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.

Kristin Drake | Artist + Interior Designer

I try to lead by example. I think as a parent, and as adults in general, we need to show children, not just tell them. If I want her to be healthy, have good relationships, be responsible, care for the planet, etc. I have to show her what that looks like. “Because I said so” doesn’t go as far as leading through example. I think it is our job to parent more deeply and responsibly than that. Read more>>

Kristiana Karlin | Financial Consultant

When starting a business, a move, or any change that involves something new and challenging it is imperative to continuously embrace learning and growing through books, webinars and any other forms of education. In that, the answer that presents itself is what our company is always suggesting in the training that we engage in which is to work on ourselves more than we do our business. Of course, it is easy to go down the “rabbit hole” and dive in thinking that a self-help book, motivational speaker or any other course will be the answer to your success, but you have to balance it by having a proper plan, schedule and commitment. Read more>>

Kathleen Hammon | Founder and Organization Practitioner-Higher Shelf Organization

One of the best decisions I’ve made, alongside starting my own business, has been prioritizing self-care. In a society that often tells us to prioritize others, especially as a woman, I’ve come to understand that taking care of myself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When I focus on self-care, I recharge and feel ready to tackle whatever challenges come my way. I start with a full tank so I can approach everything with clarity and compassion, rather than coming from a place of burnout. Read more>>

Amr Arafa | Founding Product Manager / Entrepreneur

As the Founder of Preproduction Arts LLC, which includes the perfume lines Preproduction Perfumery and Amelie in New York, several key habits have been instrumental in my success in business. One of the most significant came from my time at Amazon. I was deeply fascinated by Amazon’s Leadership Principles, particularly “Customer Obsession” and “Bias for Action.” These principles have shaped the way I approach business and have become ingrained in my daily habits. Read more>>

Ricardo Baca | Founder, Keynote Speaker & Journalist

A good idea is just that: good. But I’ve always had a habit of wanting to make a good idea great, and making a great idea even better. It’s not about one-upping, rather for me it’s always been about: “You know what would be even better?” As a kid, this habit inspired bigger forts, more entertaining games of freeze tag and longer bike rides; As an adult, it’s a constant challenge to learn something new every day, and to apply those learnings to ensure that I’m incrementally improving my personal and professional lives on the regular. Read more>>

Chelsea Elwood | Climber, Content Creator & Behavior Analyst

There are so many things that bring me happiness. Climbing is one that has brought me happiness over the years. I was struggling through an abusive relationship and as I was leaving that, I found climbing. This opened the door into content and sharing my story. I was so happy to be someone that could share but also listen to others going through similar situations. And it doesn’t stop there; helping people in need, a beautiful sunset, conversations with friends, a hug from my partner, sitting on a mountain and looking at the growth I made brings me joy each and every day. Read more>>

Lisa Boesen | Certified Vegan Chef and Award Winner Author

The most difficult decision for me was to go 100% plant-based after my husband’s diagnosis of Stage IV cancer. It’s not that we didn’t know to eat mostly vegetables and that we had not been told that plant-based was the best option to manage cardiovascular disease. It was more about the urgency given our medical situation in late 2018. My husband and I were shocked at the diagnosis after his prostate surgery and biopsy which then created a greater importance to do everything possible to mitigate the possibility of further metastasis after his treatment. He decided to go vegan overnight. Read more>>

Leilani Williams | Body Piercer

The most important lesson my career has taught me so far was how to balance your work life, social life, and personal life. Being my own boss within a business that includes work outside of work, I kept myself too busy for the first couple years, and totally drained myself. Being able to balance work and your own personal life is very important. Read more>>

Makayla Brown | Photographer, Teacher & Athlete

I am originally from Christiansburg, Virginia, a place that has profoundly shaped who I am today. Growing up, I was involved in various sports and activities, including softball, cheerleading, choir, youth group, theatre and, swimming. These experiences not only kept me physically active but also instilled in me a love for dedication, teamwork, and discipline. My parents played a crucial role in my upbringing. They consistently encouraged and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I remember growing up, I had to complete all of my homework before I was allowed to go outside to play. Read more>>

Angela Gasbarre | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

I grew up in a small town in Central Pennsylvania, lived in New York City in my 20s, and now live and play in Denver, Colorado. The various settings I’ve lived in have greatly shaped who I am today and how I approach health and wellness with others. Growing up, my mom was always on a new diet or program to lose weight, which planted the seed of interest in weight management for me, and an unfortunate diet cycle as well. I have a lot of empathy for others trying to manage their own weight, having done it myself. I understand that it’s hard, frustrating, and can be all consuming. Read more>>