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.

Katie Gigliotti | Museum Professional

As a mother to seven year-old twins and as the director of a mid-sized non-profit, I’ve learned that there is no perfect formula for work-life balance, but there are definitely strategies to make the division of energy more manageable. My mindset about work-life balance has definitely shifted over the years, both in the years following the pandemic and in accepting my current supervisory role. As a working mother, I think about the balance and how it impacts both myself and my employees. Read more>>

Dina Velocci | Restaurant Owner & Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

It all comes down to passion: what do you desire most? If you can answer that question, determination kicks in and won’t let you go. From there, you get to decide that you’re going to keep going because you want it badly enough. You’ll find a way by making your own way, and eventually you’ll get where you want to go. Things get revealed in the process that can open up an entirely new path or direction that looks different than originally anticipated, but you’ll have learned something and can be proud of your resilience and commitment. Read more>>

Jen Dayton | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

Risk-taking is often considered a gamble, but I saw it as a calculated step toward achieving my long-held dream. My name is Jen Dayton, and I own Homecrest & Co. My journey into entrepreneurship began with a bold decision to leave a successful career in sales to pursue my passion for the home and garden space. For years, I thrived in sales, enjoying the stability it provided. However, I felt a persistent dissatisfaction, knowing my true calling lay elsewhere. It was through a process of self-reflection and exploration that I discovered my passion for the home and garden space. Outside of work, I immersed myself in home decor trends, garden design, and DIY projects, activities that brought me immense joy. Read more>>

Ana Maria Dibu | Lifestyle Enhancement Expert

Risk has played a crucial role in my life and career. My decision to leave my comfortable government job to pursue coaching and writing two books is a prime example of this. I’ve come to see risk as a necessary part of growth and aligning my work with my deepest values. For me, risk isn’t about recklessness, but about making calculated decisions that prioritize my passion and desire to serve others over mere comfort and security. When I considered the potential rewards of following my true calling against the possible downsides, I realized that the opportunity to make a more direct impact on people’s lives far outweighed the stability of my previous position. Read more>>

Shyra Divine | Humanitarian

Through the use of my social media platforms, public speaking events, and my podcast, I am helping my community reprogram their minds for success. One of my missions is to redefine what work means to the world and reframe mindsets when it comes to money and receiving abundance. We were all taught growing up that we need to hustle and grind, work hard to survive, and that money is scarce, but I have found a different. easier way of living that will benefit the world and that starts with shifting the narrative that people have and realizing that our minds are powerful and have the ability to bring forth whatever we desire based on the law of belief. Read more>>

Chloë Cerva | Owner of Pretzel Prize

Being authentically me within everything I do in my work. I won’t put something out into the world unless I love it. Having control of my designing/creating/marketing is what I really love about owning a business and I believe my style and energy of how I put myself out there is truly what makes my product shine bright, Read more>>