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.

Pedro Carvalho | Entrepreneur | Real Estate Investor | Online Business Coach

“We are always at ground zero and at any moment we can make a decision and change our lives forever” That quote embodies a powerful mindset of renewal and possibility. To me, it means that life is a continuous journey of opportunities, where every moment is a fresh start—ground zero. No matter what happened yesterday, or even an hour ago, I believe in the power of decision-making to transform everything. I love how this quote gives hope, reminding you that change is always within reach and that our past doesn’t define our future. It reflects my belief in personal empowerment, resilience, and the courage to rewrite my story at any given moment. Read more>>

Marcella Doniza | Certified Aromatherapist and Creator behind Kesem Body Love

In 2015, I became increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals in store-bought skincare products and the animal testing associated with many of them. As someone who loves animals and has a deep appreciation for plants, I struggled to find natural, cruelty-free alternatives on the market. This led me to pursue a course in aromatherapy, where I quickly fell in love with the science behind essential oils and their ability to be blended for various intentions. I began by creating my own lip balms and salves, sharing them with friends and family. It wasn’t long before some of them encouraged me to turn my passion into a business. Read more>>

Ashley Haines | Founder & Owner of Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

The idea for Maggie’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade was born from a deep desire to honor my best friend Maggie, who tragically passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Maggie was a dedicated frontline healthcare worker, and together we had been on a shared journey to improve our lives—becoming consumer debt-free and building a brighter future for our families. When she passed, I wanted to create something meaningful that would carry on her legacy and reflect the values we both cherished. Read more>>

Energy Masta | Author and Guide

My 2 1/2 year old autistic son, Shamar, died from an accidental drowning back in September. Back when the COVID pandemic began, I made the choice be a stay-at-home dad for my children, both of whom were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at an early age. Read more>>

Walkiria Marin | Link Miami Video Agency Founder

Starting a business is about betting on yourself as the solution to a problem—and then proving it! For me, the biggest risk was moving to a new country at almost 50 years old and still believing in the value of my professional video production skills for TV channels and businesses. It was a leap of faith, but I knew that with dedication and the quality of my work, I could succeed. Read more>>

Lexshootsphotos Llc | I’m a Fort Lauderdale and Miami-based photographer specializing

Risk has always been a part of my journey—it’s something I’ve learned to embrace rather than fear. I’m naturally a risk taker, and while the fear of failure is always there, I’ve come to understand that without risk, there’s no true growth or success. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but I don’t think you can expect anything remarkable to happen if you’re not willing to take chances. Read more>>

Laura Lopez | Jewelry designer

Laura&EmiliaJewelry is committed to making a positive impact by supporting sustainability, empowering artisans, and celebrating individuality. Here’s how we contribute:
1. Supporting Artisans: We collaborate with skilled artisans and ethical distributors, ensuring fair wages and helping preserve traditional craftsmanship.
2. Sustainable Practices: We prioritize high-quality materials that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements and encouraging mindful consumption. Read more>>

Jimmy Palomino | Content Creator/ Model

I want my legacy to be about inspiring others to pursue their passions and live authentically. I’ve been creating anime content like skits and interviewing voice actors, while also modeling for streetwear brands across the U.S. I want people to enjoy the content I leave on the internet—because once it’s posted, it’s there forever—and I hope it reflects my journey. Ultimately, I want people to see my growth, creativity, and the way I stayed true to myself, so they feel empowered to chase their own dreams. Read more>>

Holly Hanlon | Entreprenuer, Speaker & Podcaster

Mastering my mindset has truly been the cornerstone of my success in building my career and business. I’ve learned that everything starts with the way we think and approach challenges. One habit that made a huge difference for me was intentionally cultivating a mindset of resilience and growth. Instead of fearing failure, I reframed setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. I also dedicated time to visualize success, staying laser-focused on my goals while remaining flexible in how I achieved them. This mental discipline and strategic self-mastery have allowed me to take bold leaps, push past self-doubt, and turn my vision into reality. Read more>>

Carlos Enrique Prado | Artist and Professor of Art

Pursuing an art career isn’t always a conscious decision; it’s often driven by an irresistible impulse that feels impossible to ignore. Creating art has been more than a profession; it’s a necessity, a compulsion to continuously generate ideas and objects, even when circumstances aren’t favorable. For me, art is a profound language—a unique means of human expression that allows for deep communication beyond words. Read more>>

Cliff Powell | Artist

From a young age, I was obsessed with the arts—drawing, painting, and making music. At twelve, I received my first guitar, and my love for music began. Days and nights were spent learning, practicing, and playing along with my tapes and CDs. Even though I didn’t know how to play, I wrote tunes. In high school, I was known as the long-haired metalhead guitarist. Summer breaks were filled with making and recording music in my bedroom. I composed, played, and performed all songs, and I designed all the album cover artwork and cassette tape inserts. Read more>>