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.

Jenny Girardot & Sarah Erman

We are two sisters from Northeast Indiana. We grew up going to a local (now defunct) amusement park that fostered our love for rides. Once we tall enough “to ride everything” our parents took us to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio to ride roller coasters. One day at the park changed everything for us. We fell in love with coasters and once we were older, we began traveling to other parks and documenting our adventures. Read more>>

Joe Laber

For the JOY, I receive when the client is happy with the results. Read more>>

Des The Don | Influencer & Entrepreneur

I believe a life worth living is one that constantly chance the experience of all things we imagine. Even when things don’t go as we want it, when we want it, or how we pictured it at all it is in the lessons that we still get blessings. Risk are blessings waiting to be known. Without risk I think we would be come stagnant, never gaining anything but always yearning for more. This concept has played a major role in my life and career. In my life, the idea shaped my perspective and in my career has played a major forefront. Read more>>

Mark Rhodes | Singer/songwriter/guitarist/educator/therapeutic support musician

I’m inspired by many things but professionally, as a music educator, I’m inspired by helping kids with limited resources reach their music potential. I was stopped by an important educator in my childhood and asked an important question. Do I want to keep running with trouble or do I want to use the tools I was gifted with, my singing voice? I said voice and she asked me to join a gospel choir. I accepted and felt an eery feeling. That feeling was being told I was worth something. Read more>>

Shawnie Kelley | Author, Travel Expert, Food Educator

I’m unsure how much you want me to write, but I can expound on any of these points. I have written 5 travel guides and history books, dozens of travel and food-focused magazine articles, and own a culinary and cultural travel company, Wanderlust Tours, that leads small boutique tours through Europe, Great Britain and parts of the US. I also teach cooking classes at The Mix, Columbus State’s recreational cooking program. Read more>>

Eli Gamble | Student, Designer, Photographer, Creator

Staying consistent, being open-minded, and maintaining my physical/emotional wellbeing are all pillars that help me succeed. Everyday I show up to my tasks knowing that I can always learn from those around me- peers, teachers, and consumers of design. Applying said knowledge and always practicing my craft in both the professional and personal settings is very important for remaining consistent. All that while fueling my body and mind is golden. Read more>>

Eryn Bruback | Owner

The most important factor behind my success would my interactions with people. I’ve worked in multiple different environments and the things that has always made me successful no matter the role was my desire to go above and beyond. I love getting to meet so many different people on a regular basis and hear some of their backgrounds and seemingly little details of their life. I believe that making people feel special, included and heard goes a long way in general and in business. Read more>>

Holly Masters Fleming | Lead Photographer- Holly Elizabeth Photography

I am from Farmdale, Ohio! A small farm town (I bet you could have guessed that!) with a huge heart. My high school graduating class was 53 students and I played travel soccer and basketball. I attended college at Penn State for Occupational Therapy Assistant and also have my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies. My parents gifted me a DSLR camera from Ebay for Christmas 12 years ago and that is where my passion really developed! I was always the girl with the point and shoot camera at school dances and taking photos everywhere I went. Read more>>

Kara Henry | Artist, Graphic Designer & Community Organizer

I’m a transracial chinese adoptee – and a Kentucky transplant, so not only did I grow up surrounded by a family of a different race (whom i love and cherish ofc), but I also moved across 3 states (from philadelphia) right in the middle of my adolescence to an very very different regional culture than what I was used to. You could say I was a bit of a walking identity crisis in those early years. I spent a lot of my younger years searching for a place to belong, whether it be culturally or socially, and it shows in a lot of the work I do now. Read more>>

Rachel Freshwater | Owner/Creator J.Freshwater Studio & Occupational Therapist

My work life balance has changed tremendously over the last 5 years and I believe attempting to achieve a better balance is what ultimately led me to start my little studio. I started gifting Christmas ornaments to family and friends before getting married and starting a family. I had all the time in the world to devote to crafting, while working my full time job at a local hospital. Read more>>