Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.

Jose De La Barra | Business Partner

The idea for Fine Dining Table came from recognizing the growing demand for unique, personalized dining experiences. While many diners seek high-quality meals, they also desire added value, such as priority reservations, special discounts, and exclusive events. Fine Dining Table was born from the concept of bringing these premium dining experiences together in one accessible platform.

We wanted to create a space where food lovers could enjoy not only exceptional cuisine but also personalized perks, such as access to tasting menus, surprise promotions, and even gastronomic advice. By partnering with top-tier restaurants, we aimed to provide our members with a truly elevated dining experience—one that goes beyond the meal itself. The platform empowers users to access exclusive benefits and connect with the best culinary destinations, all while enjoying the convenience of a membership model that offers international benefits and continuous value throughout the year. Read more>>

Dr. Vee Johnson | The EQ Doctor | Strategist & Emotional Intelligence Expert

Treat others the way you want to be treated. I disagree with this because it centers the giver, not the receiver. Effective communication and connection require empathy, which means understanding and respecting the other person’s unique preferences, boundaries, and values. It’s not about how you would want to be treated—it’s about how they want to be treated. True emotional intelligence is rooted in this principle, and when we embrace it, we foster stronger, more authentic relationships both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Andrea Rivas | Aesthetic Physician Assistant/Associate

Entering into the Aesthetic Dermatology field, I was not aware how much goes into social media marketing. In order to be successful in this field of medicine, you need to advertise yourself, your work and promote your services, verses someone who feels like they are coming down with something then often goes to see their primary care provider. As a medical provider of luxury services, it means your social media presence needs to be big in order to attract patients in need of those services. This adds another element to your work and the need to be the face of your practice and work. Read more>>

Anthony Armas | Professional Trombone player and Event Coordinator

Not taking things personally. 80% of the work that we do in this life is dealing with people and obstacles. It’s unavoidable. So getting worked up over things within your industry that’s out of your control or not in your favor is a waist of energy and time. Focus and what you can control and pivot where you need to. But don’t take it personal. At the end of the day it’s just business. Read more>>

Ashlin Endter | President & Broker Owner

To me, risk is not something to fear but something to understand and manage. I’ve learned that taking risks isn’t about being reckless—it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone with purpose and preparation. Whether in life or business, risk-taking has been essential in creating opportunities that didn’t previously exist. At 4MG Mortgage, we started with a bold vision: to do more than just provide loans—we wanted to transform lives by guiding families, empowering partners, and supporting investors. That vision required taking risks: investing in relationships, trusting in our values of faith and resilience, and committing to a long-term mission when success wasn’t guaranteed. Read more>>

Eszter Polyák | Fashion & Costume Artist

Several habits have played a significant role in my journey and successes so far. One of the most important is my relentless curiosity. I always strive to learn from every situation and person I encounter. For example, I learned sewing from a drag queen(Sushi) in Key West, which became the foundation of my career as a fashion and costume designer. I’ve also dedicated myself to exploring new techniques and materials, like using recycled transparent plastic to create a unique sense of untouchability in my designs. Read more>>

Alicia Gonzalez | Authorized House Counsel

The most important factor behind my success has been a combination of adaptability and persistence. Moving from Spain to Miami was a major step that required me to embrace a new legal system, industry dynamics, and cultural environment. Being open to constant learning and growth has been essential to thriving in a competitive industry like entertainment. Read more>>

Dinora Mclellan | Vice President of Ways and Means of the BIWC

The Broward International Women’s Club (BIWC) has thrived as a vibrant hub for women of diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and empower one another. The cornerstone of BIWC’s success is its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community. This focus on connections has led to remarkable achievements, creating a space where women can share their experiences, ideas, and aspirations. The club’s members come from various countries and cultures, enriching the group with diverse perspectives and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Read more>>

Zachary Cohen | Digital Marketing Filmmaker

The value that matters most to us is to treat clients the way we would want to be treated. We don’t like fine print, or add ons that are tacked on. We’re upfront and transparent with our pricing and our options. We’re also very excited to work on projects and strive for fast turn arounds because that’s what we would want. Read more>>

Velaviee | Velaviee | Artist & Singer-Songwriter

One thing outsiders are probably unaware of about the music industry is the immense emotional, creative, and financial investment it takes to build a career as an independent artist. Beyond the performances and music videos, many artists like me wear many hats—songwriter, marketer, producer, manager, and performer—all while facing significant challenges in achieving monetary stability. Read more>>

Matt Lerer | Fine Art Pholtographer

I would like to be exactly where I am now in my career but on a larger scale. The most important thing to me as far as my work is to see the joy on the faces of people who see the creativity in my shots. Seeing faces light up, mouths open, gasps, and the occasional tear flowing absolutely does it for me. Read more>>

Sharnayy Xamour | Tarot reader and financial advisor

I have been thinking about this a lot over the years when it’s comes to the mark I want to leave on Earth or just creating a legacy period for not only myself but for my children as well. For the past decade, I have been working odd jobs in fields I never knew existed like working with sticker machines or working overnight with cotton barrels, I was even a Gas station cashier while in college. But my end goal, is to break the chain of being solely dependent on a 9-5 or a 8 hour a full time position. I want to build a business where I can work and support myself/family without the time limitations of a full time job. I love spending time with my family and traveling the world to make new memories but it’s hard to do that if you are working 5 or 6 days a week with only enough energy to work, eat, clean and sleep on repeat. Read more>> 

Talia Brits | Social Media and Digital Marketing Agency Owner

I am a proud South African! My journey from Bloemfontein to the cities of New York, Miami, Tampa, and Atlanta has given me a unique perspective that I’m always eager to bring into my work.

South Africa is a country of distinguished beauty and soulful warmth, but it’s also where I developed my resilience and passion for helping others. When I moved to New York City in 2016, I quickly realized how much I had taken simple living pleasures for granted. Growing up in a society where essentials like water, electricity, and safety were often scarce taught me how to adapt to challenges. I understood that while some people had the privilege of stability, I learned strength through adversity. Read more>>

Siobhan O’dwyer | Digital Artist

I grew up as a competitive dancer- dance was my first love and true passion, and all I wanted to focus my future on. When it came time for college decisions, I ended up going the academic route versus moving straight to NYC after high school to audition and perform. After 6 intense years studying pharmacy, I graduated with a huge need for getting myself back into the arts- a constant feeling I felt since my last dance competition. I picked up some fancy camera gear at the time and I dove into photography as I focused on traveling and exploring the world after graduation. All self taught, I fell in love with photographing the world, specifically the California coast and wildflower landscapes. Read more>>

Ayeasha Ahmed | Chef & Owner at Vegan Delights

Thank you so much for having me on this platform! My perspective on work-life balance has really changed over the years. At first, I thought of work and life as completely separate. But now, I see them as interconnected. For me, engaging fully in my personal interests, family, and professional goals is essential for my overall well-being. I’ve found that my life experiences really enrich my work and vice versa—I often draw inspiration from my personal life that fuels my creativity at work. One of the best skills I’ve developed to help maintain balance is problem-solving. Tackling challenges directly has helped me juggle my responsibilities and maintain a healthy balance, which is key to avoiding burnout. Read more>>