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.

George Stager Iii | Communication Professional | Marketing Manager | Brand Ambassador | Philanthropy Manger | Host | Children’s Book Author

The most important factor in the success of my brand is believing in myself while always putting others first. Stepping out of my comfort zone to create a children’s book about one of my favorite holidays was never something I planned, but it became a rewarding journey. My brand has always centered on creativity, style, and bringing smiles to others. Whether through philanthropy, decorating, or connecting people, prioritizing others has been the foundation of my success. As I often say, the worst anyone can say is “no.” If you can accept that, you’re capable of achieving anything! Read more>>

Cassandra Larimore | Creator & Founder

The most important factor behind my success and the success of VM Skincare is TRUST. From the very beginning, my mission has been to create a brand that women can truly rely on—one that delivers on its promises with integrity and transparency. I built VM Skincare because I couldn’t find products that were both non-toxic and effective, and I knew other women were facing the same frustration. Read more>>

Dr. Calvin T. Mann | President of EMIY Inc and Author

I’m just one of ten children from my father Rev. Columbus Mann Sr. Who was signed by Motown as a gospel musician.
My mother Olliebell and Dad had a record label back in 1968. I learned so much growing up from my mom who was amazing with people. I grew up on 8 mile in Detroit and Royal Oak Twp. The men raised me after my parents divorced. What a way to grow up with men everywhere in my life.. sports played a major factor as I watched my uncle Don who was an all American at Ferndale High School whom we would later coach together at the high school. Read more>>

Scott Beal | Poet, Singer/Songwriter, University Lecturer

Sometime around sixth grade, I started to come around to the idea that what I’d learned in church about heaven and stuff maybe wasn’t real, which left me questioning what life is for and what it will have meant when I die. And one day I was doing my English homework, reading “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and it occurred to me that Edgar Allan Poe is a guy who died over a hundred years ago, but I still know his name and have his words taking up space in my head. And so I got the idea that to be a writer is a way to cheat death — to make an impression on the world that can last long after I’m gone. When I started writing poems in my late teens, I’m sure that dream of immortality still lurked in the back of my mind. Read more>>

Beck Leavesley | Author & Social Media Influencer

From music to drawing, videography to graphic design, I have always been a creative at heart. I started writing at fourteen simply because I was dissatisfied with the current young adult market and wanted to create something that readers of my age would enjoy. Living in Michigan inspired my love of lakes, beaches, lighthouses, break walls, and warm summer weather. My debut novel is inspired by these locations, weaving fantastical elements into the world that I grew up with. Read more>>

Ann Byle | Writer and Book Coach

When I first starting writing as a freelancer, I was raising four kids as my husband worked. Two were in school, one a toddler and one an infant. Needless to say, I wrote in the cracks. I tried to do one story a week for the local newspaper. Sometimes that worked out, sometimes not. As they grew older and all entered school, I could write more. But kids still take time, even as they are older and require less manual labor. Mental and emotional labor is just as tough. Read more>>

Bridget Stralko | Professional Home Organizer

I think people have a hard time balancing life in general. Between work, family, taking care of your home, and hobbies, sometimes the lines between what’s important gets blurred. I know that’s true for a lot of my clients, and it’s true for me as well! Read more>>