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.

Kairand’ Kevin Bellinger

“Keep Going or Give Up?”

When you realize that motion is not an option, there is no giving up—only changing course. I’ll never give up on my life’s purpose: my vision of healing the world through celebration and engagement. I’m known as the Social Impact Celebration Ambassador, and my work is about ensuring that everyone—no matter where they live—has access to culture, education, and moments of joy. Read More>>

Yesenia Villalobos

I created Mujer Desierto, a reworked fat fashion brand, knowing that my customer base is a relatively small group of conscious consumers who love fashion. Sustainability practices such as loving and caring for your clothes, taking the time to mend your garments when they require a little TLC, being a proud outfit repeater, thrifting and taking the time to purchase consciously from makers and brands that practice sustainability while also paying attention to the materials that the garments are made of are all impactful. Read More>> 

Tannis Starr

First of all, I love this question! I believe the ability to make people laugh is so underestimated when talking about political and social change. Film and comedy are one of the best tools to find common ground. Especially in today’s world, comedy can seem like the only way to metaphorically disarm people and create a space to talk. My main focus in all of this has been shifting the comedy space to be more inclusive towards women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ communities that are too often the joke rather than in on the joke. Read More>>

Kaleigh Rogers

I’ve been on the frontlines of the mental health epidemic in the US since 2013 as a trauma therapist. I’ve served in domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, youth residential treatment programs, community teen programs, and corporate healthcare. Unfortunately, I witnessed so many people lose their lives to suicide and overdose because of gaps in the system, broken families, and disconnected communities. Quality trauma therapists, effective therapies for complex PTSD, therapist burnout, cost of services, insurance gaps, and poor program policies are all broken spokes on the bicycle wheel we call the Arizona mental health system. I decided somebody needed to do something about it. Read More>>

Darin Roberge

I’d say there are two main components to consider. First, you need to make sure that you test your idea thoroughly to determine its feasibility before you even get started. For most people, this breaks down to an intricate, well thought out business plan. I’ve written hundreds of these breakdowns over the course of my career and their value is immeasurable. If you need some help with this, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has a template on their website, which serves as a great outline to base yours on. Read More>>

Angela Lorraine

Taking a risk to me was intriguing. Before starting my business I often wondered whether taking a risk in this idea of becoming a wedding planner and building this business from the ground up would be worth it? I had this intention that making something of my own would give me the flexibility to be at home with our future children. Now that I’m about 3 years into Layke Events I am learning that I am still very much in this place where I continue to take risks for that flexibility. Everyday there is a sacrifice to make and I’m hoping that taking this risk in starting Layke Events will pay off. I guess I’ll find out when I get to quit my current 9-5 job! Ha! Read More>>

Karen May

There came a moment in my life — one I’ll never forget — when I realized that life is simply too short to spend all my time building success for others without contributing to something greater. That awakening changed everything.

Today, I have the freedom to choose the industries I engage in, the services I provide, and most importantly, the causes I support. I’ve built my business with purpose, not just profit, at its core. And while I’m proud of the work I do, I’m even more proud of what that work allows me to give back. Read More>>

Mandy Franco

Let’s start with the physical and work our way inward. Yoga improves our health and wellbeing. Through awareness and a steady practice of breathwork, and asana (movement) we build strength , balance and flexibility in body and mind. Our goal is to build a strong community through group yoga sessions, wellness activities, educational workshops for mind, body and soul. When we have a mindful practice we become more aware and connected to ourselves. We become heart centered and compassionate then in turn we are able to support and have compassion for the people around us. This builds a strong connection between us and we have built that as individuals teaching over the years and now have the opportunity to bring it all together under one roof and expand upon our dream of a healthy, safe, loving community. Read More>>

Alicia Neal

Success is a complicated concept—everyone measures it differently.** I’ve spent years chasing it, comparing myself to others, and pushing to achieve more. Honestly, even being part of something like this feature is, in some ways, a subconscious desire to stay relevant and recognized. Of course, that visibility helps business—but it also gives me the chance to speak honestly about what success really means to me after 20 years in business. Read More>>

Santiago Almada

Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, my aunt had a camcorder that she would let me use, and I quickly became the one behind the camera at every family event. I’m actually not in a lot of our family videos because I was usually the one filming them. That early fascination with capturing moments only grew over time. Read More>>

Natalie Buermann

I wanted to create something that blended science, beauty, and soul. As a naturopathic doctor with a deep appreciation for aesthetic medicine, I saw a need for a space where patients could feel both empowered and cared for—where treatments weren’t just about appearance but about confidence, wellness, and longevity. Starting my own business was about creating that experience from the ground up, with my values at the center. Read More>>

Pranika Kumar

“Good things come to those who wait.” Patience and perseverance are important, but progress isn’t about waiting, it’s about adapting. Staying on the same path without results is not perseverance, its stagnation. As Einstein said, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is insanity. You should always be on your feet and willing to absorb, learn, and grow from new things and the world around you. Read More>>

Ethan Sinconis

There’s a bit of a misconception about what we do as designers and storytellers: it’s not really a quick turn-around. Most people don’t realize the amount of labor and care that goes into making these things a reality. That part is invisible to the majority; people watch something like I Am or I’m Fine and get immersed into the story, and the message it tells is emotionally moving. That’s one thing and it’s a very good thing. But it’s another thing to look back at it and realize the creativity and intention it took to make them feel that way in the first place. The lighting of the shots, the audio mix, the pacing with the narration, the way the images and the type comes on screen, and the way the message and the story is delivered that gets audiences to feel emotions they hadn’t felt previously. Read More>>