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.

Jill Merjeski

Honestly, building Jill’s Next Door was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken—and also the most aligned decision I’ve ever made. I moved to South Florida during a time when everything in my life felt like it was falling apart. My career path, my relationships, my sense of purpose—it all felt like it was crumbling. But looking back, I realize things weren’t falling apart—they were falling together. Read More>>

Jacqueline Blue

I do believe in the saying, “no risk, no reward” in many matters of life. In my practice this is no different. I never dreamed of opening a practice- I had visions of working as a university college counseling director. However, life took me in a different direction and I had no choice but to take a risk and start my practice. Read More>>

Luis Pereyra

My business helps the community by using art as a tool for healing, self-expression, and inclusion. Through my tattoo work, I aim to create meaningful designs that help people reclaim their stories, honor their identities, and transform emotional experiences into art.  Read More>>

Eileen Somerville

Maybe I’m naive, but ever since I was young I have always envisioned myself helping people by caring for them and listening, and I believed that doing that would somehow make the world better. When I thought about becoming a therapist, I always felt it would be an important position to hold in someone’s life. Read More>>

Kait Macleod

Simply put, designing makes me happy! Working in fashion has always been something that energizes me. After working for several different positions in the industry, I realized I could either keep trying to fit into roles that didn’t spark that same excitement, or I could build something that truly reflected what fulfills me.  Read More>>

Christina Jerger

After having coached hundreds of singles in dating and being single myself, I noticed that the common swipe dating apps made people burn out and exhausted from swipe – match – ghost – repeat cycles. Oftentimes, they were on dating apps without ever going on dates. It was more about swiping and matching that let singles fall into the dopamine trap, rather than actually bringing effort and getting to know their future partner.  Read More>>

Janielle Gaggero & Omar Morales-Sanchez

Art is one way we express ourselves and connect with others. Tattooing allows us turn to stories, emotions, and ideas into something lasting and meaningful; it’s more than a job to us, it’s our shared passion and purpose. Read More>>

Melissa

I pursued a creative career because storytelling has always been a part of who I am. Growing up as a first-generation Salvadoran, I wanted to find ways to express my culture, my experiences, and my voice. Creativity gave me that space. Through media, music, and communication, I discovered how powerful storytelling can be not only to inspire others but to represent those whose voices often go unheard. Read More>>