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.

Megan Hanson | High Ride Cycle Co-Founder & Instructor

In early 2017, our lives took a huge turn, sparked by just a simple conversation. After my sister Lindsay and I completed our Mad Dog Spin certification, she casually suggested, “You should open a cycling studio.” In that moment, my passion for health and fitness and my entrepreneurial spirit made me go for it. I shared this vision with my husband, Scott, and we were full steam ahead. We wanted to bring a dance party on a bike to Denver’s fitness scene and create a welcoming, supportive, and fun environment. We found the perfect location, maxed out our credit cards, took out a lien on our house, and had friends and family help us lay floors and paint to save on costs. By July 2017, we opened our doors, very unaware of just how much planning we really should have done. Read more>>

Heather Montgomery | Business Owner, Co-Owner, CFO & Peer Recovery Coach Specialist

I am just getting started in my parenting journey, our son is 18 months old, and I have been able to be at home with him since the day he was born. Because of the blessing of being able to own my own companies, my husband has been able to leave his job and work with me, allowing us to be the primary influences on our son. I am in a position of being able to make decisions for HIS best outcome rather than decisions based on what society or employment demands force me to make. We are dedicated to raising our child with manners, positive association and education that will hopefully propel him to becoming an amazing man! Read more>>

Kristina Gutzman | Family Nurse Practitioner / Voracious Reader / Dog Lover

When I first became a parent back in 1993, I ruminated over what my role as a parent was, and what I realized was my role was simply to ensure that they become successfully independent. Knowing this, I made a list of all the things my children need to know before they were 18 and it was a long list!
They needed to know how to do laundry, grocery shop on a budget, drive a car including a stick shift, change a tire, fix an appliance, start a campfire, home repairs, taxes….the list went on. Now that my children are older and out of college and in their own homes, they have confided in me that learning such skills was in fact the most impactful lessons in their lives. Read more>>

Christine Difrancesco | Owner/CEO Serenity Stables NCPRSS, CEAC

Equine Assisted Recovery Coaching offers clients a unique opportunity to step out of their everyday lives and into nature to explore their challenges in a serene, healing environment. The horses possess an extraordinary ability to sense what each person needs on a deeper, emotional level. When clients leave the ranch, they often feel lighter, calmer, and more at peace. Through this connection, clients learn to see others through the lens of empathy and compassion, just as the horses see them. This ripple effect spreads positivity and light into the world. My mission is to raise the vibration of the planet, one person at a time, and my herd is an essential part of that journey. Read more>>

Sarah Weafer And Pete Chandler | Landscapers

Our business started with our own property and thoughts of how we can impact our local community. In revamping our property, others are inspired to improve their own, which leads to brainstorming landscaping ideas and a sharing of resources. Community is enhanced when people walk by our property and are appreciative of the beauty. We delight in having conversations when people stop by to comment on how much they love our landscaping, flowers, or vegetable garden…and those conversations led to having an open gate policy for neighbors to come and pick vegetables and herbs as needed. Read more>>

Sasha Smothers | Realtor & Mindset Coach

Nothing inspires me more than the truth and being present. We live in a world that is so consumed by the media that we don’t realize how out of balance it makes us. When we are all honest and transparent with each other, it makes the world a better place. I love being around people who want to help make a positive difference. Read more>>

Kelsey Pierson | Beauty & Travel Content Creator

Happiness is a real b*tch. It’s here one moment and gone the next. I know for a fact that being happy changes constantly. In my 30ish years on this earth, looking back I giggle at the things that made me happy vs now. I’m happiest when I’m somewhere exploring a new city or experiencing another culture for the first time. I’m happiest when I indulge in a spa day complete with a facial and a Swedish massage. I’m happiest when my cats run to greet my husband at the door when he comes home from work. I’m happiest when I realize that I’m living the life I prayed for growing up. It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because everyday that changes. What helps is that I enjoy where I am in my life. I enjoy the moment for what it is without forcing or wishing it away. Read more>>

Caroline Snediker | Lifestyle Newborn, Maternity & Family Photographer

The most important lesson my career as a lifestyle newborn, maternity and family photographer has taught me is the value of connection. Whether I’m capturing a brand-new baby’s tiny details, a playful sibling bond, or a tender family moment, it’s all about making people feel seen and comfortable in front of the camera. Read more>>

Lexi | Influencer

Finding a good work life balance is tricky but I always think if you enjoy what you do work life balance is easier. For me I find balance in working and then getting to travel. I try to always work with brands that I love and enjoy and that helps. Plus I work so I can travel. each job/gig I get just puts me one step closer to my next trip! Read more>>

Natalie Cashon

I’ve always had a natural inclination toward adventure and seeking out experiences that push the boundaries of my comfort zone. For me it’s about embracing the unknown, confronting fear, and discovering what I’m truly capable of.

I hate being afraid of things, as does anyone, but instead of avoiding the things that scare me, I feel gravitated towards it. I love a challenge and to prove to myself that I can do it, even if I’m scared. Read more>>

Theodora Osei-fordwuo

Taking risks has helped me be a productive provider rather than dependent on society, which I have always strived not to become. Taking risks is risky, but my upbringing taught me a lot about not letting fear determine my future but rather faith, determination, and positive thoughts. Risk-taking is dangerous, and one only has to risk it for a good or fruitful outcome, etc Read more>>

Dawn Phillips

My practices as a certified life/health coach and a mindfulness meditation facilitator go hand in hand. All 3 are based around overall well-being. In both our local communities and even expanding into communities throughout the world, there are millions of individuals who suffer from mental illnesses, stress, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, low self esteem, inability to create balance, and much more. Read more>>

Riley Anne Alvarado Martin

i am inspired by all things visible and invisible. I walk through nature and hear stories to tell of beings that exist in my imagination and want to become real through my art. I am inspired by Gods and Goddesses, water and earth, fire and air. I am inspired by history and mythology and people of the past. I am inspired by beauty, bodies, love and eros. I am inspired by the moving picture of life itself. Read more>>

Galadriel Sardonicus

The end goal for me is to create a legacy of healing, empowerment, and authentic connection. As a mother, healer, and musician, I see my work as deeply intertwined with my role as a caregiver—not just to my child, but to myself and my greater community. Being a mom has profoundly shaped my purpose, giving me the tools to stay connected and grounded, much like Mother Nature herself. It’s taught me the importance of nurturing, integration, and balance, all of which I aim to embody in my personal and professional life. Read more>>

Caity Stockbridge

Being a military brat, “where are you from?” tends to be a difficult question to answer. I was born in Honolulu, HI and then moved around from state to state until I was seven years old and my family settle in Georgia, where I lived until I was about 19/20 and then decided to venture out on my own. Read more>>

Amy Raven

One of the reasons I pursued an artistic career is because as a child I loved photography and always had one of those disposable cameras with me taking photos of many different things such as friends and places visited. Then In high school I was a yearbook photographer taking photos of the dance team and school parades. As an adult I started my business in Germany taking photos of friends and their families along with my own children and that career choice followed me through Texas, Maui and now Colorado. I love capturing those special moments that spark your souls fire. Read more>>

Tricia Corso

When I first started my career in social work, my work life balance was non-existent. I remember learning about the risk of burnout during my master’s program and learning ways to navigate it but once I started my first job, I realized how difficult it was to avoid due to the nature of this work. Read more>>