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.

Kanika Agarwalla | Designer, Creator of Fine and Fashion Jewelry

I have a small struggling business, but my passion for jewelry designing and making excites me every day.
I thoroughly enjoy the process of creating my own unique designs and talking/explaining about it to my customers. Read more>> 

Sista Lu | Comedian & Public Speaker

My Mom always said “There’s a better way to do anything!”

What struck me as a young woman was that strategy and grace can coexist and work in your favor. Creative problem solving is a way of life. Several self help.books maintain that same philosophy of outside the box thinking. Read more>>

Troy Fowler Sr. | Empowerment Tactician

I strongly believe that the only way to achieve our dreams is by pursuing them actively. This feeling comes from deep within my heart. I have come to understand that being authentic is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, bringing us peace and grace. Read more>>

Angela Rudolph | Founder/Author/Entrepreneur

When you have been told that your child may die you develop a different strength and motivation. You have no choice but to humble yourself and go to God for help. Once you see who is in control there is no reason to give up. Just go to the one that gives you the help you need .I listen to my inner spirit and voice that gave me the vision. It allows me to continue to move forward even when I don’t have all the answers. It also is knowing that a higher power is in charge of this vision and I am just a vessel. My motivation to continue is waiting to see the vision that was given to me brought to fruition. Read more>>

Chelsey Rohrer | Photographer & Creative

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If you ask my five-year-old Amelia how I have I impacted, her life or in words she would understand why do you love your momma? She will tell you because I make her cereal, kiss her, hug her, read to her, and we play games together. When you ask my eight-year-old Adalinn, she will tell you I give her so much joy and when she needs me, I am there. My 13-year-old Rylinn will tell you I make her happy and she knows I am the best I can be for her and her sisters. Read more>>

Cleöcrt | Singer/Performer – Sensual rights activist

The single most important decision I made that contributes to my success daily is to trust in myself -while being myself- to follow my heart and believe that my steps are ordered. The world is so colorful and full of noise, Read more>>

Melissa Garrett-Hirsch | Mother, IT Professional, Business Owner, Author,Community Advocate

UnBAR Cafe brings together under one roof people from different cultural backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs, creating a rich community tapestry. The feedback from our clients always comments on the environment and energy of the space, some people call it energy, vibe and others just simply say I love it here. We have a high rate of repeat customers and regulars. Read more>>

Nick Federinko | Videographer, Musician, and Music Teacher

Creating is the thing that I’ve always been obsessed with doing, since I was a little kid. Whether playing with audio and video equipment or singing melodies or putting words together or playing on an instrument, I go crazy if I don’t get to do it, and I feel a satisfaction unlike anything else when I get to do it. Read more>>

Natalie Martin | Musician, Educator, and Activist

Honesty is the most important value to me. I’ve only really come to appreciate the true value of honesty since I came out as transgender. I named myself “Natalie” because it’s one letter away from “not a lie.” During my late teens (and pretty much all of my twenties) I had a compulsive lying habit, and I still carry a fair bit of shame over how much I struggled to be honest. My name now helps keep me honest, reminding me that those days are behind me. Read more>>

Jim Ballard | Singer/Songwriter/Producer

I’m a working musician/songwriter/producer. So most folks only see the ‘under the spotlight’ part and don’t always seem to be aware of how much work goes into all facets of it. Read more>>

Kenzie Wager | Stained Glass Artist

The stained glass industry is growing everyday as it starts becoming more popular with the newer generations. Stained glass dates all the way back to the 7th century. The first thing people usually think about when they hear the word stained glass is church windows. I think the stained glass movement today just shows how the modern times are developing century old traditions and putting a contemporary spin on them. It is not a dying art form in anyway, if anything it is being re-invented. Read more>>