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.

Michael Safran

Quality over quantity. Not in how many or how much to appear bigger or better, but in being more concentrated or attentive concerning the friends and things that most significantly factor into my artwork and experience. I can feel diluted, weighted down and less efficient when there’s too many or too much. Excess can distract and get in the way of the experience itself. Read More>> 

Jamie Rogers

Success is extremely relative and I think it also evolves throughout our lives. What I pictured success to be in my teens and twenties is very different from what I see it as now. I once thought making a ton of money and having all sorts of nice things meant you were successful but that couldn’t be more inaccurate to me today. Read More>> 

Amanda Hoying Hoying

As a mother of two young women—Abby (20) and Grace (16)—the most impactful lesson I’ve worked to instill in them is two-fold. First, the sky is the limit. No one and nothing can stand in the way of what you are capable of giving to this world. Second, pivoting is always an option. Flexibility isn’t a sign of uncertainty; it’s a strategy for success. Read More>> 

Amanda Arrick

Taking risks can be a very scary endeavor, but sometimes in our lives, it’s absolutely necessary. There can be good and bad risks and for me, if the risk can lead to reward, then I am more incentivized to take it. Read More>> 

Christine Prince

There are people who get to a cliff and peek over with trepidation and apprehension and then there are those who run towards the edge and plunge over headfirst. That describes what transpired in 1996. After vacationing at Cherokee Park Ranch with our family for 4 summers, we bought the ranch. Read More>> 

Lisa Olson

I feel the happiest when I feel connected to other people. Photography is such a special way to feel a connection with other humans. My happiest shoots are ones where I felt I was able to create an environment where my client feels completely comfortable and excited about how they look. Read More>> 

Cayla Rotello

Giving back to others makes me happy, and being a mom. It’s part of why I decided to go into the industry that I’m in. To know I’m apart of someone’s special day is really meaningful and I’m so grateful I get to do it! Read More>> 

Sophie Erazo

Over the last 6.5 years of running this salon a work life balance has been one of my greatest struggles. There are seasons when the salon requires more of me, and there are seasons where things are more free flowing and don’t require me to be here as much and I can enjoy more time outside of work. Read More>> 

Leah Rich

The idea of work life balance is really interesting as an artist. I quit a desk job because of the lack of balance in my life; my personal life, my health, my eating and sleeping were all off. Read More>>