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

Mike Ponder

Mine is to stay Humble, have integrity, and always be gratefully to your god, family, fans and colleges. Read more>>

Jack Ivins | Musician

Success is subjective. I hear musicians who have sold millions of records lament how they aren’t as successful as other musicians. Conversely, I’ve heard a performer say that their only goal was to play a local stage and now that they’ve completed that, they’re done because they reached the level of success that they were in search of. Read more>>

Waves the Rapper | Tennessee Underground HipHop

I’m not sure where I heard this so I don’t know who to credit, but this has really stuck with me… “Practice turning people to trees. When you’re in the woods you see all these trees. Some are straight and others are crooked. Some are tall and some are short. Some have thick, full trunks and others are thin, gnarled and twisted up. Read more>>

Austin Yarbrough | Music Producer/DJ/Short Film Producer

After working months on end I used to think I just needed a vacation to relax for a few days, only to come back home feeling more exhausted than when I left. So I knew that rest and play wasn’t the answer. It is when I’m faced with social challenges and out of the box experiences where I tend to get a boost. Read more>>

James Gibson | Director of Photography & Editor at Oakes Creative

I hope to be remembered for how I love people, and the art we create together. I want to feel what there is to feel while I’m here, and capture that in my work. I want to be old looking back on a lifetime of passion and creation. And be content in a life well spent. Read more>>

Marlon Qualls Jr. (MQJ) | Actor & Mental Health Advocate

I want my legacy to be full of love, guidance, hope, faith, gratitude, NEVER GIVE UP! NO MATTER WHAT LIFE LOOKS LIKE AT THE CURRENT MOMENT and so much more that it is to live for In life. What I want people to remember about me is that I NEVER GAVE after the HARD LONG challenges i’ve endured in life, and that no matter what life looks you can still live your wildest dreams and accomplish all goals that looks impossible. Read more>>