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.

Carla Degen

Allara meaning one who brings happiness and brightness to the soul, was founded by a Miami based husband-and-wife duo who have been a part of the diamond wholesale industry for decades. It was a natural step to venture into jewelry considering our proximity to it in the diamond wholesale business. Allara started off as a passion project and creative outlet that was fed by our admiration for the natural process that creates diamonds. Read More>>

Anika Mckelvey

I think of 2 things. One is instilling in them an understanding of religion, faith and a love for God. It has provided them with a strong moral foundation, a sense of purpose and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and compassion.  Read More>>

Rhett Ullmann

Not sure if they’re habits, but they’re definitely traits:

1. Adaptability – I’m always able to pivot. The people who win the most fail the most, and it’s because each failure is just another iteration. Very few things function as absolutes. Find what works, then find what works better. I’m a huge believer that constant change is the only path to true success. Average is the enemy. Read More>>

Novotel Miami Brickell

At Novotel Miami Brickell, our success really comes down to two key things: the experience we create for our guests and the way we support our team. We’re lucky to be in the heart of Brickell, so we make sure to offer a blend of modern comfort with a touch of local culture, giving our guests a true feel of Miami. Read More>>

Sabrina & Johnathan Narain & Le

The most important factor behind our success is consistency and planning. Since launching our TikTok in January 2024, we have posted twice a day, every single day, without missing a beat. This level of dedication has not only helped us grow but has also built trust with our audience.

Beyond consistency, we prioritize creativity and relatability. We constantly brainstorm fresh, funny, and engaging content that resonates with people’s everyday lives. Our ability to balance book-related content with humor and real-life experiences has allowed us to stand out in a crowded space. Read More>>

Clara Kewley

I find happiness in beautiful things. I feel the most hope for and connection to the world when I see something that someone has created or cherished – something that has the power to hold me in place for a little bit. I fill my living spaces with beautiful, meaningful objects, from paintings/drawings from friends, candlesticks inherited from my grandmother, and an assortment of books and plants I’ve collected.  Read More>>

Gabriela Zamorano

I am from Bolivia, a beautiful country in the heart of South America. Growing up there was incredible, but opportunities were limited, so my family applied for a green card to the U.S. When we finally moved to Miami when I was 10 years old, I knew I had to make the most of this opportunity and make my family proud. Read More>>

Paola Ramos

I am originally from the Dominican Republic and I have been living in Miami for 3 years now. I used to work as a marketing manager at a bank in my country but I always wanted to pursue acting and develop a project that had to do with social media. Starting my new live in the United States was the perfect opportunity to reinvent myself and start over.  Read More>>

Catherine Okubo

I don’t think I’ve ever truly found a balance between work and life, honestly, my career has always demanded a huge portion of my time. I travel frequently, and my schedule can be crazy, but what keeps me grounded is making sure that, no matter how chaotic things get, my daughter and my health remain top priorities. Read More>>