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.

Anthony LaMarca | Musician

I grew up in and currently live in Youngstown, Ohio. I lived in New York City for nine years but moved back in 2014. I am a big believer in regionalism. As a musician and artist I always felt that Youngstown was a significant part of what I did. I’ve always been drawn to art that has a strong sense of place. Even when I was living in New York, I felt like I was a Youngstown artist living somewhere else, rather than a New York artist. I think part of it is honesty and authenticity, but also part of it I think is increasingly important in a world where it is becoming harder and harder to find regionalism in this country. Read more>>

Cynthia Terherst | Founder | Lead Instructor

Without a doubt, if there’s one secret sauce behind Denton Cove’s success, it’s my unyielding tenacity. I’ve got a relentless spirit that refuses to throw in the paintbrush, no matter what hurdles come my way. Whether you call it stubbornness or simply being a dedicated workaholic, I’ve got it in spades! When challenges arise, I see them as opportunities to flex my creative muscles and push boundaries. It’s this unwavering determination that keeps Denton Cove sailing through rough waters and painting smiles on our customers’ faces, one craft kit at a time. Read more>>

Jacob Trombetta | Multimedia Composer & Mathematician

I aspire to be remembered as someone who deeply valued understanding and embracing new ideas and concepts. I’ve aimed to harness what I learn to push the boundaries in both my artistic endeavors and technological pursuits. Throughout my professional journey, I have engaged with fields as diverse as robotics, computer vision, AI, and cryptography, all the while maintaining an active practice in music and video art. My interests span from the cutting-edge achievements in mathematics to the innovative works of boundary-pushing electro-acoustic composers. Read more>>

Hannah Carroll | Graphic Designer & Hair Business Owner

My favorite quote is actually a Bible verse, which comes from Isaiah 26:3; it states “”You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!“ To me, this verse simply highlights how God will keep those who have faith in Him, those who have faith that He will work everything out in their favor. When you have full, complete trust in God, you will see how peaceful and calm your life is; no matter how many problems and trials come your way, you know God will deliver you & help you through the fire. It will benefit you at the end of the day, helping to build & develop character; this ties into another verse I like from Romans 5:3 – “”We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.“ Read more>>

Teresa Oldenbourg | Photographer

Communication has always been a struggle for me. From language barriers to feeling inadequate, to struggle with my dyslexia. No matter what I did I always felt misunderstood. Photography allows me to express myself without the millions of nuances that come with words. Read more>>

Mary Sundermeier | Programming Manager, Community Advocate, & Art Model

I don’t think it was a matter of me waking up one day and making a conscious decision to pursue a creative field, but moreso it chose me. I’ve always been looking for my people, and feel like I can most be myself around artists. Read more>>

Sarah Ford | Licensed Professional Counselor & Private Practice Owner

I think there are a number of misconceptions people have about mental health counseling. One that immediately comes to mind is the idea some people hold that if you’ve seen one counselor and it wasn’t helpful for you, then counseling won’t benefit you. I wish more people knew this isn’t true. Read more>>

Ash Raymond James | Writer

Poetry needs help with identity. If the classics don’t define it, then it’s typically defined by the micro subgenre, but there is a lot of middle ground. Its lack of a strict definition makes it hard for some people to engage in it and truly test its waters. I suspect this is why writing about what poetry is has become a popular sport. Read more>>

J.I. B. | Poet and Writer

I decided at 17 that I was going to dedicate my life to lit and poetry. That’s a tremendous risk. You have to be willing to fail, and believe in your bones that you won’t. That’s the only way to get things done. Read more>>