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.

Christina & Mitch Smith | Business Owners

We are a husband-and-wife team with a passion for cooking clean healthy foods and we first came up with the idea for Herbivore Bites during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. Read more>>

Natalie Stoner | Salon Manager & Educator

Risk has been a defining element of my journey as a cosmetologist. I embarked on my cosmetology path during high school, with the intention of transitioning to a corporate role after obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Information Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. While I did secure that corporate position after college, it left me feeling unfulfilled. Just eight months into my corporate stint, Charleston Beauty Collective approached me with a career opportunity. Though I cherished my role as a stylist when I was younger, societal pressures had always urged me to pursue a more “conventional” career, thus, making this a difficult decision. Read more>>

Jalin Hill | Photographer

A Maintaining a healthy work-life balance at the age of 15 is quite the juggling act, but I’ve found a rhythm that works for me. With the demands of high school taking precedence, I’ve learned to prioritize my commitments—school, Jphotos, then personal life. It’s a structured approach that ensures I meet my academic responsibilities while pursuing my passion for photography. In my spare time, I often find myself engrossed in Jphotos-related tasks. Once I start a project, the drive to complete it propels me to tackle additional smaller tasks. It’s a cascading effect where accomplishment fuels motivation. Despite the challenges, I’ve managed to strike a balance. Still, it does get intricate when you’re navigating the responsibilities of running a business, excelling in high school, and still finding quality time for my family. It’s a constant learning curve, but I embrace the opportunity to grow academically and professionally while cherishing moments with my loved ones. Read more>>