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.

Toni Reale | Owner of a Magical Plant and Flower Shop

Being an entrepreneur involves inherent risk—the risk of losing money, time, and relationships. Diving into the unknown requires a significant amount of trust. Trust in oneself, one’s abilities, and in the surrounding community. When I launched Roadside Blooms, I took a leap of faith by emptying my small retirement account—around $18,000—to purchase a 1971 British Ice Cream Truck. That truck became Charleston’s first mobile flower shop in 2012. I trusted that my concept would resonate with people, and if it didn’t, I trusted myself to figure out the next steps. Read more>>

Emily Cassel | Business Strategist + Mentor for Visionary 6-7 Figure Women Entrepreneurs

I have become a woman over the past decade of building and leadind my own business who has reframed risk massively — I know think and operate as if it’s riskier to stay exactly where I am than to try something new, to make an investment, or to do something I could learn from (which really is everything — even if and when it doesn’t go as planned or predicted). Read more>>

Hanna (anya) Zalanskas | Content Creator, Entertainer, Jeepher & Owner of HiVelocity Jeep

The most important factor behind my success is a combination of passion, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment , all of which are beautifully captured in two of my favorite quotes: “The Show Must Go On” and “Live Life Fully.” Living with Type 1 Diabetes has taught me to embrace each moment and push through challenges, making these quotes particularly meaningful in my life. Read more>>

Ashley Ray | Salon Owner & Hairstylist

The most important factor behind my success is the drive to be better and do better for the ones around me and to create a space I am proud to work at. I have worked in a few salon situations that left me wanting to leave the field. I had to take a step back and view my current situation to decide that thats not what I wanted for my future or for anyone else’s. I wanted to create a space where others felt valued, appreciated, and understood while also creating a safe and happy space for all employees and clients. We spend more time at work then we do at our own homes, and everyone deserves to have a happy inviting space to work in. Read more>>