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.

Michael Raycraft | DJ, Talent Buyer, Artist Manager, Production Manager

It happened kind of by accident. Since I was young I have always had an interest in music and instruments, I learned to play guitar, drums, and trombone. Sadly I haven’t played any of them in 15+ years. I gained interest in DJing when I started school at WVU. With a fraternity brother, I decided to buy equipment and learn to DJ. After doing a few our our frat parties I met David Kessler at “Tent City” a camping event when ESPN’s College Gameday came to WVU. From there my interest and job roles started to grow. From there I was introduced to the Shawmanyes crew becoming one of their regular artists and bringing lights for their Maynes Good Time at 123 Pleasant St. I also started to be a regular in the Morgantown club DJ Scene. Read more>>

Ryan Orewiler | Artist, Designer and Muralist

As an artist, I see risk as an essential element of my creative process. It’s the willingness to step outside my comfort zone, challenge conventions, and explore new possibilities. I believe that taking risks is crucial for personal growth and artistic development. Read more>>

Sherri Nutter | Hannah’s Treasure Chest, Marketing Manager

Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Whether it’s filling care package orders, processing donations, or working a shift at Shop Hannah’s, our volunteers make all the difference. In 2022, our volunteers logged more than 20,000 hours for us. We would not be able to operate without them! Read more>>

Chase Kreitzer | Co-Owner

Having a strong team or teammate. Where Austin and I are a lot alike in many ways, it is offset in the ways we are different. This allows our business to take on any and everything. Where one of us may fail to see the value in something, the other sees it with clear eyes. One of the hardest things I’ve found with being a business owner is that I want it all to be perfect. Every charcuterie board stunning, and every customer be on satisfaction. Having a partner or team with that same mindset helps. In reality, you can’t do it all yourself, so having people you can trust to deliver either the same or higher standard is essential for our success. Austin and I have a vision for the future of A Pretty Picnic and we keep that vision in mind through all of our decision-making. Read more>>

Shomari Bryant | Model

What makes me happy? What makes me happy is being able to express my Self in different surroundings and able to be myself. Why? I say in this day in age us young adults are either bullied or shut out due to being different or not the norm agenda and I feel that being able to express my craft thru modeling is a excellent way to show my light that burns with in me. Read more>> 

Arianna Urban | Indie Author & Poet

Because I didn’t know that when they said “starving artist,” they meant it. I’m kidding, I don’t know that I can say I chose to pursue it, I think it chose me. There are few things that I will admit to being good at, but putting words on paper is definitely one of them. I hadn’t really considered making it a career until a Professor in College believed in my writing enough to push me into changing my major. As soon as I started to really explore writing, I couldn’t stop, and while I have to say I don’t think I’ve quite made a “career” of it, yet, it’s something that I love so much that I won’t stop pursuing my dreams in this field. I think when you can’t sleep, or there’s that excited buzzing in your body over something that you have created, that’s what life is about, finding those moments and holding onto them, and if you can turn that feeling into a career, you should. Read more>>

Nicole Camera | Permanent Makeup Artist specializing in Powder Brow Tattoo

I have always been a creative person and after working for several years in a position that felt monotonous, I decided that if I didn’t make a change then, I never would. I needed to have a career that allowed me to utilize my artistic side. So I decided to dive headfirst into PMU and that was almost 2 1/2 years ago now. I love being able to channel my creativity into each client as everyone is unique-different ages, skin types, bone structure, desired outcome, etc. Giving someone eyebrows that are tattooed is truly an art and I enjoy every set, even those that may be challenging. Seeing my client’s reactions and having them tell me how much they love their brows is truly so satisfying. There is always something to learn and improve upon, so this career really allows me to keep growing and challenging myself as an artist. Read more>>

Katie Marks | Artist/Animator

I think I have factored in more time to enjoy my life, especially since the pandemic began. I used to work 24/7, but realized that in order to maintain creative and personal growth, I have to regroup every so often. While the time put into any project or development is vital, so is the time to step away and take a break. I also find it helps me develop almost a second set of eyes on any issues that I”m having, as I’m able to take enough time away to have a fresh perspective upon returning. Read more>>