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.

E The Artist

If I had to sum up what inspires me in two words, I would say that life and textures. Life brings loss, fear, love, or the lack of it, anger, repulsion, loneliness, intrigue… We meet and experience people that are catalysts of such large and engulfing thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Some of them we digress and push past. Some of them bring us to art — the need to create in order to let go, to understand; to relate with others. For me, when it brings me to art, ideas form and are often pivoted by happening upon and exploring a new material or texture, ultimately inspiring a new direction to communicate and evoke a certain experience. Read more>>

Mithanya Olivert | Founder & Executive Chef

I’m so glad that you asked that question. There are so many parts to this question, however, I’d credit it to three of my family members. My mother and grandmother, who’s cooking was exceptional, and my uncle who’s also a chef, were the driving force that inspired this company. Growing up, their cuisines always warmed my heart and, of course, my stomach. My uncle, who was a chef, however, truly inspired me to chase a dream. A dream more unorthodox than the rest of my peers who were aspiring doctors, lawyers, teachers, and policemen. Read more>>

Sofia Rebull | Singer-songwriter

To me, every decision we make in our lives requires risk. The only thing that changes is its magnitude. The weight it holds. How big, how small. And I think it’s safe to say that pursuing any creative endeavor, in my case a career in music, always requires big risks. Of course, there is the risk of failure, but it’s also a scary risk to be honest and vulnerable. Oftentimes, when I share my music, I ask myself, “Is this worth the risk?” And my answer is always yes. Knowing people can find a piece of themselves in my music, at a point in their life where they need it most, is enough for me to take the risk every time. Read more>>

Sarah Plasencia | Self taught Artist

I am inspired by travel, culture, history, art and nature. There are some many wonderful sights to see, here within Miami and the surrounding areas. I pride myself on being a Miami local blogger. I regularly write and take lots of photographs about places to see, especially if they are artsy, quirky, off the beaten track, new, historical and also nature driven. I find all the hidden spots! I am literally a walking tour guide. I am also a Yelp elite and love to blog and share my experiences with everyone. Travel is huge for me, it definitely feeds my soul. Is there anything more beautiful than what Mother Earth has to offer? I am passionate about travel and seeing as many wonderful sights as I can. Read more>>

J Christian | Hairdresser,shear sharpener and educator

The most important factor behind my success is that I’ve been in my industry for 47 years. I’m hairdresser by trade and traveled the world as an educator and platform artist. I have used all brands of scissors and worked with lots of other product and professional companies. My success comes from being one of the people who I do business with. I can relate to them with all the concerns and issues they have dealing with customers standing behind a chair and doing business. In my career, I have owned three hair salons at one point and I’ve always had the thought process of what’s next, what’s the next adventure? So Fear The shear was born out of that what’s next. Read more>>

Keith B | DJ & Founder of DND: DO NOT DISTURB RADIO

I’ve always been passionate about music. I remember being the kid dancing at all the family and local jams, completely fascinated by the wall of speakers and the deep, thumping bass. There was something about the rhythm of different tracks being played at those parties that made me feel alive—seeing people dancing, singing classic disco, house, and hip-hop songs, and hearing the MC rap over the tracks. That’s when I truly fell in love with music. Read more>>

Michelle De La Cruz | Tattoo Artist & Designer

I decided to pursue a creative career because it’s the essence of who I am. I started drawing the second I could hold a crayon in my hand. There has not been anything more mentally freeing than to express myself in all manners of artistic ability. It brings me so much joy that when I get to create a piece for someone whether it be permanent in the form of a tattoo on someone or graphic design, I’m always left with that feeling that I left a positive impact on someone. And that’s why I continue to do it, for the smiles. Read more>>

Nikki DeLuca

My brand and success has been built on taking risks. I went to the University of Alabama where I majored in fashion merchandising and business. I started teaching group fitness classes and personal training as a freshman in college and did it for all 4 years. I was a senior when Covid arose and I never had the opportunity to say goodbye to my clients or regular participants. The first risk I took in my business was making a fitness instagram account in 2020. My clients begged me to make a platform so that they could still do my classes and workouts. Read more>>