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.

Michelle Theall

When I started working for Alaska magazine, I posted a lot of images of wildlife. People would comment on them and say that they’d been to Alaska but hadn’t seen any of that…that they were disappointed they didn’t see a bear or bald eagle or whale. I wanted to make certain people didn’t miss out on those opportunities, especially those who were likely only going to make a trip to the state once in their lifetime. So, I started Wild Departures, which specializes in “home-run” wildlife viewing tours. We take visitors to the right places at the right times and even guarantee sightings. We started with Alaska and then expanded to tigers in India, African safaris, Antarctica penguins, and more.  Read More>> 

Heather

The decision to speak up and use my voice. For many years (especially early in my corporate career) I stayed silent in situations where I should have been advocating for myself and others. I was fearful of retaliation, wanted to protect my reputation, and thought that being outspoken could backfire.

When I started speaking for myself, and teaching others to do the same – everything changed. I now live by a motto that I share on all of my platforms: success doesn’t happen in silence. Read More>> 

Dr Tamara Colebank

By starting my own practice I have been able to help thousands of animals live a fuller life, feeling their best. In my practice, I have been able to tailor my care to help pet owners be more aware of when their animal is not acting right to help them identify issues early on, to prevent disease and heal from disease more safely and gently. I feel I am an advocate for animals to help them live without any disease or pain. Many pet animals are loved but there are so many who don’t feel their best throughout their life. Read More>> 

Tory Becker

Over the last couple years I have immersed myself in the genre of feminist retellings and reimaginings of traditional mythology, such as the stories of Medusa from Greece, the goddess Inanna from Ancient Mesopotamia, and the founding emperor of China’s Ming Dynasty. These three books, ‘Athena’s Child’ by Hannah Lynn, ‘Inanna’ by Emily H. Wilson, and ‘She Who Became the Sun’ by Shelley Parker-Chan share a common thread of taking a critical and creative eye to the stories that have shaped our society and culture. Read More>> 

Terry Bohn

Not necessarily ‘what’, but who. I’m inspired by vulnerable, authentic and courageous people, plain and simple. I have the honor of working with some of these people – men, women and couples – every weekday. I chose to become a licensed counselor starting in my early 40’s in equal parts because of the trauma I’ve survived and healed, the insights I’ve gained in my own historical therapy, as well as seeing firsthand how hungry clients are for knowing themselves deeply. Read More>> 

Abby Watkins

I have found that four habits have been the backbone of my success: consistency, reliability, connecting with people, and being good with kids. Consistency that my clients know what to expect from me every time, whether it’s the quality of my work, communicating, or the way I run a session. Reliability has built trust—people know I show up prepared, meet deadlines, and follow through on my word. Connecting with people is SO important; whether it’s a nervous bride or a shy child, my ability to connect with my clients helps me bring out their authentic selves. Lastly, being good with kids has been huge – when children feel comfortable and enjoy the process, it shows in the photos, and that joy is contagious for the whole family. Read More>> 

Aidan Wilkinson

I like seeing the world in parts. Every square foot, every object, every reflection has its own small story. History layered into things that usually get passed over. I pay attention to those details. Like people you meet in life, every part is a piece of the bigger picture.

And when I move, when I touch something or shift the light, I become one of those details too. Just a fraction. But one that belongs fully, woven into the shape of the whole. Read More>> 

Kristen Duke

So often, parents are told their teens need ‘tough love.’ But in practice, tough love usually looks like harsh consequences, lectures, or pulling back affection to make a point. And while boundaries are important, I’ve seen over and over that what actually changes a teenager isn’t toughness, it’s safety. When a teen feels emotionally safe, they don’t need their mom to be ‘tough’ to get through to them. They need to know they won’t be shamed for making mistakes, or dismissed when they’re struggling. Read More>> 

Laurel DeSilvey

One piece of conventional wisdom I disagree with is the idea that you should wait to buy a home until you have the right partner. I’ve heard so many women say they want to ‘wait until they’re married’ or ‘wait until they meet the right person’ before purchasing property. I believe this mindset can hold people back from building wealth and creating stability for themselves. Read More>> 

Sam Reeve

Most people think compensation consulting is just about salaries and bonuses. But here’s the truth: you can have market-leading pay and still lose great people if the workforce experience is broken. Most consultants stop at pay—it’s a spreadsheet exercise. We go further.

We ask: Does your pay attract the right talent? Does it keep them engaged and inspired to stay? And what about the other essentials—meaningful work, career development, recognition, culture, and benefits that truly fit your people’s lives? Pay is just one lever. The real ROI comes when it works in harmony with the entire employee experience. Read More>> 

Kelle Smith

My end goal is my own brick n mortar storefront, where I sell my candles & ritual crafts, as well as local artisan jewelry, crystals, an apothecary of herbs, tinctures, and salves, etc. I’d also offer energy and shamanic work. I’m a reiki master and tarot card reader as well, so I’d like to offer energy healing/chakra balancing sessions and card readings. I’m currently selling my candles online in my etsy shop, as well as in numerous stores around the US. And offer my energy healing at numerous events. But to be able to do this in my own store, of my own making and energy is my end goal. To be the place of healing and holding space for my community is a goal I intend on reaching. Read More>>