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.

Shannys King | Royal Entrepreneur

My favorite affirmation that I live by daily is “For by Grace I have been saved through Faith”. It means to me, no matter the pain I endure throughout my lifetime, walking through life with grace will define me better. Growing up I endured a very abusive childhood with immigrant parents. I always chose to be the embodiment of positive energy because of the abuse I endured. My parents are the first people to let me down in life, which causes the extra push and drive I have for myself today. I love this affirmation because it defines the peace around my heart. Read more>>

Elena Kaplan | Visual artist

One of my favorite quotes, attributed to Johann Wolfgang Goethe, is: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
It sounds simple, but it holds profound truth. When you fully commit to your work or calling, unexpected forces come together to support and amplify your efforts. Things start to fall into place. The right people and opportunities will come your way, and with hard work, grit, and dedication, your vision will slowly but surely become a reality. Read more>>

Gilly Wilson | Entrepreneur

Moving to Costa Rica. The move provided me with the opportunity to own my land and be able to grow my own food in a climate that’s the same all year. Since I own my land & can provide a good percentage of my food source my bills are minimal & that allows me more freedom physically mentally spiritually & financially. I think everyone should strive to own land in a lush tropical location or in a place where they can cultivate fresh food all year long. Once I moved & got settled into my new community a lot of doors started to open for me as far as my diet, spirituality, & meeting people that were like minded & who were seeking spiritual growth. I started to incorporate fasting into my life & that to me has also helped me with my success. Read more>>

Kym Tolson | The Traveling Therapist

From transitioning from a traditional therapy practice to becoming a digital nomad, to founding communities like Bill Like a Boss and the Clinical AI Club, taking risks has always been about following my intuition and being willing to step into the unknown. Whether it’s diving into the intersection of AI and therapy or moving to new places regularly while running a business, these leaps have led to some of the most rewarding experiences both personally and professionally. Read more>>

Franky Cruz | Multidisciplinary artist and painter

What inspires me as an artist? It’s the raw, unfiltered beauty of the world—the kind that doesn’t ask for permission to exist. Like a sunset painting the sky in defiance of the ordinary or a rose pushing through concrete, making a statement just by being. My journey started with graffiti and murals, turning grey, mundane spaces into vibrant expressions of life. Now, through the Vivarium Meconium Laboratory (VML), I blend art and science, raising butterflies and transforming their metamorphosis into abstract paintings. It’s about more than just creating; it’s about exploring the delicate balance between humanity and nature, using art as a bridge between the two. Read more>>

Amara Sayid | Professional Belly Dance Performer, Choreographer, and Teacher

I would like my legacy to be the pursuit of knowledge and creative expression. As dancer and choreographer participating in a genre where I am a foreigner, it has been important to learn from dancers of origin and pass on that knowledge. It is with great respect and admiration that I can build upon that foundation and find my own expression with performances and choreographies. I would also like people to remember how much love I put into this dance, and that every choice that I have done in my career has been out of a deep respect and passion for the arts. Read more>>

Sylvie Delabaude | Sylvie Delabaude, Artist & Yogaterapist

I am very proud to say that we managed to get for our students some scholarships in our studio. And we also donate a percentage of the income monthly to a good cause that we choose randomly. Read more>>

Juan Rivera | Veteran & Artist

One thing people usually aren’t aware of is that a lot of artists aren’t actually both singer and composers of their music content. nowadays, most lyrics to a song are composed by a ghost writer behind the scenes or are generated by A.I. Read more>>

Pablo Alejandro “el Caballero De La Bachata” | Latin Grammy Recording Artist

I personally believe that there is no end goal, us a human always want to achieve a set goal, and once done there is always another goal, and then after that one another one. I don’t want to think of when or how my career will end, I just enjoy the moment anytime I am on a press conference or on a stage performing. Read more>>

Sheri Marcey | Entrepreneur & Innovator

My end goal is to be a Angel Investor, Philanthropist, Charity owner and investor, Non profit organization owner/supporter ♥️ Married to Quincy Taylor the son of singer Al B SURE. Being a GREATEST servant for GOD completing his calling for my life in order to save as many souls as I can through my positive examples, experiences, and works. The best mother to Cody and future children. I’ve taken many risks in life. Some turned out bad others good. At the end of the day I did ME and have lived life to the fullest! Read more>>