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.

Jade Shenker | Real estate rising star and star of Owning Manhattan

I don’t think about balance, I think about integration.

Work and life integration allow me the tools to always be moving my business forward while enjoying life. My work, my clients, and my brand energizes me, so when I do find times to “shut off” I also consider that time where I’m recharging myself to perform better. Read more>>

Emily Harris | Wedding & Lifestyle photographer

I’m inspired by the unique stories and raw emotions of the human experience. Capturing real-life moments in beautiful locations, using natural light, allows me to tell stories that resonate deeply and transform a fleeting moment into a timeless narrative. Read more>>

Aidana Baldassarre | Trashfashonist- Artist- Designer-event organizer

What inspired me when I started Trashfashions, is the fact that there is so much good materials out there that can be used to create something fun to wear. I love experimenting and mostly create one of a kind pieces of art that is wearable from unusual materials. Read more>>

Linda Uribe | Serial Entrepreneur and Encourager of Thinking Outside of The Box

One habit that I feel has truly helped me succeed is focus. In a world filled with endless distractions, focus is key. When you can zero in on what’s truly important and block out the noise, you set yourself up for success. You can be successful at anything if you simply focus. Read more>>

Keymia Sharpe | Owner & Lead Tour Operator

One habit that has been crucial to my success is my habit of always pressing forward (persistence). When I started my business, I understood that I would face many “nos” along the way. However, I also knew that each “no” would bring me closer to a “yes.” I made it a point to ask for collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities, understanding that the only way to succeed was to keep asking and not let rejection deter me. Every “no” was just a stepping stone to the next “yes.” Read more>>

Monique Douglas | Owner Of Mo’s Financial World LLC

I believe that honesty is the key to life. I understand that dealing with finances can be a daunting task, which is why I strive to provide our clients with a safe and trustworthy environment. Our policy of honesty ensures that our clients can make informed decisions that will benefit them in the long run. We don’t believe in fast talkers or shady deals, but rather in building lasting relationships with our clients based on trust and transparency. Read more>>

Ellen Marchman | PR and Marketing Strategist

How many of us listen before sharing opinions? I’ve learned over the years listening is a sole strategy. People, clients, vendors, colleagues need to be heard to feel valued. If you allow sharing of insight, stories, and feelings at the moment you are able to understand the narrative. Do they need control, accountability, success? That’s when I come back with solutions. Read more>>

Marisa Colon | Wedding Photographer

I grew up in East Harlem, New York, a vibrant and diverse community that instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and determination. Moving to Miami has been an exciting transition, exposing me to new cultures and perspectives. My upbringing in East Harlem taught me the value of hard work and community, traits that continue to shape my approach to life and work. I’m eager to bring the lessons I’ve learned from both places into this new chapter of my life. Read more>>

Karla Montalván

I was born in Havana, Cuba, but grew up between Cuba, Ecuador, and the United States. My mom and I crossed the Mexican-American border when I was 10 years old, which had more of an effect on my life than I gave it credit for back then. I’ve lived away from my birth country for several decades now, but whenever someone asks me where I’m from, I never say “Miami,” I always say, “I’m Cuban.” Although my family left Cuba in search of better opportunities for us, they always kept our culture and customs at the forefront of everything. My grandparents especially created that connection through food, dancing, and music, and I also see that spirit in me. Read more>>

Katana Malone | Filmmaker, Actress, Artist, & Writer

Growing up, I was constantly moving with my family. My father was in the military, which meant never really getting to say goodbye to the friends I made and developing an attachment to the characters I met within a wide array of books. Read more>>

Edmundo Lopez | Artist (sculptor)

I believe I was meant to pursue an artistic career because art consumes my thoughts 24/7. Ideas flood my mind throughout the day, and they linger in my brain since childhood. My biggest challenge is choosing which idea to bring to life in my studio. Interestingly, my creative process begins with a given idea, which serves as a foundation for my work. From there, I rely on intuition to guide me as I refine and develop the piece until I’m satisfied with the final result. Read more>>