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.

Kristine Cravens | Studio Potter & Artisan

Support = Success Without the encouragement and support of family, I don’t think I would have ventured as far as I am today. My pottery business started with a comment my son made to me. We were shopping at a store that featured artists consignment work. He commented that my work is as good if not better than what we were looking at. He was a teen at the time. I mean that was a launch moment for me. Read more>>

Alice Guerin | Artist & Tattooer

Doing things my way! I felt secure in knowing I was not meant for a busy, chaotic street shop environment. I tried it briefly but it didn’t fit. It was expensive, and I felt the other tattooers breathing down my neck and judging the way I did things because it wasn’t exactly how they did things. The privacy and safety of having my own space felt essential to me. I could curate it to be a warm and creative extension of myself, which allowed for my visitors and clients to feel welcomed and comfortable as they sat through something generally very uncomfortable. I could make sure everyone had the ability to consent, to ask for what they need without feeling the pressure of others watching. It made my clients feel at home, and safer to be themselves. No loud music, no bustle of people walking through and staring, no worries about if we were working on a sensitive or private body part, and ultimately, no judgment. Read more>>

 Kevin Blackburn | Executive Director

We live in a world of big promises and little follow through. This quote guides me as I interact with others and when evaluating my own actions. I believe strongly in personal integrity and authenticity and I believe a person’s actions show what they really care about and believe in, not what they say. Anyone can use words to say what they’re expected to say, or tell someone what they want to hear. It is a much smaller group of people who actually align their words with their actions – doing the right thing no matter how difficult and following through on their promises. I work hard every day to embody this quote. Though I fall short, it gives me something to work towards. Read more>>

Samus Starbody | Multidisciplinary Artist; Arts Educator; Arts Administrator

I decided to pursue an artistic AND creative career because I was born to be an artist. I come from a family of creators and storytellers, and have engaged in those practices for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child, I remember being interested in synthesizing all of my favorite toys, furniture, stuffed animals, etc into entire worlds. I explored concepts that my small brain couldn’t comprehend, but resonated with. My imagination became my favorite escape. Read more>>