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.

Tracy Grodsky-dunn | Pink Cadillac Achiever with Mary Kay Cosmetics

Early in my business journey, a financially successful mentor Gayle Gaston gave me a piece of advice. Her plan was save 10%, give 10% away, use 10% to reduce debt and live on 70% and I would be financially successful. Knowing that I was choosing an Entrepreneurial life meant that I was responsible for making sure my financial future was secure, and I began planning for that in my 20’s. Often before putting my head on my pillow, I would close my eyes, and check in on my future self to make sure I had provided her the lifestyle she wanted, and she kept thanking me for planning ahead. Along this journey, many put me down for not spending money on “things” be it lunch out with friends or new appliances, but today I thank my younger self for sticking to that plan that is giving me the lifestyle of my dreams. Read more>>

Jaci Schorling | Chiropractor

My business took a little longer than I’d hoped to actually be profitable… so the greatest decision I made was to stay the course, to persevere, and not give up when things got uncomfortable. Read more>>

Aubrey Brand | Tattoo Artist

Consistency is a trait I value very highly, I may not be able to do everything as well as I would like to or give each project the time it needs but getting it done is what I push for. Starting is often the biggest challenge so I will tell myself I will give a drawing just five minutes of my time. Sometimes it is only five minutes but often times I get fully invested once I’ve started and the rest comes more easily. Read more>>

Samuel Cooks | Recording Artist & Song Writer

I found that dedicating a certain amount of time everyday helps me stay on track with my goals. Attacking obstacles in abstract ways helps me stay on my toes creatively. I’m actively looking for inspiration in daily life whether it’s music, conversations in passing, or the city itself. I jump on almost every opportunity presented to me because when you’re a creative getting those reps in means the world. I’m obsessed with being successful so I take the time to create music that stands out and is high quality. Read more>>

Kelly Campbell | Co-founder/co-owner of Nurture + Entrepreneurial Business Consultant

TIME. The most valuable and non-renewal resource we have. My relationship with ‘time’ is my North Star. It guides how I embody my values of truth, vitality, and quality relationships. I budget my time, just as I do my energy, acknowledging I only have so much to give in a day, so I better spend it wisely and consciously. This brings hyper presence in each moment, producing effective and meaningful exchanges in business meetings, quality time with family and friends, and highly productive deep focus time. Read more>>

Jake Miltenberger | Guitarist

Staying genuine. Whether it be in my own personal relationships, or in my music, that’s a huge deal to me. There’s no reason to try and f*ke something you’re not in music, you’ll have an easier time connecting with an audience if you’re not putting on a facade. Read more>>

Gabe Petty | Massage Therapist

I think the most personal lesson I’ve learned is that the more I am myself in my business, the more it succeeds. For example, im not great at every single style of massage, but I am really exceptional at the type of massage I do. An old boss told me that the secret to being successful was to get really specific on my what and why and then commit to honing in on that! The more I settle into who I am and why I love massage and what specifically I love about it, the more I thrive. And, the more I find clients that truly appreciate both me as a person, and the work I am doing. I don’t want to be just okay at many things, I want to be really good at the one thing that I am doing. Read more>>

Alexsandra Dattilo | Pet Portraits and More

The most important lesson my business has taught me is to have patience and trust in the process of paintings. Some things will work and some things will not work and that’s okay because now I know and have learned something along the way to the finish point Read more>>