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.

Kristen Piquion | Licensed Esthetician

I came up with the idea for my business in 2016. I felt like I could never really truly focus when I was at work, I would always feel like something was missing and that I wanted more. I finally took a leap of faith and started my first business Bright Whites once I finished Dental Assisting School at Concorde Career College. I started off pretty small with teeth whitening kits, lip gloss and black activated charcoal. Everything started off pretty smooth with support from family and friends and then it later grew to a larger audience. I knew I wanted more so when I was laid off due to Covid 19 in March 2020 I launched my baby Kemani Cosmetic Care LLC where I began making body soap, feminine products , feminine soap, body scrubs, body butters, men soap, beard cream and much more. Read more>>

Jessenia Acuna | Founder and Psychotherapist

others but also what podcast I listen to, what books I read, what foods I ate, how I used social media, and which thoughts I allowed to stick. Things became easier when I understood that although I may not be able to control most aspects of life, I have agency in what I allow in. This decision came through a growling process of self awareness, becoming more honest with myself and looking at my own blindspots. It’s a choice I make everyday since I am constantly evolving and always learning. I choose to be self reflective and have radical compassion in the process so that I may continue to grow while feeling at peace with who I am today and what I have to offer. Read more>>

lena Rivage | KeysByLena

My business helps the community in many ways. breaking Generational curses and establishing generational wealth especially Being the First to do it has a such great impact to the world many are scared to go fourth and I’m happy God choose and trust me to be the Forerunner. Making Over 1 million in sales was an example that when You Put God first everything is Possible. Witnessing my client’s joyous moments at the closing table where they said I made It! where their dream has become reality. Read more>>

Konstancja Szymanska | Educator, Speaker and University Instructor for Intercultural Communication Topics

At the Intensive English Institute at Florida Atlantic University, we take great pride in the positive social impact our business has on the community and the world. Our core mission revolves around empowering individuals to unlock new opportunities through enhanced English language skills. We believe that language proficiency is a key factor in fostering communication, understanding, and collaboration across borders. By providing intensive English language courses, our institute contributes significantly to building confidence among individuals when it comes to speaking English and recognizing intercultural differences. Read more>>

Peach & Quiet | Canadian performing artists and singer songwriter duo Heather Read & Jonny Miller.

As musical artists, we find that some of the most important things we keep coming back to are serving the music, connecting to others through the music, (both listeners and other musicians), and being a good, kind person on this planet. We are both songwriters who are pretty dedicated to the song, trying to “get out of our own way” to let the song come through. Another key for us is always honouring commitments as a professional. We are also both business owners in our other fields of work. Jonny is a web developer and Heather runs a business in the book publishing world. Read more>>

Silver Lerissette | Floral Designer

One conventional advice that I find myself disagreeing with is the notion that “practice makes perfect.” In reality, practice does not guarantee perfection. Many business owners, particularly those who are just starting out, often believe that they must achieve perfection in order to be successful. However, I believe the opposite is true. Rather than striving for perfection, it is more important to be ambitious and willing to take risks. Embracing the process of learning and doing things despite fear and uncertainty can lead to improvement, but perfection should not be the ultimate goal. And that’s perfectly okay. Read more>>

Leyla Osorio | CEO and Co-founder of Global Cruises LLC

I think how much work goes into it all. Our guests and outsiders usually see the final product, enjoying the perfect vacation and the overall experience. Yet, there’s an entire team—an arsenal of people—working behind the scenes, and it all starts with one idea. This initial spark sets in motion a chain reaction of creativity, planning, storytelling and hard work. After this first spark, our product team conducts an exhaustive investigation to develop a concept and find the perfect setting or settings. Then, it’s time to build a timetable, where we also consider the operational aspects—is the time viable, how far away is it from the port? We must keep everything in mind to build something seamless. Read more>>

Joanna (Joey) Wurmann | Journalist and Content Creator

Coming from a background in world politics in my home country, Chile, I’ve embarked on a new adventure in Miami’s vibrant lifestyle scene. As the main editor of Mujer y Punto, a Latin American online magazine focusing on women-related subjects and Miami’s lifestyle, I’ve transitioned into a lifestyle explorer and content creator. My Instagram, ‘Miami by Joey,’ is dedicated to showcasing the Miami lifestyle through the eyes of empty nesters over 45. Through captivating reels, I aim to capture the essence of this unique demographic’s experiences in Miami. In addition to content creation, I also manage our community and develop marketing programs to promote our brand to this specific audience. Read more>>

Ra’Quan Washington | Keyboardist, Pianist, Organist

Growing up I always wanted to be a professional musician, but family would always criticize. Once I reached 18 graduating high school, I was playing in various venues, churches, funeral, and wedding halls. College is not the only way to be successful. I’m not saying don’t go to college but if you find a gig that plays well to provide for you and family why not take the risk being a full-time musician. Pursue your dream no matter what anybody has to say, and you will be amazed what the outcome is. Read more>>

Purnima Patel | Owner of Aroma Indian Cuisine and Masala Mantra

In the initial days of our restaurant’s journey, achieving work-life balance was a formidable challenge. The relentless hours and the passion for perfecting every detail meant personal time often took a backseat. However, as our restaurant found its footing and our team grew stronger, I’ve learned the significance of balancing professional dedication with personal well-being. Now, I ensure to carve out time for myself and my loved ones, understanding that a rejuvenated mind fosters creativity and resilience in the business. Read more>>

Donnamarie Baptiste | Cultural Producer. Curator. Creative Director,

Work life balance is crucial, but it really difficult when you work for yourself. The saying “wherever you go, there you are” aptly applies to having a small business! Wherever I go, I am always thinking about how to improve and grow my business. I am the ambassador of the work I do, so I can’t ever really turn it off, but I do take time to enjoy the people and things I love. I make this a priority as much as I can. I think about the balance like this: “In order for me to perform at my very best, I must…” and created a list of musts for myself, things like: work out, get enough sleep, eat healthy, spend time with friends and loved ones, and work on my hobbies-or relaxing. Relaxing means different things to different people, but for me having hobbies that I’m passionate about force me to step outside of work at times when I need to. Read more>>