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.

Stephanie Kibler | Spray Tan Artist and Realtor with Carolina One

My daughter recently joined her high school dance team and one of the things they need to do is tan before performances and competitions. I thought I bet I can learn how to spray tan and share that with the community. I went one step further and thought I would make it a mobile business. Read more>>

Lis Anna-langston | Author

Risk is not something immediately applied to art. Extreme sports and corporate takeovers are usually the go to when it comes to mentioning risk. Yet there is no greater risk than creating art in my opinion. The ultimate risk. Real art means looking something in the eye and knowing it for what it is without pretense and expectation. Humans are hard wired to control. Art requires trust and trust requires risk. The most difficult, fulfilling projects I’ve taken on end up oftentimes bringing the greatest rewards. No risk, no reward. I think people can’t get started because they can’t get past their inherent phobia of risk. They don’t know where to start so they don’t. Uncertainty involves a lot of risk and art is uncertainty in its highest form. We don’t know where words, images, symbols, sentences will lead. That’s the point. Delving into the mystery. Create into the heart of what you know to be true. I probably have a higher tolerance for risk than most. Still, it is an essential part of creation. Read more>>

Courtney Kinard | Entrepreneur & Registered Nurse

As a woman from a small town who grew up in a single-parent household, my perspective on risk has been shaped by both necessity and resilience. For me, risk isn’t just about taking chances; it’s about survival and growth in environments where the odds aren’t always in your favor. Read more>>

 Juan Cassalett | Chef co/owner

I have always tried to be a humble and hard worker. Since I was young cook, learning from different chefs. It was important for me to show that maybe I might not be the fastest or have the best knife skills but I was always going to be one of the hardest working people. Read more>>

Rachel Massey | Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Caine

Ethics is the cornerstone of my approach to business because it reflects my commitment to integrity, trust, and long-term success. In real estate, where decisions impact lives and communities, operating with a strong ethical foundation ensures that every transaction is handled with honesty and fairness. This not only builds trust with clients but also fosters lasting relationships and a reputation that stands the test of time. By prioritizing ethics, I strive to create a positive impact, knowing that success achieved through integrity is the most meaningful and sustainable. Read more>>

Diane Zimerle | Idea Innovator

Trust, the single word that describes what I hope my clients will feel when they book one of my trucks. If I can’t make my clients feel that I am reliable, honest, and true to my word then I don’t want to do business. In the world today I feel you have to have something that stands out above all the others and that for me is my ability to keep my clients coming back. I want anyone who books with me, be it a huge event or a small gathering to know that I care about each one the same. I will always be on time, bring my trucks clean and ready to go. Read more>> 

Cordaro Starlings | Founder & CEO of Legacy Studios

“Your only competition is yourself.” I disagree with this advice because I cannot grow if I am only looking at my successes and not others. With competition, innovation is created, which brings forth new ideas and improves productivity. With competition, quality becomes more of an advantage and is more sought after. With competition, marketing strategies are adapted and new ones are created. Lastly, with competition, the demand for a product/service is increased. The quote I go by is that “Competition is best form of motivation”. Read more>>

 Jenna Light | Wedding Photographer

I was born in Savannah, GA but my home is Walterboro, SC. My family life growing up was chaotic, but I had strong independent women who raised me. That strong will pushed me to jump in to photography full time in 2020 and it hasn’t let me down a bit. That craziness I grew up with also made me the goofy, loving, people pleaser I am. And for that I am truly thankful. Read more>>

Libby Williams | Award winning GeecheeOne Films Actress, Multi Published Body Positivity Model & current face of Southern Soul Skins, LLC “Sumn Serious”

I’m a proud Swansea, SC native, a humble town on the outskirts of the midlands, where my family’s legacy of limitless aspirations and unwavering perseverance has flourished. My parents’ remarkable accomplishments in their successful construction business serve as a constant reminder of the power of dedication and hard work. From a young age, my siblings and I embraced our roles as both laborers and office staff, fostering a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence that has shaped our lives. Read more>>