Stories, Lessons & Insights

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.
I love this question! Being an independent artist and starting from the bottom, learning how to build yourself up with little to no idea what you’re doing, is truly the hardest and loneliest thing I have ever had to do. Being an independent artist is not a risk-free life at all. I get asked if I have a backup plan if music doesn’t work out quite frequently and to that I say, burn the boats. I believe if you are truly passionate about something, having a backup plan is only selling yourself short. I live to take risks because if I never did, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Read More>>
In a world where our four legged furry friends are part of the family it has become harder to leave them behind when we vacation. For me, it was a farm full of animals that I would stress about whenever I left. You could say my business was born out of necessity and a desire to help people truly enjoy their vacations free from stress, worry and guilt over leaving their beloved fur babies behind. And I believe we accomplish that goal every single day. Animals have always been a passion for me and as a trainer I try to help people better understand their canine partner which leads to a more harmonious home. Read More>>
The most important factor in my success today is the community that surrounds me—both within and out of the studio. Letterpress is a craft deeply rooted in shared knowledge, history, and technique, and it’s through this spirit of collaboration that I’ve found not only mentorship but lasting friendships. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who have taken the time to teach me, and support me in this career. Read More>>
The most important factor behind the success of Walk Your Plans Nashville is a deep-rooted passion for helping people make smarter, more confident decisions—especially when it comes to something as personal and impactful as creating a space. Whether it’s a family building their forever home, a designer refining their vision, or a builder trying to avoid costly delays, our mission is to serve as a trusted partner in that journey. Read More>>
I started my own business mostly because I couldn’t stand the thought of having a boss. I’m a very independent thinker and need ample amounts of space to foster my creativity and it is stifling for me to be lorded over by a boss of any kind. Also, the creative process doesn’t always work on timelines and meeting the demands of a boss in traditional business environment would never provide me with the freedom necessary to create. Read More>>
I noticed a need that wasn’t being addressed in the city. Gun violence disproportionately affects the Latino community, yet no one was including it in the conversation. Too many gun violence prevention organizations were popping up created by white upper-middle class women who didn’t feel comfortable including or supporting the Latino community. So the advocacy brought on by these people didn’t feel like it was sufficient enough if it wasn’t inclusive, so I sought to change that. Read More>>
One of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made was taking the leap to change careers. Career changes are scary at any age, but especially in your 30’s when you have a family depending on you.
I first discovered my passion for tourism while working at Rock Island State Park and Cumberland Caverns. I loved connecting people with new places and experiences. But like many, I chose stability over passion and took a job in banking. It was the practical move, but I never stopped missing the tourism world. Read More>>
I have always been drawn to music. I love great songwriters and find inspiration for my life in their work. Years ago, when I had small children, I delayed releasing any music because I realized I would have to be on the road all the time. I wanted to know them, and I love my wife and didn’t want to lose her. So now the kids are grown and have lives of their own, so my wife – or as I jokingly call her, my wife-ager – and I are getting to travel together. We’re having a blast and it seems the time is right for me to now share these songs. Read More>>