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.

Ayala Wolak | Co-founder of casa cacao, co-founder of Ecstatic Dance Columbus, student

This question has been on my mind lately. I’m in a period of flux, where I am questioning how to move forward and what that means for the business. I think back to the very beginning – why it all started in the first place. I remember sitting on the floor of the living room with my dad, decadent raw chocolates spread around, and ideas flowing through us. We bounced idea after idea until we decided it would be smart to write it all down. I have a vivid image of that paper and what was on it in my mind; our scrawling handwriting (his small in all caps and mine a twisty flow of letters), the columns of ideas for chocolates and ingredients, and at the top: casa cacao. I was in high school at the time, getting ready to leave for college in the next year or so. Read more>>

Thera Snyder | Pepper Person

I am notably an all-in, dive head first, we’ll figure it out type person. Although I’ve never considered those actions risky, that is exactly what they are, especially when it comes to making huge life choices such as starting your own business. Fear of the unknown can make us comfortable and complacent in the known, but some of the most meaningful achievements often require stepping into the unknown. Read more>>

Patrick Kleinknecht | Bass player/vocals

The most important factor to us is being genuine. We strive to explore ourselves and show what we find through our art. We believe that being genuine and honest about ourselves and what we believe in will help to show others it’s ok to follow their dreams. Read more>>

Teri Hinckley And Kristie Crane | Owners of The Handmade Sign Co.

We’re Teri and Kristie, the mother-daughter team that owns The Handmade Sign Co. Before diving into this creative venture, we both spent years as teachers, creatively teaching young minds and fostering a love for learning. Now, we get to channel that passion and creativity into something that brings joy and beauty into people’s homes. Read more>>