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.

Taylor Vater

One quote that recently stuck with me comes from a podcast I listened to with Jimmy Fallon. He said: “Be nice to people, give when you can, make people smile.” That simple phrase has really become a kind of mantra for me, especially as I’ve started Mountain Millennials. It captures everything I hope to bring to this creative space: kindness, generosity, and a little joy. It’s a reminder to share what I love, connect with others, and hopefully leave people a little happier than I found them. Read More>>

John Halloway

“She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kid,”
This is a quote from Star Wars, where Han Solo addresses Luke when Luke first sees the Millennium Falcon.
This is a simple quote, but it carries so much weight looking back. The design of that spaceship is so strange, maybe even a little ugly. It has a clunky exterior, an asymmetric design, and is piloted by some sleazy smuggler. But it turns out to be an incredible ship, legendary within the story, and ultimately becomes one of the most iconic things in all of pop culture. Read More>>

Shei Rakotovao

Success to me is rooted in service. It means knowing that the work I do has a positive impact on others — that I am helping, uplifting, and contributing to something greater than myself. I find fulfillment in being able to serve with intention, care, and love. Whether it’s through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply doing my job with integrity, success is about showing up for others in meaningful ways. Read More>>

Cathy McDuff

As a parent, I believe the impact I have had on my daughter is multi-facetted. I believe the most important aspect of this is showing consistency. She has been able to witness me carry on through job changes, career development, to pursuing my own business. She has seen the struggles, the successes and how I was able to navigate all of these things with consistency and a positive attitude. I believe my time in athletics and coaching at various levels also helped with the ability to provide some clarity in the midst of perceived chaos for her with compassion and patience. Read More>>

T’Keya Alex

I think that the biggest impact I have had on my daughter has come from my refusal to give up. Seeing me get up, show up, and give it my all every day as a single mother with health issues has helped her form an incredible work ethic at such a young age, has shown her that even when you feel like you cannot do something that you are more capable than you think, and has motivated her to watch, learn, and utilize my life experiences as a key of sorts to this roadmap we call life.  Read More>>

Walter Blunt

How to Win Friends and Influence People has had a significant impact on the way I approach my personal and professional life. Learning some of the principles and psychology behind interacting with others and getting things done encouraged me to carry myself differently and understand that everyone has a role to play, and sometimes, people may have another way of accomplishing the task. At the core, we all want the same thing. Read More>>

 Shara Adams

My legacy isn’t a massive concern to me, but I would like to help make people happy, now and going forward – however that may come about. I always try to be supportive of my friends, family, and those around me, no matter what they are going through or experiencing in their lives at any given point. Life is hard, and that acknowledgement alone can mean the world to so many, knowing you understand and are there to help in any capacity you may have. Read More>>

Melissa Clinkingbeard

I want to be remembered as a self-taught artist who followed her curiosity and creativity wherever it led whether it was through soapmaking, pottery, or painting. What started as a handmade soap business slowly evolved into something much more layered and meaningful. My artwork began as a simple way to make my booth feel more welcoming, but people felt a connection to it and that connection became the heart of my creative journey. Read More>>

Mariah Osborn

The value that matters most to us at the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association is stewardship. Stewardship means honoring what came before us, caring for what we’ve been entrusted with, and shaping a better future for the next generation. It’s a principle that guides everything we do, from advocating for preserving historic homes and buildings to cultivating deeper connections between neighbors and participating in city planning conversations that impact our daily lives. Read More>>

CJ Malament

One piece of conventional advice I deeply disagree with is the glorification of constant productivity – the idea that needs and limitations are obstacles to overcome, rather than signals to honor. I believe in a meticulous practice of rest, not as a reward, but as a gateway to pleasure, care, abundance, and liberation. When we untangle our self-worth from output, we make room for expansion instead of resentment. Grind culture teaches us to fear being seen as lazy, and that fear drives not only burnout, but cruelty. It tells us that people who are poor, disabled, or unhoused are simply not trying hard enough, and it keeps us running ourselves into the ground to avoid becoming them Read More>>

Pedro Abdalla

The cost of being an independent musician. I dont talk about this to sound depressing, but I enjoy opening up the curtains. Being an artist, more than in any other moment in history, is an expense. You would think its better now because of social media and how we can put our music out there for anyone to see. Sure, that is true. But in that, virality is the only thing that’s being chased. Artists are expected to “build their own audience” before they get any opportunities. Followers, likes and shares…all that can be bought with bots and other services, became more valuable than the music.  Read More>>

De West

Running a yoga therapy business has taught me the power of adaptability and the deeper value of being in service to others. Over the years, I’ve worked in a pain clinic, supported the birthing community, and walked alongside clients facing chronic pain, physical challenges, and emotional transitions. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a skill I treasure: the ability to intuit what someone needs and to see the movement, breath, or stillness that can help shift their experience. Read More>>