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.

Anita Chiu | Violinist/Pianist/Performer

“To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts – such is the duty of the artist” – Robert Schumann We often question the purpose of music, what does it do, what good can it do. I truly believe that music is the common language that requires no words to be said. This quote has supported me throughout my career. Read more>>

Ayesha Cotton | Attorney, Consultant, and Realtor

My favorite quote is by Michelle Obama. It states, “When you’ve worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you, you reach back and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed.” Read more>>

Ashley Bryan | Preschool Teacher and Resource Creator

When I first started The Pre K Day, I thought to myself, if I can help at least one other teacher, I will have succeeded. I would share activities, lessons and tips that I found helpful in the classroom on Instagram for others to hopefully find useful as well. I felt like I was doing what I wanted to achieve if someone would tell me they liked the idea or they would try it. Read more>> 

Bria Spaulding | Emcee and DJ

I have tried my best to be a strong advocate for small black owned businesses. Almost every time I DJ or Host I wear a black owned business. Whether it is a hat, socks, shoes, shirt, hoodie, jacket, pants, shorts, even my jewelry is black owned. I also make posts on my instagram whenever I can as an attempt to get more eyes on my missions.  Read more>>

Hannah Lauver | Photographer, Mother & Maker

Something that has always been really important to me, but especially in recent years, has been honoring the stories of the people that I photograph, down to the tiniest moments. I truly believe that the smallest things can be the most impactful and meaningful, and it’s no different when it comes to photography. Read more>>

Thias Fritz | Founder & Digital Disrupter

Many business owners may not fully grasp the level of planning and precision involved in web design and running ads on social media. It’s not just about creating a glitzy website or running random facebook ads; there’s a whole intricate process at play behind the scenes. Read more>>

Susie Rail | Hair Stylist

It’s really about the people in your chair. I’d say 80% people skills and 20% hair skills. Read more>>

Sami Hagar | Operations Manager- Troy Skate Church

My husband and I were doing amazing. We had the American dream, a nice house, a great career, the kids and a dog. We were set financially and physically we were well taken care of, we had more then we needed and then some. But one day, we came to one of the hardest decisions of our life. Read more>> 

Meredith Hallett | Emerging artist

Creativity has always been a significant part of my family and my own life. Some of my best memories are from spending time around the table in the craft room with my aunt, where there was always music, laughter, and joy as we explored different trends like melted crayons or button collages. My dad and I would sit and draw until late at night. Read more>>

Deb Steele | Midwestern Lesbro

I am elected to my Township as the Fiscal Officer, in Clinton Township. This position is normally part time and very close to home as I am a resident of Clinton Township. In the fall of 2019, we moved into a slightly larger house, still in the township to take care of my then 80-year-old Dad, who has dementia. Read more>>

Kaiti Dovyak | Sonographer, Violinist, Podcaster

Balancing my podcast, Muggle with a Mic, with my work life and personal life has changed in the 4 years of the podcast. At the beginning, during COVID, working on the podcast was quite easy. I had a large amount of spare time away from my normal working hours as a sonographer (ultrasound technologist). Read more>>