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.

Anna Claire Rosson | Dance Studio Owner

My favorite quote, the one I write in all my senior’s graduation card, is an Emerson quote. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”. I like the reminder that no matter what we experience or encounter, that our character is what defines us. We try to teach that to the dancers here- that no matter their accomplishments in and out of the studio, we care way more about the people they become. Read more>>

John Kenneth King | Wood Artist

Success in my woodturning comes from personal satisfaction with a completed project. My goal for each turning is to leave it better than when I started. Each piece of wood brings its own limitations, so finding the internal beauty and bringing it to light so others can enjoy it is a success. Selling my pieces brings me joy because I know their new owners find beauty and functionality (in most). Knowing that I have taken what many would think of as a piece of fire wood and turning a beautiful bowl or vase is an incredible “upcycle.” The tree provided oxygen, shade and beauty for its life and now part of it is able to serve other beneficial purposes for this new life. Read more>>

Kristin Amaro | Photographer, afH Capture + Design

Making a decision to keep going or give up seems black and white. While I do love the decisiveness of a black and white question, I don’t see this question as being so straightforward. My business involves a life passion, so I can’t imagine just “giving up” (not to mention I’m quite stubborn and find it a struggle to throw in the towel). However, I do find that my business has seasons. Some seasons require me to press in and hustle, while other seasons demand that I pull back and rest. I think there can be life circumstances which will make those kinds of decisions for you, but if you’re passionate about doing something, I think giving up is not really on the table. Read more>>

Kianah Moore | CBO of KWNDesigns (Chief Bounce Operator)

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent in terms of the impact on my child through KWNDesigns is creating an environment where he learn the values of hard work, community, joy, family unity, responsibility, and exceptional customer service. These experiences and lessons are shaping him into compassionate, diligent, and community-minded individuals. Seeing the positive influence of our business on our child is one of the greatest rewards of running KWNDesigns. Read more>>

Michelle Thomas | Community Relations Director

I think being a safe space for them to figure things out within reason has had the most impact on my child. I’ve allowed my daughter to know that whatever she does; successful or not, I’m there to help figure the next move. She also knows that no matter what, I love her unconditionally. Mistakes are bound to happen but I’m here to guide her. Read more>>

Dave Hofmann | Country Music Events, Bookings and Promotion

My company, Grand Ole Country Bunker is used to help create better opportunities for up and coming musicians. We use the power of modern marketing, social media and my background as an artist to help create higher profile events. We want more fans of Country Music to discover these Los Angeles based Country bands and attend not only our shows but attend the events throughout the California Country community. Read more>>

Bryan & Jen Swanson | Owners/Operators

Hands down it’s the people that we employee! Finding the right individuals to place in key leadership positions is the number one thing that has been imperative to the success of Complete Animal Removal. We treat every employee that works for us like family and we believe we’ve created an environment where everyone has a voice regardless of the role they’re in. Read more>>

Bella Garland | Singer/Songwriter

Music. Period. I can’t imagine my life without music. Even when I am going through something very difficult, music has a way of turning that pain into something that makes me proud. The best art is created from places of sorrow. Also, the way I have seen music change people’s lives is unlike anything else. The way it has made people realize things and feel less alone. It really is the universal language. It’s magic. Read more>>

Sidney Shackelford Guererri | Designer

Every other career path felt like jail to me. Although, I’ve had my fair share of jobs in the creative field that still felt like a prison. When I look back at my life, the main things that have been able to hold my attention or that I keep coming back to again and again are creative. My design business and the way I run it is my way of challenging the rules that we pick up along the way that can hold us back in living authentically. I’m regularly holding a mirror up to those deeply held beliefs and asking, where did that come from? What if we released it? Read more>>

Emma Martin | Digital Marketing and Design

While I was working a full-time job, I struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The experience taught me the importance of learning to say no. One of the reasons I started freelancing was to have more control over my schedule so I could prioritize more of a balance. It’s definitely challenging to break the cycle of working constantly when you’ve gotten into a routine of it. I’m sure the balance will change over time as opportunities come up, but right now I allow myself to take time off and step away from work for a little bit. I’ve noticed that I always return to my work with more creative ideas after I recharge. Read more>>