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.

Johnny Veres

The idea of success has evolved a lot for us over the years. Traditionally, it meant booking bigger shows, opening for major acts, touring the world, and eventually selling out arenas—or these days, going viral online. While we still aim for some of those milestones, we’ve also discovered success in unexpected, non-traditional ways. For instance, we’ve been invited to speak at conferences and festivals about how music and songwriting can support healing.  Read More>>

Dominique Giroux Hayes

I’ve always been curious, I love researching, exploring new ideas, and thinking about how things can be done better or differently. I think that naturally leads me to take some risks, because I’m always striving to do better, or to be better and progress rarely comes from playing it safe.

I believe that staying in a “comfortable” situation can sometimes mean choosing predictability over possibility. And while that might feel safe in the moment, I’ve learned that “comfort” can quietly hold you back. The older I get, the more I realize I don’t want “safe”—I want passion, excitement, and a sense of purpose in what I do in my day to day. Read More>>

Kelly Corrigan

A question I often ask myself is: What can happen after the act of creation—and even beyond the sale? I explore how my art can speak to or support issues I’m passionate about, including land and ocean preservation, climate crisis, animal welfare, and care for people and the planet.

Donating proceeds and aligning with causes I care about is one way I do this. The Humane Society and Death Penalty Action have been two organizations that I’ve sent 10-20% of my total sales. Read More>>

Lance Bach

I have a pretty high tolerance for risk. As a retired US Navy SEAL, I’ve spent a career managing operational and tactical risk. I think the old adage is true- the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward. At one point I started a diving and salvage company in the Middle East, uprooting my family and starting a business in a foreign country. It was risky, on many levels, but also rewarding. When I decided to become an author of military thriller stories, it was a different kind of risk. It wasn’t the risk of life or limb or financial ruin, Instead it was a more personal, psychological risk— Read More>>

Rhett Haney

I think branding itself needs to stay consistent and not change over time. Not just the branding but the image of the band as a whole. When folks come to watch us perform they want to KNOW what they are getting into before they will sign on. Us being very consistent with our branding and product I think has helped us be successful. Read More>> 

Caeleah Lekach

To put God first before everything else. To be successful most people think you need to work “extra hard”, that might be the case in certain situations, but for us – we become still and listen for Gods direction. Him, and his Wisdom found in the bible, are all we need to run this business. When times become stressful, we do not work more. Instead, we pray, meditate on the Word, and wait for His direction. When you are stressed, you make decisions out of fear. When you are still, you make decisions out of spiritual wisdom. Wisdom that is not always your own, but will pop into your mind randomly. We trust those random ideas and praise God always, even when we make mistakes. Read More>>

Shania Du Bose

Honestly, I try not to overthink it. I’ve come to really value authenticity not the polished, curated kind, but the messy, evolving truth of who we are. When we show up honestly, even if it’s shaky or uncertain, I think we naturally find ourselves in the spaces and with the people who are meant for us. Staying true, through the highs and lows, is worth its weight in gold. I’d take that over perfection any day. Read More>>

Mike Devious

I believe we as Human Beings should do what we love to do and what we are passionate about. Although a career in music may seem far fetched or out of reach, music is my passion and I’d rather be able to look back one day and say that I went for it despite all of the hurdles and naysayers. I think it takes more courage and resilience to follow your dreams, as opposed to getting a nine to five and playing it safe. Read More>>

J.E. Larson

I am from Alaska, and it plays a lot into how I write my stories and build my worlds. For example, I walk outside to my back porch, and I have mountain ranges surrounding me. I have pine trees along my walking path with my dogs, and I am surrounded by nature. In my books, you will always know where the character is located and be able to “See” what you are reading. Living in Alaska has gifted me a beautiful home that grants me a setting that a lot of authors don’t have. Read More>>