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.

Olga Schmidt | President, Creative Society Non Profit

I am frugal with my spending, prioritizing essentials and spending in ways that support local communities. I try to stick to a budget and focus on what I truly need. Read more>>

Racheal Flanagan | Visionary at The Joyful Jungle Christian Learning Centers

In my world of Early Childhood, it has always been clear that children need to take healthy risks to grow. As an educator we are always working on what we call “Aha moments” These are moments when a student has been working on a new skill and it clicks. It is our job as educators to give children opportunities to push beyond their comfort zone to grow and sometimes that involves failure knowing at some point there will be success. The same is true for leadership. When I began The Joyful Jungle, I had a huge vision, it had been my dream for years. Read more>>

Raeden Gibran | Artist & Founder

The value that matters most to me is equity. For me, equity is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or resources, has access to fair opportunities and the ability to thrive. At WAV LLC, this principle is woven into our business model to create a more balanced and just system for music creators. Read more>>

Ash Tobin | Psychotherapist, Consultant, and LLPC Supervisor

As a therapist, I feel it is critical to center the unique lived experiences of my clients. While diagnosis, labels, and theory can be incredibly helpful, there is no one-size-fits all when it comes to psychotherapy. Therapists must take special care not to assume, pathologize, or abuse the inherent power dynamics present in the therapeutic relationship. It will always be my job to listen first and to operate with the understanding that my clients are the experts on themselves. Read more>>

Kiana Wenzell | Co-Director of Design Core Detroit

A lot of people might not know that Detroit is the only city in the United States with a UNESCO City of Design designation showcasing the creative merit that landmarks our city as a global leader in innovation and design. Design Core Detroit has stewarded this designation since 2015, just five years after we formed our organization. Next year we will celebrate 15 years of contributing to the amazing story of Detroit as a unique hub for manufacturing, innovator and collaborator in art, design and tech industries. Read more>>

Elizabeth Schmuhl | Multidisciplinary artist

There is no end: there is only make. I really believe the thing is to do the thing. Make art. End of career for me means when I’m no longer alive. Read more>>

Promitto Lux | Rock Band

The end goal for Promitto Lux to be touring steadily around North America Europe & South America. We would like our art to provide a comfortable life for ourselves and our families. Read more>>