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.

Zonia Pelensky | Actress/Screenwriter and Student of Early Childhood Development

I love to keep in mind a quote by Anais Nin. “I postpone death by living, by suffering, by error, by risking, by giving, by loosing”
It helps me to remember that its ALL a part of LIFE, the good and the bad. It’s a gift to be able to experience. It’s what makes us human and what’s exciting about life at the end of the day. Read more>>

Connie Young | Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Clean Beauty and Wellness Specialist

Anyone can successfully run a business if they have the ability and knowledge to succeed, but aside from that, a real connection to customers and a heart for their health and happiness is what sets us apart from others! I have always listened carefully to what my customers concerns and needs are. I help and guide them to the best possible solutions for their personal needs. Read more>>

Sarah Brown | Founder of Sarah Alexis

Without risk there is no growth, personally or professionally. I think we need to take risks to see what we are truly capable of and what our lives and businesses can become. The most successful people that I know have taken the biggest risks and it’s because they are confident in themselves and go for it. They don’t waste time playing it safe. Read more>>

Ashley Gaede | Certified ARISE Interventionist

Over 20 million people in the United States are currently suffering from addiction. Although you would be hard pressed to find someone who does not know anyone struggling with the disease, there remains a stigma around it. As a result, families are often facing this crisis without knowing where to turn. A notable characteristic of addiction is denial, where those afflicted often struggle to acknowledge the necessity of seeking professional assistance. Interventions serve as a chance to enlighten everyone involved about the realities of addiction as a disease and provide resources to embark on a path towards recovery and freedom from addictive behaviors. The primary goal of an intervention is to reveal to the individual in question the reality of how their actions and behaviors related to the addiction are adversely affecting their loved ones and jeopardizing their own health and well-being. Recovery from substance use disorder, alcoholism, and eating disorders offer a chance for people to get their lives back. When families heal, communities get stronger. We not only see people mend their relationships, they also re-enter the workforce, and they become the useful members of society they were always meant to be before addiction hijacked their lives. These same people have a renewed sense of purpose to help others who might also be struggling. Read more>>

Carolyn Fraser | Gallery director & baker

I think about this question often. What does make me happy?? I am most content when spending unplanned time with friends or family. Alongside my full time career in the gallery business, I also enjoy volunteering as an usher for a local performing arts theater, work on my side hustle (sweet treats for holidays!), and helping to promote the businesses in my area of Charleston, South Carolina. The other thing that really makes me happy is hearing that my baked goods have made someones day, or finding that perfect painting for a client, or being able to share a favorite restaurant or activity to folks visiting Charleston. I love my community and I want all of us to survive and thrive, so sharing the fabulous folks around me makes me so very happy. Read more>>

Charles Clary | Art Professor & Paper Sculptor

No matter what we engage in, in life, an artist hand is always at play. Whether it be clothing design, architecture, product design, etc. . . . An artist was involved. Imagine going through the covid pandemic with out creatives sharing their work and providing respite from reality. I chose Art because I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to share the way I see the world with everyone I could. Read more>>