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.

Alicia Fortune | Owner & CEO Cerulean Human Health Performance

I am a Mom first I often say and then a business woman. I recently found another publication where I was featured, prior to my love of Functional Medicine and integrative modalities. I was featured for Eli Lilly as one of their top Executive Pharmaceutical Sales Reps for 13 years specially regarding exceptional customer experience. Even then I commented that in regard to the secret to my success it is Motherhood. That everything I do is in an effort to be a great example for my dynamic son Tayten. He is almost 16 years old and he is my joy, and true and authentic inspiration in my life. Tayten is a star student and athlete; a competitive club swimmer since he was 8 and now also top High School Varsity and state swimmer as well aspiring to swim in college and beyond…with his goal of the Olympics.  Read more>>

Desmond Washington | Chef

I always been a risk taker in life, even when I was very young. Once you realize life is about what you put into it and never take a day for granted, Then you wouldn’t actually see it as risk. You will see it as a opportunity. I do what I love everyday 80 percent of America can’t say that so taking risk in life have contributed tremendously. Read more>>

Alejandra Montaño | Visual Artist

To be an artist is to be a risk-taker.

There’s the possibility of failure, rejection, and competition; the market is saturated with artists. There’s also financial risk.

But it’s also rewarding. Creating is fulfilling. Embracing risk is intrinsic to the creative process, which often leads to growth and innovation. Read more>>

Aditya Tyagi | Founder of Connect2Health & Public Health Equity Advocate

The inspiration to start Connect2Health, a 501(c)(3)nonprofit, came from a deeply
personal place—my own family’s experiences navigating healthcare as immigrants in the U.S. When we first moved here, I saw how challenging it was for my parents to access medical care. From struggling with language barriers to deciphering complicated insurance policies, their experience made me realize how difficult it can be for underserved communities to get the care they need. Read more>>

Megan Hjelle | Founder and CEO

I’m inspired by my daughter and all the amazing women who surround me. I felt a calling to create a business that not only prioritizes their safety but also uplifts and empowers them. My aspiration is to foster a supportive community that nurtures these women and gives back in meaningful ways, creating a space where they can thrive and feel truly valued. Read more>>

Holly Meyers | Business Owner, Athlete, & Actress

I’ve always known I wanted my own business. I grew up with two parents who had their own business and I saw the freedom it could bring. I have also worked corporate jobs and was never fulfilled from a work or life standpoint. I have started several, most with my husband, with little to moderate success. When we came across Stella’s Ice Cream, we really believed in the concept, loved the branding, and most of all, loved the product. With my husband retiring from the Navy and my pursuits as an actress, bringing Stella’s to Arizona provides us meaningful work with the flexibility to pursue more things we love. Read more>>

Natasha Cruz-sánchez | Coffee Professional & Truck Driver

As a latina from Puerto Rico, we use both of our parents’ last names, my full name is NAtasha CRUz SÁNchez and since I was a little girl I used to take the first 2-3 letters of each word and create a new word. From doing that I came up with the business name, which I love because it is very unique. The name of my business is NACRUSÁN, an online store, in which I sell specialty coffee produced by women inspired by the trucking industry. My dream is to have my own coffee roasting business and have my own trucking company. I am proud to represent 12% of the female truck drivers in the USA. The purpose of my business is: To honor the work of those who produce coffee and the work of those who move the world: coffee farmers and truck drivers. Read more>>

Ruby Morales | Dance Artivist

My brother and I were both born in Chicago to cumbia-loving parents who migrated from Mexico City, Mexico to the United States. My mother had been to the U.S. a couple times as a young person and then stayed to finish high school. My dad didn’t migrate until he was about 25 years old, leaving his parents, siblings, and friends. They both raised us to be humble, empathetic, hard-working humans. As I witnessed them be in this world I noticed how hard they worked to give us a life that was different than theirs. My mom was determined to be present in our lives in any way she could. She has always known the names of all my friends, showed up to all my dance performances, and thrown me the most creative birthday parties I could have ever imagined. My dad has always worked very hard as a mechanic. Read more>>

Kathy Baggett | Director of Catering

I have a deep passion for planning events, especially weddings, but as a wife and mother of two boys, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential to me. Given the nature of my job, I often work Fridays, Saturdays, and many evenings. To counter this, I prioritize scheduling extra time off during slower periods and ensure I take time off each week to reset and recharge. Read more>>