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.

Gayelynn McKinney | Professional Drummer, Professor, Producer and Women Who Drum Festival creator

For a long time I didn’t like taking risks because, of the stress and fear involved. However, when you are driven to do something, you look past the risk, follow your intuition, and do what it takes to see the vision to the end. In most cases you will succeed. Sometime, you may take a risk and it doesn’t pay off but, if you don’t try, you’ll never know. Read more>>

Andre Barker | Figurative painter

I think wrist taking is a important part of evolving as an artist and realizing what you want your art to communicate. For me, I only started painting recently and took a risk jumping into a new medium after starting grad school. I was scared that might fail or waste time trying to learn a new skill but if I never started I would not have known how much I enjoy painting. Read more>>

Rachel Whittington | B.S Psychology, C-FSD, CBE, CLC, Certified GGK Home Visitor

As a Black birth-worker, my comprehensive support approach, encompassing advocacy, education, and equity, profoundly impacts the community by empowering families through education, advocating for systemic change within the healthcare system, promoting equity in access to care, offering lactation support, building a supportive community network, and inspiring future advocates. Read more>>

Manuela Koziarz | The Nest Collaborative Store Owner

I am inspired by the women around me, my mom, my friends, co-business owners, etc. I must say I have a pretty good group of women who inspire me on a daily, watching their hustle makes me want more for myself and my business. Watching them turn something they are passionate about into reality is so cool to see. I get inspired by others around me seeing their ideas and come up with my own. Read more>>

Mark Stonerock | Co-Director; Marquette Area Blues Festival

By far, the most important factor to our success has been the dedication and drive of our Executive Board. As a volunteer organization, members come and go, but the folks that are mainstays within our leadership have been rock solid. We all love the music we support, and enjoy bringing it to a new audience. Read more>>

Jennifer Vivekanand | Author & Illustrator

Just before the pandemic, I had a devastating fall on the stairs at home and shattered my arm in three places. It was a severe, life-changing injury, requiring major surgery, and I now have a ten-inch titanium plate and screws in my arm—which I think, makes me part cyborg. The shut down occurred when I was ready to start occupational and physical therapy on my arm, and the only option was Zoom calls using items bought off the internet, with my husband doing his best to stand in for the therapist. With everyone at home due to the shutdown, I was fortunate to have 24 hour care from my family during my year-long, painful recovery. Read more>>