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.

marc and susan abrams | Sales and Marketing

PedalYard was and is being created not only to provide a safe place and guidance to learn how to ride a bike…but…it’s much more. We’re building a parenting program with the purpose of building better families. At PedalYard the parent ALWAYS does the teaching. Our coaches are there to offer encouragement, guidance, and to keep everyone safe. The interesting part of this is that our research as well as our practical experience has shown that by a parent teaching their child to ride a bike…”hands-on”…they have a closer relationship for years to come. Much better communication and family bonding. With all the problems existing today Susan and I feel that one way to a better future is through better families. PedalYard is our effort to build better families. Read more>>

Crunkcoco | The influencer

Ciara and Nicki Minaj and lil Jon was my motivation I look up to them and my dad to after what I want and I what I believe and love to do is entertain people and have fun do it and make people laugh Read more>>

Danni Adams | Influencer & Activist

Imagine this: feeling like an outsider, judged for where you come from, how you sound. I’ve been there, honey. But listen up—those whispers of shame, they don’t define you. I’ve turned my Southern accent, once seen as a barrier, into a symbol of pride. Embracing my roots, I realized my power. Now, I lift others up, reminding them that their story, their journey, it’s what makes them extraordinary. We all have the right to create and live out our purpose, to shine bright in our own unique way. I tell myself own your truth, stand tall, and watch as your uniqueness becomes your greatest strength. Read more>>

Sheldon MAC” McLean | Educator & Consultant”

Defining success is deeply personal, but for me, it’s all about making a positive impact on others’ lives. Success isn’t just about achieving goals for myself; it’s about helping others improve their quality of life. Whether it’s through education, inspiring others, or collaborating on meaningful projects, success means leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world around me. It’s about making a difference and contributing to the well-being of others in any way I can. Read more>>

Jimmy blanco | Film Director

“Chase your Dreams until your feet are bloody, and even then, Don’t stop” this is one of my favorite quotes created by me because it reminds me to never give up on myself, no matter how hard the journey is ahead of me, nothing worth having is given easily. Read more>>

Jennifer Altieri | Life Coach for Women

Work life balance becomes achievable when you let go of the idea that the scales are balanced out all of the time. That is not an achievable goal. Work life balance in my opinion and in my life is a scale that moves up and down as needed in the moment. It’s a very personal scale and there are not any hard and fast rules that everyone needs to follow. It’s best to look at what works for your schedule and lifestyle and create realistic expectations that you can remain flexible with. I have a family first value that is important to me so when I’m needed to be there for a family member I’m going to be. During those times if I have to cancel a work appointment I will do so. I’m also adaptable. I’ve been known to get a newsletter written while sitting in the hospital or taking a call from the hospital parking lot. As women I think we naturally balance many different areas of life gracefully. On the other side of the scale my family knows when I’m getting ready to run a new coaching program that program will take up much more of my time and energy because it’s new and they know to expect that. It’s a give and take where communication and flexibility are key to balance. Read more>>

Anthony Keys | Entrepreneur

As the CEO of a budding record label and someone in the process of opening a radio station, my work-life balance has certainly been a dynamic journey, especially as a father of seven. The evolution of my balance has been a reflection of both necessity and strategic planning. Early on, I embraced the challenge of wearing multiple hats within the entertainment industry, driven by passion and ambition. However, I quickly realized the toll it was taking on me personally and professionally. Read more>>

Emily Blaylock | Songwriter

Singing in front of people for the first time is a risk. Singing in front of people for the hundredth time is a risk. Valuing your own thoughts enough to say them, to sing them, to share them… is such a risk. I have been writing and singing songs for ten years, and I still feel the risk every time. I am fascinated by the momentary decision to take the risk – and the world of discovery on the other side. I am a cheerleader of every artist – no matter the skill level or genre – because I am floored by people who risk to create and are bold enough to share. I love to see what comes out of people when they are honest and allow it to flow. I think this genuine enjoyment I find comes from a deep belief that life is inherently beautiful, truthful, and good. When people allow art (life) to move through them and are open enough not to stifle it, good things happen. It’s not easy, and the inner critic is strong in most of us. Stronger still in those of us who have been told in one way or another that the art we gravitate towards is not for us. I didn’t grow up being encouraged to sing – it came from within and I had to trudge through barriers of criticism and fear to emerge and claim “artist”, “songwriter”, and “singer”. Because of this journey of risk, I set out to create community around songwriting in my city. It started off with six women and has grown into a small network of producers, songwriters, and creatives in South Florida. What we have in common is the willingness to risk and the solidarity to support one another in the risk. I have found that the anecdote to stopping art before it starts is a safe, supportive community. I think this applies to every career path that involves your heart and soul. Can you imagine a world where more people took the risk to pay attention to their inner world and share it with others? To me personally, this is all songwriting is. And I plan to continue doing it, in community, as long as I possibly can. Read more>>

Emily Concannon | Travel Blogger & Entrepreneur

We take risks with everything we do. Going to work, driving cars, and even walking to the mailbox poses its own set of “threats.” But, without risk, there’s really no value in doing something. Similar to the idea that if you could get anything you wanted just by wishing, nothing would really be worth anything if you didn’t have to work for it (or in this case, take a risk or two!) Why? Because the journey is part of the adventure. Read more>>