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.

Milena Arango

Knowing whether to keep going or to give up is one of the hardest questions in life, and I’ve learned that the answer isn’t a clean line — it’s a practice. Life will always test you. It will trick you, make you doubt yourself, and place obstacles in front of you that force you to rethink your direction. Read More>>

Rene Ventura

I think about risk differently today than I did when I was younger. Early in my life, risk wasn’t something I chose, it was something I lived with. Growing up in Cuba, every opportunity required creativity, resourcefulness, and a willingness to try something that might not work. Read More>>

Anne de la Torre

The most important factor behind my success is trust. A mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions a person will make, so I prioritize honest guidance, clear communication, and personalized service throughout the entire process. By listening carefully, explaining every option in plain language, and consistently following through, I build lasting relationships—not just transactions. Read More>>

Sonia Gadh

If I had to choose one thing, it would be persistence. Building a business is never a straight path. We’ve faced almost every challenge you can imagine—manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, product development setbacks, and intense competition. Every obstacle felt like a new problem to solve. Instead of giving up or looking for excuses, we focused on finding solutions. Read More>>

Luna Lombardi

It’s funny because people assume I chose between art and skincare, but I never really did. My background is in Fine Arts, Fine Art Photography, and Art Direction. I spent years working in fashion, and I even owned a tattoo studio in South Beach. At the same time, skincare was growing on the side. Read More>>

Maria Cecilia Ortiz

My approach to work-life balance has changed significantly over time. I started Catalina’s in 2011, working from a shared commercial kitchen. Just six months into the adventure, I discovered that I was pregnant with my fourth child. Read More>>