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.

Alisha Rickman

I believe that artistic and creative careers often choose you. Although I was always a creative child, I entered college planning to pursue a degree in animal biology or chemistry, aspiring to become a Veterinarian. Fortunately, after struggling with the necessary courses for two years, an advisor helped me recognize that this path didn’t align with my natural inclinations and guided me toward a more creative field like Event Planning. Read More>>

Charles And Candice Mintz

This is a great question, that I believe is truly situational. For us, we had never really been all in with the business so we hadn’t experienced most of the ups and downs that are usually part of the process- we were kind of in a weird position. We wanted to keep going and we knew it would require us to take the leap and deal with things as they came. Read More>>

Cassidy Barsdorf

I think about risk as opportunity. The presence of risk generally means you’re trying something new without a definitive roadmap to success. In business and in life, it’s important to push the envelope, try new things, and fail fast (and learn fast!). Only by getting creative and taking on risk do you create opportunity to break free from the status quo. Read More>>

James Mueller

Everything! Call it hubris or just being the consummate artist, but an artist who spends a lifetime on a work of art that may never be seen, read, or heard has to believe it was worth it.  For example, 100 years from now, I want my novel to be regarded as the greatest novel of the 21st Century. In the meantime, however, I’ll settle for that cult-like following that generated the kind of response that classics like The Catcher in the Rye, Portnoy’s Complaint, and Catch-22 generated –  Read More>>

Riley Hoogendoorn

Risk is what you do to make your dreams happen. Everything that you want to accomplish has risk, and your job is to create the best plan that you can possibly think of, combined with risk management strategies, to make that dream happen. When you make a good plan, and manage the risk, you should either succeed or be able to try again. Risk is great, but don’t let potential failure (which happens often in entrepreneurship) hold you back from ever trying again. For example, don’t get a huge loan for a business idea that has a low chance of success. Read More>>

Cathy Bertram

Oh my goodness, so many things inspire me! I am endlessly moved by the infinite energy that surrounds us and flows through all things. Everything is energy, and within that truth lies infinite wonder and inspiration. From the softest, quietest moments— like the sun’s golden warmth on my skin or the gentle hum of a hummingbird’s wings as I stand barefoot in my crystal circle—to the profound love and support I receive from my star family, the Lyran Council of Light, inspiration is always present. Read More>>

Lanea Barnes Cuff

One of the key habits that helped me succeed as Marlee’s mom and business partner is consistency. Whether it’s showing up for events, staying engaged with customers, or being present in Marlee’s entrepreneurial journey, staying consistent has made all the difference. Another habit is adaptability. We’ve had to be flexible and ready to pivot our approach, especially as we grew from a small lemonade stand to a full-fledged business. And of course, having a passion for what we do – inspiring kids and supporting Marlee’s dream – Read More>>

Mike Kamminga

I started my own business because I knew I had the skill set to be a successful owner after many years of experiences learning all the positives and negatives of the industry. I am very hard working and I can teach myself whatever I need to know to become successful. I also grew tired of working for others when I knew I could run their business better than them. I have a huge passion for helping others and fixing problems. Read More>>

East Beat$

The thought process behind starting my own business was never just about making music—it was about building something bigger than myself. From an early age, I knew I wanted to create, innovate, and inspire. Growing up in a Jamaican-American household in Queens, New York, I was surrounded by a culture rich in art, rhythm, and expression. That environment fueled my love for music, design, and technology, setting the stage for my journey. Read More>>

Jason Ellis

You need to have a 3 or 5 year business plan- that’s the advice-

Everything moves so quickly today, so having a 3 or 5 year plan seems like a waste of energy and resources. I prefer 6 month, measurable, known targets. I do not have a 3 year business plan in place due to the need to be fluid. Read More>>

Diana Blewer

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to do something that you love with all your heart that will shine a positive light on others. Since I became the CFO of the local talent agency DDP Worldwide, I realized that there are so many amazing local country artists in the Valley who all have a story to tell. It opened my eyes to see that there needed to be more representation for the community, and so I worked with my husband Dennis to bring the talent management agency to life so these artists could have their voices heard. Read More>>

Amber Ryan

I have always known I belong in the theater. As a young girl, my mom took me to my first play, and from the moment the curtains opened, I was enthralled. The experience evoked such strong emotions that I knew that my life would always be connected to the stage. Read More>>