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.

Thena Beam | Jesus-follower, wife, homeschool mama, worship leader, singer-songwriter & educator

Success is doing what you were made to do. It’s the thing God created you to do, for the purpose of serving Him and others. When you find it, you know it, because it brings joy to you, to others, and to God. But chances are you’re probably already doing it, because it’s a natural extension of who you are. For me, singing and performing my original material is success. Being a wife and a mother is success. Serving my church is success. Inspiring young artists is success. Whether I’m performing or teaching my two boys as a busy homeschool mom, success is continuing to do what I love, and what God made me to do. Read more>>

Timofey Abel | Photographer

I think success is often misconstrued as something you can measure with years of experience, money, recognition and etc. For me, success in photography is being able to do exactly what I want to do, have creative freedom, and give others an opportunity to express themselves. When it comes to people photography, establishing a genuine connection with the person in front of my camera is what I define as success. Read more>>

Jennifer Senne | Writer and Photographer

When someone has been independent for most of their life, as I have, and situations change, the question of whether to persevere or give up arises. In 2014, I was diagnosed with a couple of neurological conditions that halted my career path. The thought of giving up crossed my mind. However, I realized I needed to set a good example for my children and not give up without trying to find alternative paths. I’ve always been passionate about writing and photography, but it was only a hobby until recently. Read more>>

Amanda Conover | Poetry Editor, Production Editor, and Poet

For me, I think it all comes down to my motivation or root reason for doing something and how badly I want it. When considering whether to keep going or put my energy elsewhere, I always try to re-evaluate my reason for doing whatever I am doing in the first place. I think about why I chose to embark on the journey I am on and whether or not I would regret it later if I stopped now. Read more>>

Anna Drye | Photographer

As a parent, the most significant impact I’ve made on my child stems from balancing my professional commitments while ensuring I’m present for him at home. Being a full-time stay-at-home mom and pursuing my passion as a photographer has been a challenging yet fulfilling journey. One of the key pillars enabling me to achieve this balance has been the unwavering support of my parents and extended family. Read more>>

Wofford Jones | Author/Artist/Book Cover Designer

In short, I can genuinely say that whenever I am creating something, I am at my happiest. This could be any number of current creative projects, from writing on my latest novel or short story, drawing, watercolor painting, and designing a book cover for myself or another author. Those are my most focused creative activities to date. Read more>>

Sidney Redd | Destination Wedding + Couples Photographer

Wow, this took a lot of thinking. What genuinely makes me happy is this current stage of my life. I’m finding out who I am, what’s truly important to me, and the relationships that I value most. I’m finding out who Sidney really is. Sidney outside of her career; Sidney outside of her husband; Sidney outside of her family and friends; just Sidney. There is nothing more empowering than this. It brings me genuine joy to finally begin to take care of myself and my needs. Read more>>