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.

Samantha Reyna | Esthetician, Acne Specialist

When starting my own business, I don’t wanted to make a true difference in people’s life by educating them about skin care and providing life changing results, especially with people who struggle with acne. I had worked at a spa for years providing relaxing facial treatments but I knew there was more to skincare and opening my own business allowed me to provide the treatments I wanted. Read more>>

Luke & Kiki Dennison | Owners of Snake Oil Roasters

There are several layers to this, and it actually serves as a great segue. At the shop level, we try to be as conscious as possible, even to the detriment of our profits. What this means is that all of our cups, lids, spoons, straws, coffee bags, etc. are either recyclable or compostable. We’re a 100% vegan cafe, so our lattes aren’t contributing to global warming on the scale that dairy drinks are, and we aren’t causing animal suffering and mistreatment just to serve a cortado. Our merch is all printed locally and on sustainable gear. We also seek to establish relationships with coffee producers around the world to ensure transparency throughout the process and make sure that they are being compensated adequately for their time, energy, sacrifices, and coffee. Again, all of this comes at a cost. I am often paying more for green, unroasted coffee than what most of even some bigger, regional roasters are charging for a bag of coffee. But these are the reasons we started Snake Oil Roasters – to do coffee the right way, not right for our profits, but right for the industry and all of the folx involved. Read more>>

Kierra Roberson | Licensed Esthetician, Aromatherapist, and Makeup Artist

I want people to remember that I have always been true to myself and a pure hearted person. I want people to remember how passionate, ambitious and resilient I am in everything I do. Read more>>

Imari Alaji | Personal Fitness Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Stretch/ Mobility Coach, Sensual Wellness Movement Specialist

There will always be people in your field doing some of the same things you are doing. There may even be people mimicking your exact style/ steps. However, no one is you… No one will ever be able to show up in the way that you do. No matter what anyone else is doing, always stay in tune and in alignment with your purpose, your goals, your intentions, your passion, your vision, and your mission. How you show up in the world and touch the hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits of the people around you, and communities you enter is how you will be remembered, impactful, and successful. Read more>>

Rachel Randall | Permanent Makeup Artist

I grew up in Ann Arbor so I have had the privilege of experiencing a progressive community rich in culture, history and the arts throughout my life. From a young age I attended Daycroft preschool in Ann Arbor. I believe that the Montessori method of teaching there focused on children’s natural interests and hands-on learning likely impacted me from an early age. I fell in love with art at a young age and when I was asked what I would like to be when I grew up, I would always share that I wanted to be an artist. During my high school years, I dual enrolled at Pioneer and Community High Schools. I took a few art classes at Community and enjoyed them very much. Read more>>