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.

Dusanka Gradiski Ivanova

My family’s unwavering love, support, and guidance have been the driving force behind success and a constant source of inspiration, particularly in the professional journey as a professional ballerina, ballet professor, pedagogue, choreographer, artistic director, and a doctor of arts in dance. My parents were powerful role models, instilling the belief that it was possible to achieve full potential. Read More>>

Qualan Faloye

For me, the decision to keep going or give up comes down to purpose and measurable progress. With A Flare of Home, I know my mission is to create safe, inspiring spaces through scent, sound, and design. That mission keeps me grounded, especially on the hard days. Read More>>

Myrtha

The idea for my party box and candle business came from a love for creating memorable, meaningful experiences. I’ve always enjoyed planning celebrations and curating special details that make people feel seen and celebrated. Over time, I realized there was a need for convenient, beautifully curated party solutions—especially for people who may not have the time or eye for design but still want something special. Read More>>

Nana Velez

Honora Tu Luz (Honor Your Light) was born out of my own healing journey. After becoming a mother, I began experiencing fainting spells and panic attacks that were initially thought to be strokes. Medically, there was “nothing wrong,” but emotionally and mentally, I was carrying years of trauma, abuse, anxiety, guilt, and PTSD. Therapy and medication helped me manage, but I knew deep inside I didn’t want my children to inherit the same patterns of pain. Read More>>

Lyndsey Schneider

My company was born out of turning my pain into my purpose. I experienced Postpartum Anxiety Disorder & Postpartum Depression twice. I vowed to try to pull myself out of it naturally. I committed to daily meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and eventually learning energy healing. These experiences were a catalyst for my transformation – they led me on a journey of self discovery, connection with my soul, and letting go of habits & patterns that weren’t serving me. Within 6 months, I was a completely different person. I’d never felt more clear and aligned in mind, body, and spirit. I realized I needed to help mothers and future mamas experience this powerful shift for themselves. Read More>>

Cy Lopez

My favorite quote is “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten”. My first venture was creating my own Substandard Insurance agency. I built it from zero. Many people in the industry advised me not to pursue it because nobody knew me, and I was unlikely to get any Insurance Company to sell to customers. I did not listen to the negative advice of others and continued with my plans. Read more>>

Paige Romans

My favorite affirmation is keeping faith and doing the work. I keep my faith strong in the Lord and stay present in prayer. I also remind myself that what I pray for requires me to take action and do the work alongside my faith. I like that it keeps me grounded enough to trust the process. Read more>>

Jyotika Mehta

I grew up in New York City, but my family later moved to India. As a kid, adapting wasn’t optional. I had to learn to let go of what I knew and embrace a new culture and rhythm of life. That experience taught me that perseverance isn’t always about stubbornness – sometimes it’s about transformation. Read more>>

Ivan Roque

I believe that without risks there’s no reward. When you choose to follow your dreams you must sacrifice so much it’s crazy but the end result is almost always worth it. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had a fair share of losses but its all a part of the process. That’s how you learn you know. As I’ve gotten older I try to take more calculated risks but still take them whenever I see an opportunity for my business to thrive and grow. Read more>>

Dani Bergman

At its core, Club Allenby exists to strengthen human connection in a world where loneliness and superficial interactions are at an all-time high. We curate intentional spaces – from Shabbat dinners to large-scale Stoplight parties – where people can find friendship, romance, and business relationships that enrich their lives beyond the event itself. Read more>>

LATONIA SMITH

Through my poetry, events, and platforms, I give people a space to feel seen, heard, and healed. My work blends sensuality with emotional truth—breaking taboos, sparking honest conversations, and inspiring people to embrace their authentic selves. Whether it’s mentoring artists, creating safe spaces for expression, or telling stories that touch the soul, I’m helping build a community where art is therapy and connection is power.” Read more>>

Marika Frumes

At Mysha, everything I create is rooted in one question: does this foster meaningful connection? For me, connection is the ultimate success metric. I’ve seen firsthand that mothers don’t just need more events or more groups — they need spaces where they can genuinely feel seen, supported, and inspired. That’s why I’m intentional about ensuring everything we produce, whether it’s a 10-person circle or a 100-person gathering, is high-quality — not just in how it looks and feels, but in the way it facilitates true friendship. Read more>>

Patricia Diaz Portela

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico in a big family full of love, empathy and compassion, where education was always highly encouraged. My family taught me to never give up on my goals no matter the obstacles or the time it takes to achieve them. My family, my education, and the work experiences I have lived in Puerto Rico and in Miami have molded me into who I am today and the service I want to give to my patients in my mobile private practice, Blossom Therapy Services, LLC. Read more>>

Paola Arencibia

Right now I don’t believe in balance. My business is growing and in such an exciting time that I’m happy to work seven days a week. My children are grown and I have the luxury, for the first time in my adult life, to really drown myself in my work which also happens to be my passion, my art and in a lot of ways my soulmate. Read more>>

Ashley Lindo

I don’t think true balance exists right now. I think it’s always changing depending on what’s most important to me at any given time, and accepting that something will always get left behind or not given as much attention. Read more>>