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.

Tiffany McCoy

I do have a budget because I am living in community corrections. Here we must have a strict budget. I can only spend 10 percent of my earnings on things that I want. I make choices based on what’s most important to me but it is also important for me to spend money simply on things that make me happy. The budget has been a good thing because soon I will be released and I have a big chunk of money saved for my transition. Read More>>

Alison Griffin

My favorite quote comes from Lysa TerKeurst’s book “The Best Yes”: ‘Whenever you say yes to something, there is less of you for something else. Make sure your yes is worth the less.’

As a single mom and a national thought leader in education and workforce policy, this quote has become my guidepost for decision-making. Early in my career, I said yes to everything — every opportunity, meeting, request to join boards, take part in community events.  Read More>>

Clarke Nordhauser

There’s no easy answer. I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count – during slow years in music, or when I was building things that were too early for the world to care about yet.

I’ve had moments where I thought maybe it was time to hang it up. Maybe I’d missed my window. Maybe the thing I loved wasn’t sustainable. But I’ve learned that “giving up” isn’t always a failure – it’s sometimes just a shift. You evolve in the process. Read More>>

Abigail Lubahn

Creative habits have been a major resource in my process of decerning whether to keep going or give up. Creating opening where there is room for insight, perspective shift and checking in with mentors, and colleagues. When I feel like giving up, I check in with my emotional state whether or not the choice brings me closer to connection or out of connection, with my work, community and my values. Read More>>

Kenzie Baques

Wholeheartedly, leaning on my support system. This includes my husband, dear friends and family, my own therapist, and trusted professional peers. Without all of them, the decision to start my own practice would have felt far more overwhelming than it inherently was. Doubt and fear can be loud when we are on the verge of a vulnerable decision that involves risk. To navigate this, I found it grounding and necessary to let my support system care for me, offer reassurance and encouragement, and challenge the sometimes natural limited thinking that came up when I was deciding to start my own practice. Read More>>

Sophia Reamsnyder

At Reamsnyder Media, we believe storytelling can spark real change. We use our creative work to support nonprofits, small businesses, and mission-driven organizations by amplifying voices. We’ve proudly partnered with organizations like Butterfly Pavilion, Lifestories Family Advocacy, and the Whole YOU Retreat to tell powerful stories, document events, and help expand their reach. Whether we’re donating services to a local fundraiser, capturing moments that connect people to a cause, or producing documentaries like *Spineless Wonders: Tales of Conservation*, our goal is to create meaningful content that makes people feel seen, builds connection, and inspires action.  Read More>>

A.H. Romero

The discipline to make art when I’m not entirely well has been a good habit for me personally & professionally. Discipline beats talent every time. Also to listen to that inner voice and take the time off necessary for a recharge when I need to. Life happens, things come up so I try to always be productive in some way, even if it seems insignificant. Everything is part of the process. If I’m not actively painting, I’m sketching, writing down ideas, gathering reference materials or preparing substrates/panels. Read More>>

Dr. Jessica Riechert

For me, the habits that have helped me succeed as a business owner start with how I take care of *me* — mind, body, and spirit. I start most mornings with meditation to get grounded and clear. It’s my non-negotiable time to tune in before the rest of the world gets loud.

I carve out time for vision planning regularly — because if I’m not clear on where I’m going, how can I expect my business to grow in the right direction? When things get hard I return to my vision to help keep me moving forward. Read More>>

Stacy Flaherty

Compassion is the core of who I am and how I interact with the world. It’s the value that profoundly shapes every decision and connection I make.

I believe in listening deeply and without judgment, always ready to offer support. My life is also anchored in a continuous practice of gratitude, and I prioritize patience and forgiveness, not only for others but, importantly, for myself. Read More>>

Lauren Weglarz

The value/principle that matters the most to me is respect. At the end of the day we are all human, we don’t know the situation of others and what they are going through. A huge reason I do what I do is to create an experience for someone that makes them feel special, that makes them feel happy! It’s a little reminder in life that there are good things constantly happening around us. Read More>>

Ryan Parkera

I aspire to continually grow as a musician and an educator. I wish to keep singing, playing bass, writing, recording, and teaching, and to have a positive impact while doing so. Cultivating connection, community, and enjoyment through music is a professional goal of mine. Read More>>

Kiersten Mast

By the end of my career, I want to be a fully booked, highly regarded newborn and family photographer. I’d like to be known for creating exceptional experiences that clients can’t help but recommend. My goal is to build a strong reputation rooted in trust, quality, and genuine connections with the families I serve. Read More>>

Brandy LeMae

In the early years, it felt like I was the business. But, I’ve learned to delegate, to say no, and to make time for the gym, cabaret & comedy, modeling, and connection with my small family and awesome pets. Read More>>

Tess Gallegos

Before opening Holistica on my own, I had little work-life balance. When my son was a baby I worked long hours, struggled to find day care and missed out on some precious moments. That is why my goal was to have my own practice by the time he entered kindergarten. Having my own practice, I made my own hours, scheduled around field trips and school pick up. Having my own business has allowed me to have the freedom in my schedule to be a more present parent, plus, I was no longer giving half of my paycheck to my employer! Read More>>