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.

Stille Skygger

I want my legacy to be a constellation—a map of light guiding young artists who feel like they are creating in the dark.

I come from a place where dreams were whispered, not spoken aloud. Where art was not a career, but a quiet rebellion. I was just 9 when I first picked up a pencil and began drawing what I couldn’t yet say. That act—small, almost invisible—became my way of carving out space in a world that didn’t offer me one. Read More>>

Eliana Valerio

The thought process behind starting The Virtual Female Co. came from a deep desire to bridge the gap I kept seeing between talented women—especially mothers and women of color—and the access, structure, or support they needed to thrive in business. After over a decade of supporting mothers in pregnancy, postpartum, and early development, and working behind the scenes in different professional roles, I realized I could combine my experience to create a space that offered strategy, systems, and soul.  Read More>>

Cassandra (Safi Reala) Dearman

Originally in 2011 I wanted to capture the vibe of what today would be called the “earthy girl”aesthetic. It was an act of expression and empowerment. I incorporated perfumed/cologned oils, incense/smudge sticks, colorful clothes, handbags and scarves. I also made beaded spiraled bracelets. The business helped take care of my household for a few years. Read More>>

Ann Poirier

I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I grew up with my mom, my dad and three younger siblings. We were always a close family and loved being together. We grew up in church and went to Catholic schools. Beyond necessarily the Catholicism itself, the faith and belief in God is what always stuck out to me growing up. My parents loved God, trusted Him and worked hard to instill that truth of our Lord God in us kids too.  Read More>>