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.

Ursula Kemp | Business Owner and Nonprofit Director

“The path of the just is like the first light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 I believe with all my heart that our best days lie ahead of us, not behind us. We may take a moment to revel in the “glory days” of years gone by, but the best perspective is to see life ahead through the “windshield” and not through the rearview mirror. Though it may seem like small increments, I believe each day we are getting stronger and smarter than the day before. The path before us lights brighter and brighter – even when we don’t feel like it. Read more>>

Pat Bennett | Culinarian and Clevelands Small Business Ambassador

I originated the idea for Pat’s Granola 30 years ago when I started making granola in my tiny New York apartment kitchen. I’d enjoyed granola while on a college ski trip to Vermont and was hooked on the crunch, ingredients and taste. The inspiration behind it was my search for a nutritious, satisfying and delicious snack that would knock off those hunger pangs, be a complete meal or a healthy snack. Read more>>

Ambrielle Coleman | Founder and Podcast Host of Gettin’ 2 the Bag Podcast | Owner and CEO of Bag Talk Enterprises, LLC.

Gettin’ 2 The Bag Podcast was created to shine a positive light on young, Black professionals. We often see people of color in the news for so much negativity, and I wanted to introduce a new narrative. There’s SO many creatives and entrepreneurs out there who want to share their stories, so my platform allows them a safe space to be open and honest about their career paths, passions, struggles and triumphs. My podcast also mixes conversations of professionalism with lifestyle content for a fun, informative interview. Read more>>

Rachael DuBose | Mental Health Counselor & Healing Journey Facilitator

I define success as being able to wake up every day excited about fulfilling your passion and being motivated to keep going despite internal or external hardships. Read more>>

Tracey Ruffin | Assistant Pastor & Sister Circle Medina, Founder

I want my legacy to be investing in and inspiring people, and encouraging those who knew me to pass on everything they learned from me to others who will do the same. From my family (children, grandchildren) to friends, co-workers, and anyone else. People are what matter in this world—not money or fame or buildings or organizations or institutions. Only people. Years from now all that will matter is the people that I connected with in such a way that hopefully I added value and meaning to their lives. My hope is that they remember that I was a kind human and tried my best to contribute to people’s well-being. Read more>>

Lauryn Nichole Hendrix | Fashion Model & Concept Director

I want people to remember me as someone who was so persistent and passionate. I never want people to see me as better than them or have people look at me and think “wow I wish I was doing what she was doing” or compare themselves to me. Everyone develops and grows at their own pace. If anything I want others to look at me and feel inspired and I want to motivate them to push forward. When people think of me I want them to remember me as being a positive force within their life. I want to leave a positive impact on everyone I cross paths with or encounter in my lifetime. Read more>>

Jason Moore | Professor – Author – Counselor

Perservance, discipline, and passion. When seeking to accomplish a goal that requires a lot of time and energy, there is always the possibility of giving up. However, persisting through those challenging moments is a big part of attaining success. Discipline is also needed in that opportunities to compromise, become lazy, or succomb to indifference may abound. Rejecting those reactions while embracing a life of consistent determination can lead to a structured approach to achieving success. Lastly, having passion for what I do makes a big difference. Read more>>

Violet Sky | Singer and 80s revival influencer

I think staying true to yourself! My love of the 80s is something that is a part of me genuinely. When I record my music, or create content for social media, I want it to be as authentic to the 80s as I can get it. Even though authentic 80s stuff isn’t what’s desired in the mainstream, it doesn’t matter to me because when you create something you believe in it will find the right audience! Read more>>

Mariah Kelly | Fashion Photographer

Authenticity is an essential piece to creating any art. My photography is a representation of the things that inspire and intrigue me, and a way for others to get a taste of how I view the world. By being authentic through my work, others can easily see my style and what to expect when creating something together. When you only put out authentic work that speaks to you personally, the people who recognize and understand your vision will naturally find you – these become your best clients. Read more>>

Kassandra Jackson | Manicurist

Kassandra Berry Nail and Beauty Spa is perfect for group bookings and special occasions. Whether it’s a bridal party, birthday celebration, or a girls’ day out, they can accommodate multiple guests and provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone. Read more>>

Felicia Dunson | Muralist and Graffiti Artist

I used to be afraid of everything and so I couldn’t find balance. I was always wavering in fear of outside approval and permissions. My perfectionism always petrified me fear of mistakes ( I often didn’t finish pieces in frustration). I used to feel as though I needed something else to pave my path. In regard to my artistry I wasn’t free and so I suppressed myself and tried to anticipate what the world wanted from me; instead of being what the world around me needed. As I found creative freedom it poured out and it showed in my work. I found a balance of authentic and eccentric. Read more>>

Nicole Stumphauzer | Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director

Over the years, I’ve actively pursued a healthier work/life balance, leading me to the realization that not all “dream jobs” are dream jobs. Some roles or projects may demand long hours, quick turnarounds, compromised pay and/or navigating challenging client feedback. Although the final output may be portfolio-worthy, the associated negative emotions and experiences can discourage me from sharing the work which leads me to question why I even accepted the job. Now when I assess a project, I’m asking myself (1) if it’s cool and (2) if it seems like an overall positive experience. Read more>>