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.

Dr. Paulette Harper

“Your Purpose is Greater Than Your Pain” — A Personal Reflection Inspired by Dr. Myles Munroe

One quote that has shaped my perspective during life’s most difficult seasons is from Dr. Myles Munroe:
“The wealthiest place in the world is not the oil fields of the Middle East or the gold mines of South America. It is the cemetery, because there lie the dreams that were never fulfilled, the books never written, the purpose never realized.” Read More>>

Jose Barreiro

Success means many things to many people. To me it is about setting short and long term goals, and then achieving them. I love to help other people; whether that means aiding them in setting goals for themselves, being a part of the planning process to reach those goals, advising and mentoring someone on a specific topic or task, or sometimes just making someone smile. Read More>>

Chase Lee

For me, risk is less about recklessness and more about trusting that growth lives outside of comfort. Every major shift in my life—whether it was leaving the traditional classroom (and then returning), stepping into the wellness world, or starting my own sound healing business—required taking a leap of faith. I think of risk as a form of alignment: when something keeps calling you, it’s risky not to answer. Taking those leaps has led me to deeper purpose, stronger connections, and a more expansive version of myself and my work. Read More>>

Sam

Risk has always been a part of my journey. As an entrepreneur, you can’t really avoid it. I don’t see risk as something to fear, but rather as a necessary part of growth and innovation. From starting my first business straight out of college to launching HipTrain during a global pandemic, every step I’ve taken has involved a leap of faith. Read More>>

Antonio Harvey

FathersFirst Memphis is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering fathers and male role models to be actively involved in their children’s lives, ultimately strengthening families and the broader Memphis community. One of their major initiatives includes the adoption of 14 schools within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district. Through this partnership, FathersFirst encourages fathers and positive male figures to be visible and engaged in students’ educational experiences, helping to improve academic outcomes, foster social-emotional development, and build strong connections between families and schools. Read More>>

Kris Izzi

For me comedy is a unique and challenging business because the better you get the more opportunities you have to create for yourself. For me, I love seeing it as a challenge of reaching new milestones and goals that I set for myself. Read More>>

Gavin Eddings

I decided to pursue a creative career in comedy because its always been a way for me to express the true version of myself. I really enjoy bringing joy to others whether it be through stand-up, content creation for YouTube, or podcasting. It allows me a sense of freedom and purpose that I don’t get from anything else. And trust me, I looked. Read More>>

Kennedy Holley

I’ve always been driven by a deep need to create. Throughout my life, there have been times when I had to balance making art with financial stability, often sacrificing time for creativity to make ends meet. However, I’ve always found ways to express my creativity, even in roles outside of the arts. Working in fashion, for instance, became a way for me to channel my artistic vision. More recently, I made the decision to fully commit to my art as a full-time career, while also taking on freelance creative projects to support myself. This journey has been about trusting my own potential and allowing my passion for creativity to lead the way. Read More>>