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.

Sherron Permashwar

Yes, I am a CPA/PFS and the modern, savvy CPA. I apply the same financial rigor to my personal finances that I recommend for my clients. In my view, a budget isn’t just a spreadsheet—it’s a strategic plan for reaching both short-term and long-term goals. That’s why I call it a “spending plan,” not a budget (since “budget” can sound restrictive or negative to many people). Read more>>

Amaury Love

Success to me is internal peace. Attaining material things and accomplishing goals are great only if you’re doing it for a higher purpose. The only way I find myself having a peace of mind is when I am able to provide for my loved ones and help people directly or indirectly. I don’t define success as an external thing, but something internalized. You see the richest people in the world still suffering on the inside. For me, I want reach a place internally where I’m at Peace. This will allow me to become the best version of myself, which is how I’ll be able to align with my purpose and do for the greater good. Read more>>

Pia Dugger | Interdisciplinary Artist

I draw inspiration from my personal experiences as a full-time working mother and wife, my love for nature, science, osteology and emotional discovery.

My work brings attention to the delicate relationship between humanity and nature while critiquing the forces that disrupt it. I depict animals or specimens, surrounded by vibrant colors, glitch imagery, and graphic patterns. These contrasting elements symbolize external stresses and the struggle between the natural and the artificial—the autonomous versus the relentless race of modern life. Read more>>

Olena Shabanova | Interior Designer & Artist

My habit of falling in love with each of my projects helps me achieve success in business. I create interior design from the position that each of my projects is the most beloved. The client feels this atmosphere. What is done with love and with soul is doomed to success. Therefore, my slogan: design with soul. Design is about perception and about feelings, it must be with soul. Read more>> 

Hugo Aristides

Innovation is a consequence, not a root cause of entrepreneurship. It’s an attitude toward life. Entrepreneurs who expand their consciousness via spiritual expansion, soon find their attention levels heightened. This inner force drives them to ask questions no one else is asking. They often stand out as the “weirdest” in the group, seeing things differently as they are driven more by heart and less by their minds. The big risk is getting lost in creativity, like never ending daydreaming without practical execution. Read more>>

Maritza De Quesada | Artist & Filmmaker

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that success is all about mindset and taking action. You have to change your attitude from “I’m not ready,” or “I need to be more prepared” to simply going for it. There were so many times I stopped myself from doing the things that I wanted to do for that reason to then realized that the obstacles I feared were never as difficult as I made them out to be. Growth happens when you step forward, even when you don’t feel ready. Every mistake and misstep is an opportunity to learn, and with each challenge, confidence builds. The key is to take that first step—and once you do, keep going. Consistency is everything because it’s what builds experience, strengthens confidence, and ultimately turns dreams into reality. Read more>>

Stewella Daville

The most important lesson my career has taught me is patience. In a world where everyone is in a rush to be in the next big show or receive a publication, I’ve learned that patience leads to excellence. By taking the time to refine your craft, you open the door to the best opportunities and create experiences that are truly unforgettable. Read more>>

Kelly Fitzgibbon

Growing up in Nevada, I was shaped by a unique blend of influences that helped mold my creative and entrepreneurial spirit. My grandparents, George,Diane, Bryan, and Sheila instilled in me the value of hard work, persistence, and understanding the balance between creativity and practicality with their business-focused mindsets. They all taught me how to navigate challenges with resilience and seize opportunities, which became foundational in my approach to photography as both an art and a business.  Read more>>