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.

Dean Cheney | Musician

Live music has always inspired me. Wether it’s a local musician or a large touring act, I always come away with new ideas and perspectives that could inform my music. I also enjoy drawing inspiration from movies and books. Read more>>

Katelyn Kettmann | Photographer

This is such a good question! Besides just the average busting my butt and spending all my time devoted to my business, one of my most important factors behind the success of my business has been my ability to collaborate! I started in the wedding industry by assisting wedding planners. I wanted to build a foundation of knowledge of what the wedding industry looked like, what the process was that goes into putting together a wedding day, and what the ups and downs were that come with being a vendor day-of. This came partially from being terrified to jump straight into wedding photography, not thinking my work was good enough, and partially from wanting to truly understand what it takes. I realized early on that in order to succeed in the wedding industry, or really even just on one wedding day, you need to be able to work as a team. There is no one vendor more important than another on a wedding day because when it comes down to it, you are all there for the same purpose – to serve the vision of the bride and groom. If one vendor is off, or not following through, or doesn’t hold up their end of the deal, it really does effect the entire team, the flow of the day, and the energy of the bride and groom. Working together as a team, building a list of preferred referrals for my clients, coming to the wedding day ready to be a team player, and have the ultimate goal be to support their vision – this is what has made me successful. People notice, clients notices, other vendors notice, and that makes me stand out. While a lot of photographers are there for themselves, or just for that “instagram worthy” photo, I am there to serve the team, the client, and the ultimate goal… and of course get that awesome photo! Read more>>

Martha Llamas | Entrepreneur

Perseverance was the fuel that empowered me to push through each barrier. Every time I looked back, I gained additional strength and determination to conquer the next challenge. Read more>>

Tasha Blasi | IVF Consultant

My ultimate goal is to revolutionize the IVF industry for the benefit of patients. Currently, IVF patients face such a disadvantage because they lack knowledge about the protocols and strategies that would best suit their unique biology (like I did when I did nine egg retrievals and ten transfers for my two children). The primary reason for unsuccessful IVF outcomes is often attributed to poor egg quality in women. Read more>>

Meg Hilburn | Interior Designer, Owner Circa Interior Design

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that it doesn’t define me, rather, I define it. I’ve been in a Creative Department of some sort for 20+ years spanning several different companies and roles. I started as a writer, and worked my way up to Creative Director and Creative Strategist at one of the largest corporations in North America. Later, I decided to go back to school to earn two more degrees in Interior Design & Kitchen and Bath, and went on to pass my AKBD Exam to become certified in Kitchen & Bath design. When peers questioned the change, I explained that really, it’s the same process and methodology, and listening to my instincts that I’ve applied to every job I’ve had: Just now focused on Interior Design. WE NEED TO BE THE ONES WHO CONNECT THE DOTS AND LEND CONTINUITY TO OUR OWN CREATIVE CAREER STORIES. A lot of people think “it’s too late” to make a change, or even worry about what their peers will think. But I didn’t worry about that, because nobody should throw the baby out with the bath water. I knew I excelled at Creative Strategy, Communication, Design Communication, and Client Relationships, and those pillars of strength haven’t changed. I simply added to my skill set by learning something new. It’s rejuvanated my entire life, not just my career, to be able to make this simple shift successfully. Read more>>

Kriss Wells | Owner & Visionary of Ego Tripp Salon LLC

I was born in New York and grew up in Westchester County, spending most of my adolescent years in the city of Mt. Vernon. A small town of only 4 square miles but a city known nationally for its ties to hip hop and R&b artist such as Heavy D, and Al B. Sure, and not to mention celebrities such as Dick Clark and Denzel Washington, Mt Vernon was definitely where I was exposed to music,(hip hop and classical) fashion and beauty. Read more>>

Subspace | Artist Collective

Subspace started because a small group of artists needed space outside of their homes to create. Members come from all backgrounds and different upbringings. We pride ourselves on cultivating a community that embraces diversity and encourages creativity through various mediums. The initial idea of affordable artist studios has grown and shifted to include so much more. Through the years, this collective has built a community, started a gallery, and expanded to include more studio spaces than before. Our main goal is supporting emerging artists; creating an approachable outlet for people who are just stepping into a creative identity. We aspire to make room for those with marginalised and diverse stories to share. Read more>>

Rosie Kosinski | Executive Director of Hidden Warrior

Hidden Warrior stands out in the wellness industry due to Grant’s unique approach, which integrates various modalities such as yoga, qi gong, strength training, and functional movement. Grant doesn’t just teach yoga poses; he educates people about their bodies, drawing from this diverse toolkit to help them understand and trust their physical capabilities. Unlike traditional yoga studios, Grant’s classes blend elements from different disciplines, offering students a comprehensive understanding of movement and anatomy. Read more>>