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.

Johnny Washington Iii | CEO: Going Global Music Group & Damalline Clothing Company

Risk is the one thing you need to learn how to embrace. It takes risk to make anything a reality. Just like it takes money to make money. If you won’t invest in yourself why should someone else invest in you. Read more>>

Eric Bowman | Hip hop artist/writer/creative

One of my favorite books I’ve read is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo. It’s had a significant impact on my outlook on life. It’s one of the reasons I chose to move from Minnesota and start from scratch in Michigan. Read more>>

Ryan Hudson-peralta | Designer, Speaker, & Disability Advocate

Starting Equal Accessibility was a deeply personal decision for me. I was born without hands and unable to walk, so I’ve spent my entire life adapting to a world that wasn’t built with people like me in mind. Growing up, I faced countless challenges navigating spaces that weren’t designed for individuals with disabilities. Over time, I realized that accessibility needs to go beyond simply meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels truly included and valued. Read more>>

Kayla Strait | Realtor®

Starting my own real estate business was a decision that came from a deep passion for helping people navigate the complexities of the real estate market. My thought process was centered around creating a more personalized and stress-free home buying and selling experience for clients. Read more>>

Jacy Kirby | Health Coach & Author

The end goal, truly, is to be able to look back at the end and go, “I am fulfilled. I am at peace.” I have always let my passions guide me. Writing, whether it be poetry, flash fiction, short story, or even novels (still working on those!) is an outlet that lets me prosper both professionally and personally. I would love to be able to publish many more books in my career, both fictional and nonfictional pieces.  Read more>>

Broderick Bebout | Artist, Husband, Father, Friend and wanna be comic…

I’ll be honest—my path into the art world wasn’t exactly planned. It all started during the pandemic when I was sent home from my regular job. Like many people, I found myself struggling with isolation and uncertainty, working alone in my basement. I wasn’t in a good place mentally, so for my own sanity, I returned to something I loved as a kid—art. It was an escape, something I used to do to relax but hadn’t touched in years. Read more>>

Jordy Bruins | Music producer, teacher and DJ

Quitting my job! I worked at a nice spot in a hospital. The pay was good, the boss was good but I just couldn’t keep going. I need a challenge every now and then, something new to work on, but the average day job doesn’t deliver much in that regard. Read more>>

Franka Arcangeli | LMSW, Founder, Supervisor, Field Instructor

I grew up in a traditional Albanian household as a first-generation American, where mental health was often overlooked and even stigmatized. Witnessing firsthand how my community’s views on mental health could lead to dark and isolating times, I felt a deep calling to be part of the solution. Despite the cultural resistance, I was driven to shed light on the importance of mental wellness, not only for those in my community but for anyone facing similar obstacles. Read more>>

Mariah Brancheau | Artist & Business Owner

Hi friend! My name is Mariah Brancheau and I am the owner, artist, and art educator behind Lovely Little Lettering Co, my art brand that celebrates the lovely things in life through beautiful words, vibrant colors, and blooming florals. Read more>>

Deneen L Garrett | Emerging Art Curator, International Speaker, Podcast Creator & Host

The art world chose me. I became a collector in March of 2020 when I visited Houston. Was surrounded by large, vibrant, powerful pieces that drew my attention while having breakfast at the Breakfast Klub. The owner provided me the artist’s info, we met the next day and I bought my 1st piece of original artwork. Over the next few months, I purchased 5 more, two were commissions, from artist Linda Simien Kelly. I continued collecting then in October of 2023, I started attending the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club (DFABC) founded by Henry Harper and Harold Braggs here in Detroit. DFABC is a space to support, grow and connect for artists as well as collectors and enthusiasts. Read more>>