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.

Arianna George | specialized in personalized crafts

It all began during the pandemic in 2020, I was bored at home and decided to bring out my Cricut machine and watch youtube videos to learn how to make crafts. I fell in love with making shirts and custom cups so I decided to make an instagram to showcase what I was making. Read more>>

Justin Deal | Follower of Christ, husband, father of 4, entrepreneur, and community leader

I’ve taught my kids what unconditional love is by creating the best version of myself and giving it to them. They see me workout every day, and if you ask them why I work out, my daughters will respond, “So Daddy can beat up our boyfriends.” The example I lead by every day is the best lesson I can give them. We have a mantra in our house, “best day ever.” My kids know that every day isn’t in fact the best day ever, but if we have the mindset and the action to back it, we can create it. I take my role as the leader of our family very serious, with 3 daughters and 1 son, I’m responsible for showing my daughters how a man treats a woman, what a good man is, what a provider looks like, and what the standards are for them to judge future men that come into their lives. For my son, I have the responsibility of teaching him what a man is, and that’s a protector, provider, and a leader of his family and community. We have lots of conversations in our home, but I believe the best thing I do is show the kids through my actions what hard work, passion, grit, love, and an unwavering commitment to them looks and feels like. Read more>>

Antonio (Tonio) Ellison | The Adjustment Coach

The journey towards the inception of Release With Tonio has been a testament to the unwavering power of love, resilience, and the potent impact of social change. Having emerged from the depths of a harrowing battle with COVID-19 pneumonia in May 2021, I’ve come to perceive this experience as a profound opportunity to hone in on my life’s purpose. It dawned on me that this struggle presented me with the gift of reshaping pain into a promise—a promise to provide individuals with a safe haven, a sacred space to express themselves unreservedly amidst the global backdrop of grief, loss, upheaval in jobs and relationships, and the traumatizing effects experienced within the workforce. Release With Tonio stands as a testament to my unwavering commitment to empower individuals to vocalize their innermost thoughts without fear of judgment or repercussion. This sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope during a time when isolation and desperation seem to cast their gloomy shadows over countless lives. It is my unwavering belief that granting individuals the freedom to express themselves can mitigate the potential harm they may inflict on others, as well as on themselves. The path ahead for Release With Tonio is one illuminated by the vision of mitigating mental health issues through the transformative power of communication and understanding. Our goal is to foster a community where empathy, expression, and support intertwine, paving the way towards holistic wellness and resilience. Furthermore, my unwavering dedication leads me to envision vast-reaching programs that will extend my message of hope and healing not only throughout my community but also across the world. Read more>>

Katherine Passley | CoExecutive Director of Beyond the Bars, Poet and Creative Director of Caged Bird Arts

Beyond the Bars is a worker center in Miami-Dade County focused on disrupting the cycle of low-wage jobs and incarceration. Our mission is to empower our members – workers with criminal records and their families – by fostering leadership, providing education, driving policy innovation, and offering essential services. Through Caged Bird Arts, a program of Beyond the Bars, we aim to amplify the voices of impacted artists, creating economic opportunities in the artistic community and fostering inclusivity of their experiences. Read more>>

Chris Zaccaria | Artist

For me starting my own business was an extension of my art and self-expression – but in a way that I could more easily share it with the world. I love producing fine art, but my frustration with that world is that it’s a walled garden. Beautiful, playful objects sell for very high prices that are out of reach to most people – myself included. They are also then confined to private homes, collections, etc. where the majority of people do not have access to them. I wanted to be able to share my fun, zany creatures and work with the world but in a way that they could interact with it – wear it, have it on a shelf, but at an affordable price point. Read more>>

John Wensveen, Ph.D | Chief Innovation Officer, NSU and Executive Director of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation

As a Chief Innovation Officer and applied futurist, I am inspired by the boundless potential of human creativity and innovation. I find inspiration in the limitless creativity and innovation of humanity, witnessing individuals push boundaries across disciplines, from science and technology to the arts and humanitarian efforts. The resilience displayed in overcoming challenges, coupled with the determination to create positive change, serves as a constant source of motivation. Additionally, stories of compassion, empathy, and collective support within communities deeply move me, highlighting the inherent goodness and kindness within us. Nature’s intricate beauty and its delicate balance also inspire contemplation, reminding me of the importance of preserving our planet. These diverse sources of inspiration, from human endeavors to acts of kindness and the wonders of nature, continuously fuel my passion and drive. Despite all the “bad” we hear and see in today’s world which is portrayed via the media, there is more “good” than “bad” happening. Human survival isn’t guaranteed, but our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate offers hope and I am optimistic, based on history, people will continue to be resilient. I am inspired about a thriving future and playing my part to make this a success. Read more>>

Jason Matouk | Real Estate Sales & Marketing

One ideology that is inculcated as an entrepreneur is that you have to be “professional” or dress the part in situations where you deal with affluent people, I’ve learned the opposite. Especially with successful people, being myself and not putting on an act has opened a lot more doors for me. To a certain extent you should always dress clean, and for the occasion, but you do not have to wear a suit 24/7, especially if you live in Florida like me. The perfect example is if you watch any of my YouTube videos and then watch another fellow real estate agent’s videos. Be yourself, ride your own wave, and if some feels right, do it. Read more>>

Simone Alicia | Motivational Speaker & Self-Esteem Expert

The most important lesson my business has taught me is that everything truly begins with you! Success begins with you. Happiness begins with you. Helping others, begins with you. Read more>>

Rico Sanchez | Music Curator & Nightlife Consultant

The most important lesson my career as a traveling DJ has taught me is the incredible power of adaptability and the art of forging connections. With every beat I mix and every crowd I energize, I learn that change is not just inevitable, but a canvas for my creativity. My journey exposes me to the beauty of different cultures and the universal language of music, binding us all together. Read more>>

Shana Ostrovitz | Executive Director, 1909

When I was young, in college and my early twenties, my career was all I thought about and was my main source of identity. At 28 years old my fiance at the time passed away unexpectedly from an undiagnosed genetic heart condition and everything changed. I had recently started my first business so this was a very challenging time to have my life turned upside down and my view of life, it’s purpose and my purpose to be in question. My life perspective changed pretty drastically after that experience. I realized how precious life and our time here on earth is and that tomorrow is not always guaranteed. It’s a beautiful perspective that I wish for everyone, without having to go through something so traumatic. Read more>>

Lisa Semoy | Inspirational Speaker, Life Coach, Faith Leader, Mortgage Professional

My balance has changed over time because before I thought that I needed to be super woman in order to be successful. Eventually I realized that if I took proper care of myself I would be better equipped to help others. This is where I implemented a morning and evening routine and this helped my life tremendously. I am in better control of my days and how I am able to manage with the tasks and responsibilities of my life. Read more>>