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.

Hope Christofferson | Illustrator

“Striving for honor means “making oneself superior and also wishing to appear so publicly.” If the first is lacking and the second is desired nonetheless , then one speaks of vanity. If the second is lacking and it is not missed, then on speaks of pride.” – Nietzsche Self-awareness has always been an object of interest to me, for the perspective it engenders is akin to a lighthouse anchored steadfast to the earth, rooted and immobile amidst the greatest of baleful storms. Although the sight from this lighthouse of attempted objectivity in relation to the self is not always appealing, it is at least closer to the sun than a view down by the sea. Read more>>

Mike Luckett | Digital Accessibility. and Video Game Consultant

“When everyone can game, we all win.” My advocacy revolves around accessibility and inclusive design in video games. This mantra of having everyone gaming no matter their disability has been a driving factor throughout my mission. Gaming is meant to be fun, and everyone deserves to have fun. Read more>>

Patrick Sanders | Curator for Hangin’ N Slangin’

I’ve always enjoyed being around and working with people. I ran local concerts in Texas from 2009-2012 so I had experience with event running, and coordinating. So, in 2021 there weren’t too many opportunities for local businesses to pop-up around town. We were coming out of COVID, and we had the rules on how to be able to integrate back into society. However I wasn’t seeing availability to get out there to sell, and connect with folks again. This was something I really wanted to do as I also sell vintage clothes. So I started reaching out to local businesses to find venues for selling opportunities for me and my friends. Fast forward 3 years later and we are all over town throwing around 55 events a year. Read more>>

Alice Anderson | Wedding Painter & Artist

This is a question I’ve struggled with my entire life. I often feel discouraged, like I should give up. However, I always have this little voice inside me. This little voice that tells me – no. If you stop, you’ll never forgive yourself. I often regret the things I haven’t done, but I never regret trying something. I am a firm believer that if you try, and keep trying, you cannot fail. This ideology has gotten me through so much hardship, and inspired me to continue to persevere. Read more>>

Jessica Yaquinto | Cultural Anthropologist

Here at Living Heritage Anthropology our focus is on amplifying Indigenous voices, supporting culturally appropriate land management and protection, and conducting heritage preservation efforts. In this era of climate change, we see documenting and sharing Traditional Ecological Knowledge from Indigenous People who have managed this land since time immemorial with land managers as critically important. We also provide Indigenous elders and young people opportunities to connect with their ancestral homelands, explain their connection to these lands to the public, and become partners in the protection of this land. Finally we support tribal capacity building and achieving their heritage goals wherever possible. Read more>>

Elias Bshara | DESIGNER

My ultimate goal is to establish a lasting legacy in the design industry, creating a name that will endure for decades. I aim to achieve this by focusing on crafting unique designs for every object I create. My goal is to build items that are not only aesthetically surprising but also sustainable, democratically affordable, and timeless. Drawing inspiration from nature, space, and other sources, I strive to develop complex and organic forms that captivate the imagination. Ultimately, I aspire for people to remember me as a designer who revolutionized the industry with a unique approach to object design, one that enhances lifestyles and leaves a lasting impact. Read more>>

Bryan York York | Portrait Photographer

I hope people would say that I cared enough about them and made them feel loved. That I impacted them and urged them to want to know about Jesus Christ more and more. He is my everything and why I am still alive today when I should have been dead years ago. Read more>>

Moon Raines | Body Modification Artist

What makes me happy is being creative and expressing myself, and I believe that creating art in any form provides joy in life. Through art I am able to express myself, whether it’s panting or piercing, I am able to create a positive impact in the world. Being a non-binary, person of color, in the art industry allows me to break from the norms of society and express myself in a way that allows me to be confident in who I am. Because of this I am able to provide a safe space for all in my piercing studio. And in doing so give those who are uncomfortable in their own skin a chance to be more confident and express themselves through their piercings. I love creating new piercing styles and designs for individuals that create a unique and personalized look. Seeing the joy I bring to people through my art is an amazing experience and one of the many reason that art makes me happy.
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Alexandria Blomstrom | Small Business Owner

Since starting Alex Blom Creates, an overarching mission of my clothing brand has been to spread kindness, one creation at a time. Today, we live in a digital world where real human connection can be hard to come by. I like to think of ABC’s social media platforms as a “happy little corner of the internet” and I am truly in awe of the wonderful community that has been fostered over the years! Read more>>

Meghan Elise | Travel Writer & Content Creator

One value that means a whole lot to me is bringing value to others by helping them. My overarching goal in everything I write, do, and decide on for collaboration is the question: how will this help people? How will it impact my audience and their ability to do something that brings value to their life? It’s one of the reasons I really love that I’ve been able to help so many people on a budget find ways to travel more. Travel is such an enriching experience and brings so much value to life. When you travel, you learn about yourself, broaden your understanding of the world, and ability to have empathy for different types of people. We all deserve to travel more and enrich our lives. It’s a privilege and I love sharing how people, especially teachers, can even do it potentially for as little as $5.60 in fees. Read more>>

Sharon Dickerson | Biological & Holistic Dentist

As a biological dentist, the value that matters most to me is never losing sight of the fact that I am treating human beings, not just teeth or oral health issues. Every patient who walks into my practice is a unique individual with their own set of concerns, fears, and health goals. It’s essential to approach dentistry in a holistic way that takes into account not only the state of a person’s teeth and gums but also their overall health and well-being. Read more>>

Anthony Scornavacco | Professional Touring Drummer, Booking Agent and Founder at Rocky Region Booking, and Founder of Merchandise Magic LLC.

Ao the end goal is simple really. My main focus is to help artists understand that making music a profession isn’t a pipeline dream. So many musicians think that being a starving artist is the only way you can be a professional in the music industry. I hope to coach people from the beginning stages until they are headlining festivals around the world. Read more>>