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.

Rachid Ra Bell | Pop singersongwriter/performance artist

Risk taking is something I’ve had to force myself into doing. I’m naturally a control freak. In order to participate in life and to embrace the veracity of life which is chaos and constant change, I’ve had to accept that control is an illusion. Showing up and taking chances in life and adapting to change is what keeps you in an active life and can even enable someone to thrive. I’ve taken risks with trying new things throughout by entire career and life. In living my life, I’ve had to take a risk, release my fear and try living different ways and in different places in order to stay in the flow of life and move forward.  Read more>>

Te’miyah Gray | Business Owner

Taking risks has been a defining force in my life, shaping both my personal and professional journey. Each risk I’ve embraced—whether in launching my business, pursuing new opportunities, or navigating uncharted territory—has pushed me beyond my comfort zone and driven significant growth. Risks have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting my instincts. Even when the outcome wasn’t as expected, the experience itself has been invaluable, equipping me with lessons that have strengthened my confidence and my ability to tackle future challenges. risk-taking is part of the journey, and I believe they’re necessary for anyone who wants to create something meaningful and lasting. Read more>>

Jay Chong Yen Jye | Technology Simplicity | Martech Specialist

The principle I hold dearest is to always focus on excellence and give 300% effort. In my journey, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from simply completing tasks but from exceeding expectations. Striving for excellence in every endeavor ensures continuous growth, development, and the creation of lasting value. This mindset pushes me to go beyond the ordinary, achieving outcomes that stand the test of time. Read more>>

Shannon Tillman | Nail Technician Expert

I value customer service. Being a service provider, how you treat your customers will determine if they will return to you or not. Good customer service and attitude will propel any business forward. People want to be treated fairly. I treat all of my clients like they’re my friend from the beginning. Why? Because without my clients Slayed Klaws would not exist. I appreciate them and I treat them with respect while giving them the best experience I can including excellent customer service. Read more>>

Andrea Kinkela-cook | Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattoo Artist

I am from Youngstown, Ohio. I’ll assume not many people have heard of this once thriving city turned ghost town. Its halfway between Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA. The actual town I grew up in was Struthers, Ohio and I still have family there today. I grew up poor. Both parents had a high school education, but it ended there. We struggled. We were on government programs for a long time. However, when i was young, i didnt realize it. I never felt the stresses of it. I was able to be a kid and have fun with friends. Read more>>

Stacey Marie | Professional Connector/Radio Show Host/ Radio Station Owner

I was born and raised in California. I grew up in a Christian household where we were taught to serve others and meet their needs. In my upcoming book “Can We Connect?! The Ultimate Guide to Being an Effective Connector”, I discuss how I learned a lot by watching my dad engage with people. He was a great listener and encourager – every time he talked to someone, he left them feeling good about themselves and with a smile on their face. He truly had a knack for making people’s days. Read more>>

Fazar Roma Agung Wibisono | painter, digital art creator, muralist, and more

In pursuing a career in the arts and creative world, first since I was three years old I have drawn random pictures of what I like and what I see, then I imitate it to draw even though as far as I can remember it will not be similar, but my love for fine arts, especially drawing, I continue to do it every day, whether it’s scribbling on the back of the book to take notes or others when I was in school, until now I continue to create works of art, be it paintings, digital art, murals, video art. Read more>>