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.

Casey & Stephanie Wilkes

“Make a good product, make it well.” We started reminding ourselves this especially when we first opened. There are so many uncertainties when starting a business but it starts with having a product or service that you are proud of and know for a fact is a good product. Read More>>

James Keegan

Theodore Roosevelt, “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure…than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” Read More>>

Amy Balagot

I’ve always been fascinated by the versatility of crepes. Their neutral flavor makes them the perfect base for both sweet and savory creations, with endless possibilities for unique flavor combinations. I believed crepes offered an excellent foundation for a thriving business, and my research suggested a gap in the Colorado Springs market for my particular vision. I imagined serving them in a handheld paper cone, making them family-friendly and ideal for the types of events I envisioned showcasing my business at. Read More>>

Sam Gannuch

I used to think success meant achieving all of my goals, no matter how difficult. This mindset is unsustainable, especially in a creative freelance career where goalposts constantly change. I still set goals, finish projects, and strive to better myself; however, I now take success day by day. Some days success is taking the time to learn from failures, while other days success is completing an all-day crunch to finish a complex project. If I did the best I could on that day, then I am successful. Read More>>

Malachi Tharp

Success, to me, is not measured by conventional standards like wealth, titles, or relentless productivity. Instead, it’s about presence—being deeply engaged in the moment in such a way that there is a sense of contentment. Whether I’m behind a camera, a soundboard, or a computer, bringing as much of myself to that moment has great value to me, . When I’m fully present in that process, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. Read More>>

Caden Pazo

I’m going to share the best piece of advice I have ever been given. Never take a job that doesn’t have at least 2 of the 4 P’s: People, Place, Position, and Pay. If a gig doesn’t have at least 2 of those elements, it will not be worth your time and effort and you’ll end up hating the process more than you receive in return. This advice has prevented me from working on a project I would want to give up on because I know exactly what I am getting in return. Read More>>

Ellen Busch

Knowing whether to keep going or to give up is one of the hardest decisions we face, but for me, the answer has always come down to one thing—purpose.(dis)Empowered exists because I refused to accept the limitations placed on me. I had every reason to give up. Experts told me I wasn’t capable of earning a college degree, let alone a master’s. I was written off as someone who wouldn’t achieve much. If I had listened to them, my story would have ended there. Read More>>

Bethany James

As a digital creator specializing in storyboards, faith-based marketing, and selling digital goods, I firmly believe that investment is the single most critical factor in achieving success. Investing wisely is pivotal to achieving one’s goals. Looking back, I wish I had invested in digital goods such as customizable apparel, self-publishing, and songwriting through platforms like Your Song Maker by David Hawkins when I first started my education at 18.  Read More>>

Jimmy Sandoval

Seeking out the people I wanted to learn from and work with in this industry. Specifically the artists I wanted to apprentice under, Matt Renner. Mentorship and building a creative community is vital for artists. I think artists can have a tendency to isolate but being surrounded by other creatives who are able to push and inspire you is imperative to growth. Read More>>

Taylor Wickey

Speech Therapy for a long time has been a very rigid practice, requiring kids to sit still and quietly, wear shoes, make eye contact… etc. Some of these things are challenging even for me, so I hope to break down some of these rigid norms that define standard therapeutic practice. With Venture Speech, I aim to create an inclusive and welcoming stage for children of all backgrounds, neurotypes, and abilities to find their voice. Read More>>

Rylan Herald

I want my legacy to be remembered as someone who was just as sweet as her desserts, just as precise as her measurements, and just as bold as her flavors. I want to be remembered as someone who tried to do it all, tried to balance all the ingredients of life, while in the end creating the most beautiful and decorative story. I want to be remembered as someone who took the risk when they were down in life to pursue a passion and a dream for baking. Someone who made that dream a reality and did everything they could to perfect and polish their talents. Someone who never wasted time on what could have been. Read More>>

Chris Potter

I believe the biggest habit that has helped with my success is discipline. The discipline to show up everyday, get things done and keep moving forward. It’s discipline that helps you do the hard things and embrace challenges. I also have a great morning routine that I call my Early Morning Behaivors (EMB’s). It consists of drinking 20 oz of water right after I wake up, Immediately putting my headphones in and listening to something inspiring on YouTube for about 15 min, Read More>>

Natalie Randall

Maybe this isn’t exactly conventional advice—it’s more of a widely accepted belief. I often work with individuals who have been taught that their emotions don’t significantly impact their well-being. Culturally, we’re encouraged to suppress emotions like grief or fear and push forward – this is changing, which is very exciting.  Read More>>

Jonathan White

Running an automotive repair shop is far more complex than most outsiders realize. Beyond just fixing cars, shop owners must navigate a range of financial, technical, and operational challenges that can make or break their business.

One of the biggest hurdles is overhead costs. Rent, utilities, insurance, and payroll add up quickly, putting constant pressure on the business to maintain profitability. Read More>>

Taylor Gudeahn

One thing most outsiders don’t realize about the tattoo industry is how much time and effort goes into the work beyond the tattoo itself. People see the finished product on skin, but they don’t always see the hours of designing, researching, and customizing artwork to fit a client’s vision and body. There’s also the business side—booking, client communication, supply management, and constant learning to refine techniques and stay up to date with industry trends. Read More>>