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.
Elizabeth DiAlto | Founder of the School of Sacred Embodiment
Yes. One of the movement methods I created is called Wild Soul Wisdom. It’s a class that combines gentle movement with a bit of intentional breathing, meditation, and a mantra. Since 2013, the overwhelming favorite mantra in our community has been, “Less control. More Magic.” This one simple phrase encompasses four pillars of my Wild Soul Liberation framework – Surrender, Release, Trust, and Receptivity. It’s a reminder that there are so many things we can’t control that we can really stop wasting so much time trying to control things and instead, allow for more magic in our everyday lives. Get out of our own way, stop sabotaging ourselves and instead open our eyes to what’s right in front of us, wanting to happen, and very very possible if we will just let it. It’s not to say we don’t take any action, but rather a reminder to take smart actions that are within our power and control and stop being so distracted by the things that aren’t. Read more>>
Louise Ulukaya | Founder of Mon Coeur
I started Mon Coeur, as a new mom, shopping for my first born Miran, and I could not find any truly sustainable kids brand without having to compromise on the cuteness. Therefore, I created Mon Coeur – a sustainable (made from 100 % recycled materials), chic, playful and comfortable kids brand. Read more>>
Elizabeth Jude | Social Media Expert
When I started my influencer journey in college, I learned so much about creating engaging content, building a community, and the power of social media for businesses. Working with brands was really interesting, because I had to learn how to bring a product into a piece of content and still create value for my community. I never wanted my content to feel like an ad, because in this digital age, it’s all about keeping it real. My approach was always authentic and value driven, which is something I feel a lot of brands are beginning to be out of touch with. I decided I wanted to build an agency that worked one on one with brands to help them not just build a brand presence, but build a brand with real influence. It was in that moment that Jude The Agency was born. Read more>>
Javier Rhoden | Literary Writer & Independent Author
As a parent, the most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on my children is to open them up to various art forms and work, which allows them to develop their own talent and create their own identity from the inspiration they pull from. This help with their self expression, regulation and overall development. Read more>>
Holly D’Arcy | Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle Coach
I hope that people always remember the way I made them feel. So many variables can try to bring us down, so I try to be someone who lifts others up with my words. I hope my interactions with them can be a source of strength when they struggle. I also hope people see that I strive to practice what I preach. Read more>>
Shedly Apollon | Makeup Artist & Creative Director
My goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who took the easy road of working for themselves. Being an all-in-one, self-sufficient entrepreneur is a challenge compared to being a valuable asset to an established brand. I chose entrepreneurship because I like to think outside the box and break the mold. My hope is that when you think of me or my business, it brings a smile to your face. I strive to leave a lasting impression on people, whether it’s positive or negative, because I believe I’m unique in my own special way. Read more>>
Bryan Paschal | Attorney
Throughout my career, I made it a point to always follow the rules and be honest, even if it took me down a more challenging path. So, I’d say my integrity is a value that matters most, which, in addition to my faith, has been the foundation for me to enjoy a great reputation within the legal community. I believe that keeping your integrity goes a long way to developing positive relationship with judges and other attorneys who I may be working with or against. Read more>>
CJ Casciotta | Author, Speaker, & Founder of Reculture: an unreasonably fun, ridiculously hopeful media studio
The principle that drives my work is that humans have the unique power to “change the story.” In our noisy, distracted culture, it’s not very differentiating to simply be a storyteller…so instead a lot of people settle for becoming a “story-seller” (see: every instagram ad ever). The problem is, we all know what it feels like to be “sold” a story. It usually feels a little gross. When we shift our focus on becoming story-changers, identifying what narratives out there are broken, what tropes no longer serve us, and what well-worn paths need a pivot, we open up an entire world of opportunity for meaningful, results-oriented work! Storychangers are the kind of people I love to work with, the kind of people I like to inspire, and the kind of people I want to be like. Read more>>
