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.

Travis Knight

People will forget what you said. They’ll forget what you did. But they’ll always remember the way you made them feel.

This reminds me to be aware that no matter how we get the job done, how I treat others is more important than how I complete the task at hand, and how others feel is more important in the long run than being on time or right. Read More>>

Christie Snow

My favorite quote is “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking” from Henry T. Ford.

To me, this simple line speaks volumes about integrity and character. It reminds me that true excellence isn’t about showmanship or praise—it’s about the silent choices we make every day. Read More>>

Kristin Brown

I believe that a successful business starts with a meaningful and consistent brand. At a very young age, I founded my first business in 2014 that was very successful and is called ‘Blondes & Blowouts’. It grew to 2 retail locations and thousands of satisfied clients.

I found a niche in a market that had a high demand for a hair salon and stylists that specialize in blonde hair. It was also highly relatable with my clients as I myself struggled all of my life to find a stylist or salon that truly understood how to do blonde hair correctly and truly listened. Read More>>

Michael Kuang

I’ve always looked at the alternatives. I’ve worked in the corporate world before, and I know it’s not something I want to go back to. Challenges will always come up, and you just have to work the problem 1 step at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. I admire anyone who has gone out on their own to do their thing. The risk is worth the reward! If it’s worth doing, then do it with all you’ve got. Working for yourself is not an easy thing to do, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to do this for 15+ years. There are ups and downs, but you have to know that things generally work out if you can adapt and shift. Being stuck on a specific outcome can slow you down. Read More>>

Dzanar Abbas-Zade

I always wanted to create my own path, not live according to someone else’s plan. Growing up with so little, coming here as a refugee, and watching my parents struggle and sacrifice just to give us a better future — it shaped me. It made me realize how precious time is, and that I owe it to them, and to myself, to do something meaningful with my life. Read More>>

Jennifer Fain

Strategy://: take action! For me, I didn’t wait for ‘love’ to approach me at age 24…I solicited myself leaving a dental office one day.
I knew on paper what boxes needed to be checked, and so I left my number when I believed to have seen it.
That led to a partnership with my first and only husband whom I built a starter life with- marrying, buying our first home, having a child, and then ultimately an amicable divorce.
And so, because I delved in- took a risk- I built up equity in my livelihood… and came out a winner! Read More>>

Beena

What I love most about our facial studio is how we make wellness affordable for everyone and we focus on education. A lot of our clients have never received a facial before because it was considered a “luxury” or they just never learned the importance. Even myself growing up, I remember my mom only getting 1 facial a year, if that, before a big family wedding. What Clean Your Dirty Face is all about is that as long as you make monthly facials a part of your skincare routine, you will reap the benefits of younger, healthier skin as you age. The glow I see in our clients after a facial only increases their confidence in their own skin! Read More>>

Ryan Mayiras

At Candid Studios, we believe in using our talents and platform to make a lasting impact—not just through the memories we capture, but in the lives we touch and the opportunities we create. Our business model is rooted in accessibility, quality, and community.

We are committed to offering our clients affordable photography and videography services without ever compromising on quality. By keeping our pricing accessible, we’re able to help more couples, families, and businesses capture their most important moments. Read More>>

Stephanie Briscoe

I aspire to leave a legacy that inspires and uplifts others, enriching their lives and enhancing their overall well-being. My hope is to create a lasting impact by encouraging individuals to embrace the transformative power of yoga and meditation. Through these mindful practices, I aim to instill a sense of balance, resilience, and awareness, guiding others on their journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Ultimately, I wish to be remembered as someone who illuminated paths of serenity and strength, fostering a community where everyone can thrive, grow, and cultivate their inner peace. Read More>>

 Anna Romanenko

One of the habits that’s really helped me succeed is consistency. Whether it’s posting content, engaging with my audience, or working on school projects, I’ve learned that showing up—even when I’m not feeling 100%—is what builds real momentum.

I also make a habit of staying organized. I rely on digital planners and content calendars to keep track of brand deals, deadlines, and goals. That structure gives me the freedom to be creative without dropping the ball. Read More>>

Alejandra Carvajal

There’s just no better feeling than doing something you genuinely enjoy – it really means the world to me and makes me happy knowing that every day, whether it’s a Monday or a Friday, is going to be a good one because I love what we do. Read More>>

Raquel Roget

I often find myself coming back to this question every so often, internally. Really thinking about what makes Rocky (Raquel) happy? Also, just generally thinking about my “why”. When you start to lose track of those things, goals get fuzzy, work ethic gets fuzzy, basically everything gets fuzzy. The obvious answer would probably seem to be clothes and shoes, vacations, etc. Read More>>

Henriete Gutierrez

One thing outsiders probably don’t realize about the notary industry is how much opportunity there really is beyond just witnessing signatures. Most people think a notary stamp is just for side work or simple documents, but that stamp can open the door to a full-time, flexible business with multiple income streams. From online notarizations (RON) to apostille services to becoming a loan signing agent, there’s an entire world of possibility if you know how to unlock it. I love helping people, especially busy moms and aspiring entrepreneurs, realize that with the right training and mindset, their notary commission can fund their dreams of financial freedom, more family time, and true independence. Read More>>