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.

Jonathan Castner

“Ships are safest while docked at port. But that is not what ships are made for.”

The very notion that you can be successful, whatever that means to you, while being as safe as possible is a fallacy. At the very least that mindset will set you up for being unable to respond to when things are not under control and you will emotionally be unprepared to deal with the difficulty of navigating back to a position of stability. Read More>>

Katie Cochran

Honestly, I’ve had moments where I’ve doubted myself, especially when I start comparing my work to designers who’ve been in the industry way longer. It’s easy to get caught up in that spiral. But when I pause and really think about why I started, I remember the impact design can have. I get to help people create spaces that feel like home or bring new energy to their business. That reminder pulls me out of the doubt. I’ve learned that those moments of doubt usually mean I’m growing, not failing. And I just try to remind myself: don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Read More>>

Katie Moran

I think the most impactful thing I’ve done as a parent is choosing not to completely change my life because I became a parent, but instead bringing my children into the life I’ve built. I’ve made a conscious effort to incorporate them into all aspects of my world, my work, my creative passions, my community, and in doing so, we’ve grown a supportive village of families around us. Read More>>

Lauren Salz Broker

At Salz Home Solutions, we believe real estate should be more human. Yes, we help people buy and sell homes—but more than that, we help them navigate life transitions with care, clarity, and connection. We’re rooted (literally) in the communities we serve, and we see ourselves as stewards of something bigger than just transactions. Read More>>

Kristen Roberts

A recent book I read was Atomic Habits by James Clear, and it really shifted how I approach personal growth. It taught me that small, consistent habits can lead to big changes over time. The idea of building identity-based habits—focusing on who I want to become—was especially powerful. Since reading it, I’ve made simple daily routines that have helped me feel more focused and aligned with my goals. Read More>>

Kaitlynn Zerr

I hope that people remember me as someone who leaned into her giftings in order to serve others. I believe that I am gifted in creativity, problem solving, relationships and service. I truly believe that we were put on this earth to serve one another to lift each other up! I hope that I can be the vendor in the wedding industry that everyone knows would go out of her way to support and encourage others. Read More>> 

Vincent Beard

It’s kind of a loaded question, but my goal is to bring people’s ideas to life as much as I can. I work for the song as much as I work for the people involved; my goal is always to realize someone’s vision as closely as possible, to make something they feel proud of. Read More>>

Nicie Smullen

Success in my business, Wicked Ambitionz Catering, comes down to building solid habits that keep me grounded and growing. Every week, I block out “CEO Time” just for me—to pause, reflect on where we’re headed, check in on my goals, and make space for big-picture thinking. I’ve learned that documenting my processes and being intentional about delegating is key—it helps my team stay aligned and gives me the freedom to focus on what I do best.  Read More>>

Joshua Gridley

During the pandemic, I was at the lowest point of my life. I was working at Insomniac Games on projects that most people would dream of, but I wasn’t feeling creatively fulfilled. I had largely stopped creating art, aside from occasional sketchbook doodles. My creative time was mostly spent 3D animating. I didn’t even consider myself an artist. In fact, I thought calling myself an artist would be egotistical. Read More>>

Lynette Errante

One of my greatest joys is sharing my creative journey with others, especially children. Teaching art to kiddos is pure joy—their curiosity, spontaneity, and fearless experimentation constantly remind me why I fell in love with creating in the first place. Children are such magical beings, full of wonder and imagination, and offering them the space to explore and express themselves through art is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.  Read More>>

Laura

The principle that matters most to me is empowerment through education. As an exercise physiologist, I believe that when people understand how their bodies work and what they truly need to thrive, they’re more likely to make sustainable choices that support their health. I’ve seen firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the wellness industry can be—especially for busy women and moms—so my goal is to simplify, educate, and help people feel confident in their decisions. Empowerment isn’t just about motivation; it’s about giving people the tools and knowledge to take control of their health for the long haul. Read More>>

Kira LeNoir

I guess this isn’t really advice but every time I hear an iteration of “positive vibes only” I want to tear my ears off and stomp on them. Recognizing that sometimes things and situations really suck, is the first step in making them not suck. Being angry when something really passionately pisses you off is just as important as spreading joy and love. “Positive vibes only” = deadly complacency. No thanks. Read More>>

Michele Forsberg

Since my career has felt like a continuous evolution, it’s difficult for me to imagine an endpoint. But at this stage, I’m drawn toward a transition from practitioner to educator and advocate. What excites me most is the mentoring work I’ve been doing with the physical therapists on my team- watching them develop their skills and helping shape their career paths has been deeply rewarding. Read More>>

Bobby Korman

My ultimate goal for my photography career is to travel the world, camera in hand. I dream of capturing lions, cheetahs, and giraffes roaming the African plains, exploring the stunning architecture and serene beauty of Japan, walking the shores of Cuba (a place that’s especially meaningful to me as I’m part Cuban), and framing the breathtaking landscapes of Italy. I’m actively checking destinations off my bucket list—so far, that includes California, Mexico, and the Caribbean—and I can’t wait to see where my lens takes me next. Read More>>

SHELL HALL

An important lesson I’ve learned from running my business is not to assume, especially when it comes to customers and their loyalty. It’s so easy to assume that if you’ve built a good relationship, delivered consistent quality, or gone above and beyond, a customer will stick with you. But I’ve learned the hard way that some customers are primarily motivated by price. Even if you’ve worked hard to meet deadlines, solve problems, or offer personal attention, they may still jump ship the moment they find a better price somewhere else. Regardless of the value you offer. Read More>>