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.

Logan Baldauf | Fine Artist & Fashion Designer

I have most definitely developed some kind of “Red Shoes” condition regarding my work life balance. Through school and independent work my schedule has become consumed by just wanting to make more and more art; mostly for the sake of developing my skills but also its virtually fused with my social life! Read more>>

Lauren Forbes | Assistant Professor of Public Administration

My work life balance seems to ebb and flow depending on the season of life that I am in. I try to maintain a sabbath day, which really helps me experience holistic rest and recovery on the weekends, but generally during the weekdays and Saturdays I spend a lot of time working and work inevitably bleeds into the evening and night hours. Thankfully, my life arrangement right now makes that possible with minimal consequences, but that is something that I expect would change considerably if I had a family. However, I have noticed a lot of improvement in my work life balance overall since last year when I first started my position at UC. I have a better grasp of time management, work expectations, and navigating the administrative and physical infrastructure of the campus much better. I also have a clearer sense of who I am and who I am becoming as a researcher and a professor, which helps me to refine my focus and corresponding time allocation. Read more>>

Sabrina Plazo | Hairstylist

I chose to do an artistic/ creative career to be able to express myself and others. I knew I wasn’t able to do a paperwork or a “desk” job so something that was mindful and encouraging drew me to the hair Industry. Being able to make others feel beautiful is my passion. Read more>>

Princess Danielle Cody | Author, Poetic Princess

The most important factor behind my success would be to educate through my poetry. I consider myself to be a great educator with a deep love of poetry. It is my goal to publish many more books of poetry on many different topics, to educate while also being entertained, poetically. Read more>>

Geoffrey Barnes | Actor, Singer, and Teaching Artist

I think risk is an essential part of life, maturity and happiness. Yes, taking risks can be extremely exhilarating and nerve racking all at once, but that is superseded by the need to follow my heart. A lot of happiness in my life would not have occurred had I not taken risks. It is necessary for my career. As an actor, taking risks gives me the freedom to make bold choices and explore characters and relationships more in depth, and in my private and professional life, it allows me make to decisions based my need to find solace and confidence. One memory, in particular, involved my move to New York City at 22 years old. I had absolutely no money and no way of getting there on my own, but I was driven to move there. My heart compelled me to do it. I eventually saved up enough to money to sublet an apartment and somehow convinced a friend to put as much stuff as I could fit in the back of his Jetta and to give me a ride to NYC, without any guarantees or promises. It was the right move. That risk taking helped jumpstart my acting career. Taking risks like that has given me confidence and sense of ownership during times of my life and career where I was not in a happy place. Read more>>

Chris Gunther | Host & Producer of The Chris Gunther Show!””

That’s an easy one, marrying my wife Shanell! I wholeheartedly believe in the saying “Beside every great man there’s a greater woman.” President Barack Obama has First Lady Michelle Obama, Jay Z has Beyonce, LeBron James has Savannah James, Steph Curry has Ayesha Curry and the list goes on and on. Read more>>