Zak Kunish | Founder & CEO
Everyone always taught me to have a business plan. A well written, multi page document that will describe every single last detail of the business, from inception to marketing to P&L statements and projections. I completely disagree with all of this. Entrepreneurs are born with natural instincts to organically grown a company. They see what others do not. They have the will power and thought process to build a thriving company. In most cases, it could take longer to “plan” your company than it does to actually start it and roll up your sleeves. I wrote one business plan in my life, and that was in college for an assignment. I don’t plan on writing another one ever again. I see the vision for my companies and put good thought to work. Read more>>
Jillian Hornik | Certified Gemologist
Price is an indicator of quality. Many people think this fact only applies to the gemstones used in a piece of jewelry. More importantly, it applies to the metal mounting those stones are set in. Gold is priced based upon its weight. Therefore, a lighter piece of jewelry is more affordable. Unfortunately, that means lower quality manufacturers cast thin lightweight mountings for rings, bracelets, and necklaces to keep the price down for the consumer. Those thinner pieces of jewelry often break easily and are more difficult to repair than their heavier, more durable counterparts. In the end, it is better to spend slightly more for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime. Read more>>
Eddie Gunter | Entrepreneur & Educator
I don’t think outsiders are aware of how lucrative the music industry is as long as you think outside the box.
I used to think the only way to make money in music was through the whole record label/artist route or being a music teacher if things didn’t work out.
But there’s so many different avenues and lanes said you can take in this industry that is beyond the usual scope. Read more>>
Sydney O’Hare | Owner of Sydney Morman Photography & SMP Creative Studio
The most difficult decision I ever had to make was to quit my full time job. It was such a catalyst for my business when I did. I would go into work everyday for years dreaming about my business taking me places and providing me income. I worked on my days off and took sick time to photograph weddings. It was the scariest decision of my life. I really didn’t prepare for it that much, I knew that my gut was telling me that it was time, I only had 5 weddings booked and a few sessions scheduled but I knew I could pull it off. Its now been almost 7 years since I left that job. Once I left work was when people really saw my passion for photography and I think that really set me up for success because I still get business & referrals from my past coworkers. Read more>>
Angel & Alex Rita &Brito | Retropunks and business owners
We believe that we haven’t stopped learning. Essentially, the most crucial lesson we have learned is to be openminded. We cater to all walks of life in the store and have built a community that is still growing. Everyday the people who interact with us, in-store or online, constantly surprise us with their unique interests and wealth of knowledge. Read more>>
Kevin Wallen | Motivational speaker, transformational coach, Fitness and Yoga practitioner
I am from Kingston, Jamaica. My mother went away when I was three months old. I met my dad when I was 35 I grew up with a group of women my grandmother, and heard it. My aunts who were children themselves did not know how to take care of Curious, growing young man, so conversations became beatings, which then led me to silence, as well as dependent on myself. I hated how I was treated as a child and as a result has been a good deal of my life try not to do to others what was done to me Read more>>
Carol Lane | IT Tech
I grew up in Newport, RI and have lived in Old Town Alexandra, Pawleys Island, SC and currently reside in Delray Beach, FL. Each of these places was on a body of water, which is where I am happiest. I took lessons at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, using watercolor and worked into acrylics. I have been painting steadily for over 12 years and continue to take classes regularly. Read more>>
Nadine Anderson Cheng | Graphic Designer, Marketing Specialist & Fine Artist
Chasing the dream, with ever shifting goals, there was no balance only 14-hr work days and no life. Then about 10 years ago I finally felt the need to have a bit of time for myself and joined a few social groups—biking, dancing, traveling…it felt good, there was now balance. But then 4 years later I wanted more, more of life and living—I packed up my bags, gave away most of what I had, rented my home and moved to Europe to live modestly and happily with more life that work, and it was fantastic. I feel we work, so that we can consume more and spend less time enjoying the option of a simpler way of living. Read more>>