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.

SAMBOYGER | Singer + Songwriter

Something I have written on my wall and that I repeat to myself at least once daily is, “It Starts In.” It doesn’t make sense at face value, but it reminds me to be present with my internal world. Growing up, I mastered the art of disassociation. It was the only tool I knew how to use when navigating conflict, uncomfortable emotions, and change. Don’t like how I’m feeling? Power through. Someone did something hurtful to me? Act like it never happened. Read more>>

Brandon Homell | Floral Designer

A recent book I’ve read that’s had an impact on my career would have to be The Creative Act: A way of being. This book shares ways to avoid second guessing your creativity and allowing your art to speak for itself. It’s really provided me a bigger push into making the most of a current situation and trusting the process in early stages of starting your own business. There will always be something that may creep in and question your art. But the key is to stay confident in your ability and to create in a way that allows you to progress past the challenges. Read more>>

Madison Polansky | Healing Arts Practitioner: Yoga, Reiki, And Sound Healer

In early 2023, I picked up “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, famous for “Eat, Pray, Love.” It totally shifted how I see creativity. It made me realize I don’t need some special talent to create. The book taught me three big things: it’s okay to make stuff without a desired outcome, keep it fun, and not to let fear stop you. Before, I thought I wasn’t artistic enough, but now I know better. I tried painting right after reading the book, and while I’m no Picasso, I had a blast trying it. I’ve now found creativity in things like yoga, dancing, and singing. Basically, “Big Magic” showed me that being creative isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having fun and expressing yourself however feels right. Read more>>

Lid Dixon | Songwriter / Business Consultant

I love to hear the stories of how people reached their point in life. NPR’s “How I Built This” podcast is one of my favorite source of these stories. I also love reading biographies from people I find interesting. Though it’s become a cliche term, I love finding authenticity in people. There is a lot to gained from appealing to the masses, but I revel in the niche stories. These stories inspire me to be true to my interests and values. I love the mental high from creating and it can be from creating a variety of things. Writing songs is like completing a puzzle to me. Some come together quickly and others take years. One of the most satisfying things is to get the inspiration and then have a finished songs. My interest in creating extends to leather and wood working projects, visual design, software and business plans. Read more>>

Brenna MacMillan | Banjoist, Singer, Songwriter and Chemist

I want my legacy to leave behind a profound appreciation for love and community. When I moved to Nashville, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a place where each person brings their talents in hopes of success. As I began to make friends in the bluegrass community here, I never felt that anyone was going to push me down in order to achieve their own goals. Instead, we’ve all been working together to keep the ocean full of creative life, and the ships rise! We celebrate each other and I haven’t felt that anyone has had malicious intentions in this bluegrass community. So I’d love to pass on a legacy that holds a sense of gratitude for those around us, and help others tap into the blessing of friendships. Read more>>

Janice and Lloyd Leflet | Venue Owner

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you? The Covey Events is a small business, with the goal and intent to provide a place for caring, sharing, and making beautiful lasting Memories. Read more>>

torie Egger | Content Creator

My biggest habit with my business is editing photos right after the session. I am able to get my edits out faster doing this. I’m also usually more motivated to edit right after I finish a session. Another habit I have is posting on social media every other day, consistently posting has helped my social media and clientele grow. Read more>>

A. Roche | Music Producer/Hip Hop Artist

When it comes to habits that helped me succeed, to be totally honest, a lot of success and skills in general are simply related to commitment, diligence, and self discipline while maintaining passion for your craft. And remind yourself that Rome wasn’t built in a day and same goes for success, skills, and talent. Nipsey Hussle said it best in proclaiming life as a marathon. Humility, patience, and gratitude will also benefit you in succeeding. Read more>>

Greg Maloney | Personal Trainer / Lifestyle Coach

Being of service to my clients. If I can be of service to my clients, I can find a purpose in that work. In having a purpose, I find my passion. Read more>>

Jennifer Korb | Executive Director, Mom, Wife, Community Connector, Proud Colorado Native

The answer to this question is not something that might be considered a traditional value or principal. It has probably changed over time and through different seasons of life and yet the threads of inclusion have been present throughout. i value inclusion. I believe that we can build a world that is more inclusive than exclusive and more open than shut. Feels impossible some days. I think when we allow ourselves to be human first, we remind ourselves that we are actually more connected than we think. We have all seen and, hopefully, felt the power of being in community and how much we all need that in our lives. Read more>>

Gianna Malatrasi | Founder/CEO

“Failure is not an option” This one phrase, which I’m pretty sure we all have heard, read, or seen at some point, is one of the most misleading…at least for me. Failure is essential to success. It is the Yin, to Yan…it is a needed step for success. Through my career in arts and design, I’ve experienced failure in probably every project I’ve been a part of. Regardless of if in the end it worked or not, part of that building and creative process is failing and making mistakes. Most of us never learn from what is perfect or without effort. It is in those moments when we must go back a few steps or even start from scratch that we truly learn, analyze, and most importantly realize the mistakes made and how to better them. Remembering where you went wrong and making sure not to repeat those mistakes. However, stubbornness and ego are human traits that if not controlled can and will hinder us from reaching the success we work so hard for. With failure comes humbleness, empathy, and new creative highways. We must build upon those to succeed and prosper, never forgetting what it took to get there. Embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as a tool to better yourself, your profession and in the end your life as a whole. Read more>>

michael ring | Wedding Videographer

The wedding industry gets a bad wrap for seemingly up-charging clients. You’ve probably heard someone say that “if you add the word wedding to it, it’s instantly more expensive.” But the truth is, the wedding industry is one of the few freelance industries that allows people to charge a fair rate for their work. I suspect it’s because a lot of people are afraid to work in the industry, thereby creating more demand for vendors and thus higher wages. I could be wrong, but that’s my sense after about 13 years of observation. Read more>>

Skyler McCoy | Music Producer, Songwriter, and Singer

For me personally, I think I’m always going to be producing music and looking for the next thing people can listen to over and over and become obsessed with, at least if their experience with music is similar to mine. I want to have written a song that soundtracked someone’s life for a time, or that they had in their head at a pivotal moment in their life, etc. That’s what music is about for me, and so I’ll always be trying to achieve that. I want to have worked on mine and others’ music, and maybe be identifiable for the way my things sound, and maybe have people who really like it. I want to be someone who’s devoted to the art and whose output and listenership speak to that. For me right now, Better Weather is the primary outlet where I can make myself really reach for that, and hopefully it’ll get us somewhere. Read more>>

Issa Lopez | Voice Over Talent

Being a known Radio personality for more than a decade in Colorado was something that I was very proud of. I was the type of person that never called in sick and dedicated 100% of myself to that job so the downside of that is that when I lost it February 6 of 2016, which was a day I will never forget , I will also never forget the butterfly pitbull in my stomach. Read more>>

Kesia King | Traditional and Digital Artist

 

I have been growing this business for 10 years and have had to face many defeats among victories. But, I think the most important lesson I’ve had to learn is trusting time. Time can either be your friend or enemy depending on your perspective. I think it has been my closest friend because it has made me patient and created new experiences and opportunities. I’m am really grateful. Read more>>

Joel Morris | Inventor/Entrepreneur

There are so many lessons one can learn from owning their own business. One lesson I have learned through this journey is that you can’t do it alone. It is important to surround yourself with a good team, people you trust. You also need to have support from your family and your friends. I have also learned it takes a lot of work to educate others about a new product that is unique to consumers. Through this journey we have had set backs but we pick ourselves up and recreate a new vision. Having belief in what you do is essential. Read more>>