with my family, I will never get this time back. Sometimes my priority when they go down in the evening is my own sleep, and sometimes it’s my Adventure As Mama goals. Read more>>

Luisa Santos Martinez | Filmmaker and Artistic Director

Everything has duality; what matters is the perspective from which we look at it. This sentence has been a guiding compass in my life and how I approach situations. It reminds me of how essential it is to understand that everything has many sides, as do people. I truly believe in the multi-dimensionality that humans hold. Read more>>

Melanie Lalande | Creative Director/Owner

When I was younger, I wasn’t fully aware of the risks I was taking. As I grew older, I realized that the patterns of behavior I developed led to fantastic adventures—ones I couldn’t have foreseen. What I’ve come to understand is that personal growth often comes in surprising packages, and risk is a key element of the experience. Read more>>

Lora Van Tassel Md | Pediatrician and owner of Home Base Pediatrics

The most important factor behind my success at Home Base Pediatrics is my commitment to relationship-based care. Parents really feel like they are part of a team because they have direct access to me. No waiting on a phone tree or driving to the doctor’s office. I fully support my members by being available for texting, calls, telehealth and in-home care. I designed my practice to be convenient and to foster a true relationship. Read more>>

Marques Ogden | Keynote Speaker, Business Coach & Corporate Consultant

The most important factor behind the the success of our brand is our team such as Dawn Wiener, George Saad, Donovan Barnes, Danny Passafiume, Jazlyn Leonso, Albert Harden, and our other amazing team members. Having such an amazing diverse and innovative team has allowed our brand to grow to new heights, they we never thought were possible. Read more>>

Amber Jaynes | Owner of Lite Brite Candles

Honestly, I still can’t believe Lite Brite Candles has turned into a business!
I have always enjoyed making crafts and DIY projects, so four years ago when I went online to purchase a candle making kit, I thought it was going to just be that – another craft. While I waited to receive my shipment, I started researching the ins and outs of candles and was blown away by some of its complexities. Read more>>

John Fontenot | Musician, Drummer/Artist and Producer

The one thing about my industry that outsiders are probably unaware of is how much hard work and dedication it takes to do what you love to do. Especially me being a drummers. I mean, I do make it look easy to some people, but they have no idea the amount of energy and focus it takes from me to be able to do what I love to do. This is why I’m so grateful for my health and strength to be about to share this type of gift and energy to the world. Read more>>

Cristal Rodriguez | Director of Marketing, Tempe Tourism

I’m originally from Tucson, AZ, a melting pot of diversity and culture. Growing up as the youngest of three in a Latino family, I was surrounded by hard work and entrepreneurship—both of my parents are small business owners. My mom would close deals on vacations and take calls while in lines at Disneyland, while my dad still opens his bar on holidays to give people without family a place to gather. Read more>>

Colton Barry | Founder / Creative Director @ BRIDGE

Work-life balance has changed a lot for me over the years. When I first started freelancing as a brand and web designer, balance wasn’t really on my radar. Back then, I said yes to every opportunity and pushed hard to build my skills and grow my client base. Late nights, weekends—whenever inspiration hit or deadlines loomed, I was working. I often sacrificed time with friends and family to focus on building the business. I loved the creative freedom, but the line between work and personal life became totally blurred. It felt like I was always “on,” but I didn’t mind because I was so driven to grow my career. Read more>>

Nikki Garrison | Owner & SEO Expert

My husband and I worked for over 10 years in the tech startup world. We like to say that startup years are like dog years. After years of focusing on growing startups that relied heavily on millions of investment dollars for success (often from big investors who wanted their say), we decided in 2019 to refocus our business on something we had a bit more control over and that aligned more with our values. Read more>>