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.

Rachael Grossman | Strega Nonna of Strega Nonna

I never considered this question, until I was about 22 years old and a friend/ customer of mine asked me if I had always been such a risk taker. I hardly even realize that I’m taking risks, but I suppose living is a risk, and I’ve always preferred to dive into life and dreams rather than wonder what could be. I opened the doors of my first business one month after my 21st birthday. It was a tiny kitchen in a trailer in Portland, Oregon, serving up authentic style Italian food, like the dishes that had inspired me so much during my stints in Italy. I have no idea where I’d be if I hadn’t taken that risk, but it had set me up for many years with a very fun and successful business with lots of time to travel and re inspire. Read more>>

Nicole Aquilina | Owner & Professional Cleaning Technician – Dust to Glory LLC.

I think most of the things worth having take risk to gain. All of the good things in life are on the other side of it and I’m okay with taking a chance as long as it’s calculated; I’ve weighed the good and the bad and I have a complete idea whether it’s worth it or not, because I take a bird’s eye view approach to all things. Read more>>

Lauren Margo | Tattoo Artist & Owner of Golden Rule Tattoo

Risk is a fundamental aspect of a tattoo artist’s career, influencing various aspects from creative expression to business operations. Here are some key considerations: 1. **Creative Risks**: – **Innovation**: Tattoo artists often need to push creative boundaries to develop unique styles and techniques. Taking creative risks can help an artist stand out in a crowded market. – **Client Expectations**: Balancing artistic vision with client preferences can be risky. Straying too far from a client’s vision might result in dissatisfaction, but sometimes guiding them towards a more innovative design can lead to outstanding results and a stronger reputation. Read more>>