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.

Deja James

I pursued a creative career because it has always been a fundamental part of who I am. Since I was a child, I have naturally gravitated toward art, poetry, fashion, and anything that allows for self-expression. I have never been the logical or scientific type; creativity has always felt more liberating to my soul. It was essential for me not to choose a career solely for financial gain; I wanted my passion to guide me and to transform what I love into my career. Read More>>

Carolina Sardi

I’ve been doing art since I was a kid. My first elementary school teacher told my mom to send me to art school; I was always drawing while in class. I started art school when I was 10 years old. I did my first metal sculpture when I was 16.
Sculpture was a challenging media, so I decided to pursue that path. Read More>>

Elena Stula

The idea for Nico Pico came very naturally—it was born from my own experience as a mom living in Miami but originally from Madrid. Every time I would go back home to Spain, I’d return with bags full of clothes for my kids. I just couldn’t find the kind of everyday children’s clothing here that felt stylish, well-made, and still practical—something in between super casual playwear and overly formal European outfits. Read More>>

Nathan Wilson

Honestly, it started over a few too many late nights, bad hotel coffee, and a mutual “what are we even doing with our lives” moment. My best friend and I were working in corporate and traveling constantly airports, client meetings, emails at midnight and we realized none of the coffee brands out there really got that lifestyle. Read More>>

Dr. Constance McIntyre

When making a decision to keep going or to give up, its best to evaluate your circumstances by balancing potential gains of your investment of time, energy, and emotional resilience, alongside the likelihood of achieving your goals. Read More>>

Jasmine Garcia

For me, the answer is obvious in the feeling I get while hooping, & that same feeling amplified when I’m hooping with others —that rush of joy, movement, and freedom I tap into grows when I’m sharing it with others. Read More>>

Leticia Matheus

I truly loved this question, because I believe that as an entrepreneur, this decision is not something that belongs to the past — it is something we must make every single day. We cannot go back and change yesterday, and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. But we do have full awareness that today is ours to live, to affirm, and to choose. Read More>>

Ysdaly Thielen

At BG Integrative Studio, we support breast cancer survivors and patients who have undergone surgery in reclaiming their confidence and sense of self. As a cancer survivor myself, I understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with visible reminders of trauma, and I use my skills to help clients feel whole and proud of their journeys. Read More>>

Ana Rios

My role as founder of Da Cura Pets is to provide pets and their owners with access to integrative healing by offering proven holistic therapies. We are in a new era where animals are no longer engaging with nature in the same way they used to, they are now innate members of our families and residing in our homes full time. This means that our pets (just like us) are also in need of integrative care.  Read More>>

Tatiana Maldonado

Don’t listen to outsiders. If people call you crazy you’re on the right path! Read More>>

Winston Thayer

My work life balance has changed a lot. Having to go from doing something creative for fun to having it be your job is not an easy flip. I grew up writing and producing music as a fun hobby, and when I wasn’t doing that I was attending school or working my highschool retail job. 4 years later, I am about to graduate college, where I study music, and have to run my own business essentially; It is no longer just a hobby. I think the first real moment where I had to start thinking about my work life balance was when I got my first music job that involved something I wasn’t the most excited for. Read More>>