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.

Brandon Cabaniss | CFP (R), Private Wealth Advisor

Lynn Twist is author of “Soul of Money”. She is also a philanthropist. In reading her book, I learned that money is energy, it isn’t created or destroyed, it moves. It shifts from one place or hand to the next. We must utilize it like we do our own energy. Create awareness around how we use it and when and our why. Read more>>

Dadrekas Hill | Aspiring actor/model

Along time ago, I always wanted to know the answer to that question. Growing up I felt like giving up was easy and that you could try something else. As I grew older, and started focusing on me and what I wanted in life. I knew that giving up wasn’t an option. I knew that I was different from everyone else so I had to work harder than them. I had to prove them wrong. They automatically assumed that I couldn’t do it. I had this burning desire; that pridefulness to be better, to do better at whatever I put my mind to. So it stuck, I started acting different and moving different. People want to see you fail when they realize you can do it but they couldn’t. So to answer the question, you keep going. You keep going, even though you feel like you’re not close to your accomplishment. You are closer to it than you were yesterday. Someone said success isn’t built/made in a night, but they are wrong. It is. Whether it takes you 10 years to get where you need to be, that one night it will all change. You may be blown off course every once in a while, but surround yourself with like minded people. They will hold you accountable to keep you chasing your goal. My advice always be the hardest working person in the room never be the smartest. If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room. To the aspiring actor,model, entrepreneur…keep going. Read more>>

Franziska Lewis | Photographer and Camera Assistant

I have been showing my kids the world while traveling to various countries for 1-2 months at a time to immerse ourselves in the culture and learn another language. We have lived in Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. It’s important for them to see that people are happy with less stuff, no TV, no devices. I encourage lots of outdoor time, building/creating with nature, and being happy with very little belongings. Read more>>

Jai Salters | Executive Director and Founder of ACT Now Education

The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was not waiting until I was off active duty to start my business. Time is incredibly valuable, and by starting my business while still serving, I was able to leverage the unique experiences and skills I gained in the military. This decision allowed me to grow and learn as an entrepreneur over the years, which has been instrumental in building a successful business Read more>>

Deborah Kepes | CCSAA Owner, Director, & Instructor

CCSAA is an atelier that offers classical art training at any level. The community has embraced the studio due to the nature in which it is taught. Our instructors all either have a degree in art or are pursuing a degree. Each instructor was trained by me for several years when they were high school students. They then went on to college with an impressive portfolio, which gave them opportunities they ordinarily wouldn’t receive. Jacob Taylor received an impressive art scholarship ($10,000) from SCAD. Ms. Emily Gray could go on to the 2nd year drawing and painting class at North Georgia University, both students due to their impressive portfolios. These are only two of many that have succeeded through the studio and all it offers. The studio isn’t just for those who want to pursue an art career; it is also remarkable on any student’s application for college. Studying at CCSAA for several years and producing quality artwork shows discipline, variety of aptitude, etc. Teachers’ contributions to each student they instruct build good character and a wealth of knowledge. Classes are offered for students 5 to 105, Read more>>

Spencer Stanton | Photography Director

If I had to say what I’d like my legacy to be, it would be that I cared more about the people and the experience than I care about the money or the job. I’d like to be remembered for making people feel comfortable. I know full well how uncomfortable and intimidating it can be to be in front of a camera. I LOVE when people say, “I’m going to warn you that I HATE having my photo taken”, outwardly I just smile but in my head I’m thinking “challenge accepted!”. Taking someone from dreading being in front of a camera to being so excited that they book another session is something that brings me a lot of joy. Read more>>

Anthony (empathony) Roberts | Lens-based Artist/Art Director/Documenter

I believe the most important factor behind my success is staying consistent with my goals and practices, as well as staying genuine with my interactions. Read more>>

Otis | Innovative Button Inventor & Event Space Host

My relentless ambition, I got that dog in me. Read more>>

Maddie LaMarre | Owner and Lead Stylist of the Madd Style Bridal Team

Wedding hair and makeup is a highly specialized niche within the beauty industry! Not all stylists/makeup artists have the taken the time to hone in on the knowledge and skill required to create bridal hair and makeup looks. The artistry behind creating looks that last through laughter, sweat, and happy tears takes a lot of time and practice to master. Read more>>

Pandora Davis | Full Time Entrepreneur

The most difficult decision I ever had to make was the decision to quit my full time 6 figure position to focus on being a full time entrepreneur. Read more>>

Jeremy Phillips | Painter

I liked to draw and paint like other kids when I was very young, but it was in high school in suburban Philadelphia that I became fascinated with art history and painting in particular. Seeing works by Mark Rothko and Cy Twombly and Marcel Duchamp at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well as discovering the Bay Area Figurative artists like Richard Diebenkorn all led to a deeper engagement with painting. I was mainly working, though, with ceramics for those years and it was not until I was living in London in 2003 and had no access to a clay studio that I dove into a painting practice myself. If I couldn’t buy paintings I loved, but I would try to make them on my own. I had my first show in Camden Town, London and have never stopped making new work. I came back to Asheville in 2008 and began showing work locally the next year. For me painting is a way of life, where the current work and new ideas are always on my mind and leading to further explorations. I’ve developed several different bodies of work, digging in to different ideas with many permutations and variations. I like to see where a painting idea can go and how far.
Then to be able to share these with people who can enjoy them and have art in their homes or places of business that add beauty and thoughtfulness and style to their lives is a great joy. Artistic practice feeds itself and is a rich and satisfying way to life. Read more>>

Hunter Barrow | Account Manager, Yoga Instructor & Poet

Being an adult can be really difficult some days. A couple of years ago I started going through these ‘burnt out’ phases where I would become anxious and depressed. Everything in my life would be fine (even great), but all I would want to do stay in bed all day and melt away. It wasn’t until I realized that I was ‘wearing myself too thin’, that I started to create a work/life balance. Between my full-time job, teaching yoga, sitting on the advisory board for a non-profit, leading journaling workshops for another non-profit and writing/publishing a book, I had no time for just me. I started to create boundaries for myself. Saying no to plans, and instead staying in with a good book or my cross stitching and binge watch a good show. Or turning off my phone at night and just relaxing. These boundaries have become a crucial part of my balance. Sometimes I still put too much pressure on myself and will feel that same burnt out feeling when I can’t get everything done, but I try to give myself grace and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. . Read more>>

Karriema Calhoun | Owner, Copy by KC

Balance is impossible without boundaries – personal boundaries and business boundaries. And I learned this the hard way. When I initially launched my business, I was excited to be a small business owner, supporting clients to achieve their goals. I helped so many clients, but it wasn’t sustainable. I was working every day, taking on projects with short turnaround times, and if I’m honest, I took on more than I needed to. I had no days off, worked around the clock, and spent too much time “working in my business” instead of “working on my business.” Over time, my balance has changed because my boundaries have changed. This has been a significant improvement for me and my business. Now I have a good balance for business hours, client projects, rest, and business improvements. Read more>>