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.

Taylor Lamar | Event Curator / Chef

I originally started my business and career path unknowingly. At the time I was a freshman in high school and we were required to do a work study/ internship for the summer. That’s when I actually began working with an organization called HPAC where I filled out my first grant to fund my after school program.
My vision was to bring home economics back in our schools. So I begin to offer interactive group projects, presentations and motivational speakers. That also includes homemade baked goods, and gourmet food at every session.
Fast forward to my senior year, I had no idea what I wanted or what the future held. That is then where my favorite teacher drove me in her own car and took me downtown to tour the culinary program at Tri-C. And it has took off every since. Read more>>

Erin Jantzen | Interior and Event Designer

My Companies: Collective Charm Rentals & Intertwine Design. I run two small businesses: Collective Charm Rentals, an event design and rental studio, and Intertwine Design, an interior design and staging studio. As a co-owner of not just one but two small businesses, I often find myself asking, “Should I dive in deeper, or is it time to give up?” Thankfully, life has a way of sending me signs and reminders that I’m on the right path and should keep moving forward. Like any small business owner, I experience the ebbs and flows of business. However, it’s in the quieter moments that I find reassurance I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Read more>>

Nelle Jae | Artist (rnb music, dance) & Musician (play drums, drum kit)

As a single parent who’s new to motherhood, the most important thing is developing the true meaning of “ It takes a GOOD village to raise a child”. Throughout my childhood my mom kept me involved, rather it was volunteering at the food bank, stopping by nursing homes to minister to them, being in the nurses ministry at church, or even downtown giving out hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. I can truly say being apart of something so great and beautiful really left a huge impact on my life. Till this day the people that we’ve met through the years have helped my mom raised me, she didn’t do it on her own. My mom always said “It takes a village to raise a child”. Read more>>

Christine Toporcer | Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Psychologist, Trauma Specialist, Tattoo Therapist

The most exciting aspect of my career has been taking the opportunity to start my own business and collaborate with my finance on Tattoo Therapy™. After gaining experience in the field, I wanted to do something different where I could share my passion about psychological trauma while helping others to heal. With the guidance and encouragement I had from Dennis, I was able to create a mental health practice focused on trauma informed care and recovery, Revibe and Rise Mental Health. Read more>>

Tessa Berg | Starling Studio Wedding Photographer

I’m deeply inspired by connections with people and the in-between moments that often go unnoticed—those little interactions filled with laughter and joy. My goal as a photographer is not just to capture an image but to create a space where my clients feel so comfortable and at ease that their genuine selves shine through. Candid moments where trust and authenticity are evident are my favorite to document. Read more>>

Amber Sherman | Black Caucus Chair of YDA

The main habits that have helped me succeed are consistency, authenticity, and courage. I believe in being an authentic leader that’s consistent in my love of Black people and lobbying strategically for policies that make our lives better. That also requires a lot of courage because not everyone will support what I’m doing and a lot of folks aren’t willing to take risks and be creative in the process. Read more>>

Dave Cherry | Franchise Owner, Ellie Mental Health (Westerville & Worthington OH)

Starting Ellie Mental Health was a blend of personal passion and strategic planning. My wife and I have always been ardent advocates for mental health, driven by a desire to give back and support our community in meaningful ways. Although we’re not trained or experienced, our commitment to the cause spurred us to create a platform that could extend this support in our community. Read more>>

Lex Norris | Freelance Illustrator and Designer

In hindsight, a career in art was written for me before I even knew it could be a career. My mother was a librarian and I spent a lot of time in the library growing up, and one of my earliest memories was going to a book fair and getting my book signed by Dav Pilkey, another Ohio native whose graphic novels I soon loved as a kid. I spent so much time as a child obsessively drawing, creating comics, renting out manga from the library and just copying everything I saw; I’ve always loved art and always loved creating. Read more>>