LinkUpHTX

Blue lights covered me as I entered the dimly lit art space in the Sanman Studios tucked away next to the University of Houston (Downtown). The attendees were draped in eye-catchingly, abstract fashion to the immaculate sounds from DJ Womon fusing old school and today's R&B and Neo Soul.

I passed by a few vendors: Weird & Different (apparel), Mavology (skincare), and Flourishing Candle Company... I purchased a candle because "candles,” and can one really have too many?

Finally, I made my way towards the stage to get a good seat where the projector demanded the crowd to "STOP FAKE NETWORKING" multiple times down the cemented alabaster wall. A commonly shared thought among professionals of various industries, since certain mixers do feel a wee bit forced with the not-so-subtle scent of "quid-pro-quo" in securing business opportunities via in-person interaction in the air.

LinkUpHTX panel host Kelvin Pruitt hitting good points with panelists (left to right): Isis Bradford, Ashley O'Neill, Ope Amosu, and Cameron Dean.

Despite the brief technical delay, the panelists' advice and experiences were very timely during this season of restructuring my career path. Whether it was my ability to relate to Chop N Blok's chef and founder Ope Amosu's desire for more in his professional pursuits...

 "I wasn't fulfilled," Ope expressed while explaining his transition from the corporate world to his culinary dream of offering quality, authentic West African dishes to the Houston community.

Or Isis Bradford, creative marketing strategist, reading into my soul as an over-thinker when creating and debuting completed works to an audience.

"What’s done is done," she stated when it comes to overanalyzing during one's creative process, and inadvertently talking oneself out of putting their creations out into the world.

Even the enjoyment of collaborating with like-minded artists who're serious about their craft, expressed by Cameron Dean, film maker and music video director. All of it spoke to me.

The 2024 job market in tandem with the increased cost of everything, has been challenging for many. I began thinking how hard I've been on myself during my career journey. Fortunately, I continue to remind myself it's events like the LinkUpHTX hosted by Servante Cook and the Oqupi team that fuels the vigor I had back in 2012 to connect with other creatives and/or jobseekers like me.

Check out more upcoming events and info on Oqupi here!