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.

Lelio Zoccai | Designer and Co-Founder of DARKAI Jewelry

My favorite affirmation is “when a door closes another window opens”, which may seem simple and basic at first, but I found it to be extremely accurate throughout my career and personal life. I believe each and every entrepreneur had setbacks that then brought new exciting opportunities that wouldn’t have arose if it wasn’t for that setback, making this quote very relevant and motivational if you think about it deeply. Read more>>

Jennifer Estefan Casais | Real Estate Professional

Whenever I am asked what my WHY is, my answer is usually my kids! I have a 10 year old daughter and an 8 year old son. My background is in accounting. I have a bachelor’s in accounting, masters in the science of taxation and my CPA all of which were attained by the age of 23 (I am currently 37). I have worked in the tax industry since that age. A few years ago though, I decided to broaden my horizons and attain my real estate license. Read more>>

Glend Martinez | Business Consultant & Author & Content Creator

I believe the single most important decision I ever made that contributed to my success was learning to isolate myself and focus solely on me. I was extremely popular growing up, had hundreds of friends and would be there to fix their problems. I eventually became so obsessed with fixing their life that I didn’t even focus on mine. 2022 was the start of my isolation and I’ll never look back. That isolation truly gave me the necessary shift of energy, I poured into my cup and my cup only. Read more>>

Elise Ivy | CEO and Co-Founder of ROKNE Pickleball

Although everyone defines success differently I truly believe that the most important factor behind the success of ROKNE pickleball is the balance we have between co-founders. My business partner happens to be my brother and we also happen to be complete opposites. I believe that having a natural division of labors and such vastly different talents is exactly what has served us so well in business. Read more>>

RAE CRAVEN | ELITE TRAVEL SPECIALIST

“The most critical factor behind my travel business success is not being afraid to ask questions. After all, the worst that could happen is that they say no.” 😊 Remember, curiosity and asking questions can lead to valuable insights and growth! Read more>>

Brenton

Creating music has always been my outlet. It’s kind of like that scene from the movie “Cast Away” when Tom Hank’s character is trying to make a fire. He works tirelessly to gather the right pieces and tries to get the fire going again and again until that moment of success where he actually gets the fire going. That is just like how I feel when I’m creating, I love the process of trying different things when I’m creating music. The moment it all clicks and comes together, I feel like Tom Hanks dancing around the fire EVERY time. Even if no one can see it or hear it, I know I did it. Read more>>

Aubrey Stoby | Influencer

What makes me happy is knowing that our brand makes young girls happy . The satisfaction of smiles they give after receiving our items is priceless. We love that our items builds their confidence and self esteem.. Read more>>

Alex Witherow | Chief Mobility Officer of Kairos Mobility Ventures, Host of Car Rental University on YouTube, former actor

It’s interesting because car-sharing is a $14 billion dollar industry and about ten years old yet few people know about it, especially in Miami. What’s so great about this business is that the barriers to entry are very low. Most people have access to a spare car or two, or can buy one easily and begin making a few extra thousand dollars a month. That’s what my YouTube channel, Car Rental University, focuses on and that’s the market I serve. I have a good handful of side hustlers in my audience, but also quite a few large fleet operators that I have relationships with. Read more>>

Shanna J | Actress | Filmmaker | Writer

I truly believe as a mother, having a dream…especially in the entertainment industry is extremely difficult. Taking the time to film a project or show up on set may sometimes require 12 hour days or more from me. The time spent in rehearsals, studying my characters and lines, self tapes, etc. There’s times where I turn around and realize how much my daughter is growing right before my eyes , but i’m just not looking up. Because i’m so busy working towards the goals and dreams that I see for myself, that I always hope in turn will benefit her in so many ways in her future. Read more>> 

Anthony Sostre | CEO of Black Helmet Apparel and VP of Growth at Instafloss

One of my character flaws is that I throw myself so fully into anything I’m working on. Early on in my career this led to extreme burnout and a work/life balance that heavily skewed to the work side. I was always aware this was the case, but only when I could convince myself that my work improves by finding a better balance could I actually carve time away from work. Things like vacations have become more common and more spread out as I see their utility in recharging me and giving me the creativity needed to excel in my day to day work. In a way, you can say I’m working hard to carve out a better balance so that I can continue to work hard! Read more>>