Houston’s Most Inspiring Stories

Every neighborhood in Houston has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates the various neighborhoods but rather what they all have in common.  From the Fourth Ward to Sugar Land (and everywhere in between) we’ve been blown away by how many creative and talented people call Houston home.  Check out some of the inspiring stories we’ve discovered throughout the city.

Naomi umeh

What means the most to me is my ability to connect with people on an emotional level. That’s not something I consciously manufacture; it happens because I’m willing to be vulnerable and honest, to share my thoughts and experiences as they are, without hiding the messy or painful parts of my 18 year old self. Read more>>

Meagan DJ Purple Smoke” Patterson”

My mom was into Neo-Soul, Trap, and Reggae with her favorite artists being Prince, Shaggy, Boosie, Tupac, 8ball & MJG, and more (I know, what a blend lol) and my dad was into Jay-Z and later J.Cole etc. Although I grew up in a single-parent home, I was grateful because there was nothing like multiple Christmases and birthdays lol Plus, I enjoyed the uniqueness of their different perspectives. Read more>>

Rochelle Fitzgerald

So, we did what any hopeful new homeowners would do: we drove straight to the house. When we knocked on the door, the seller answered — completely shocked. She was still living there, boxes unpacked, totally unaware that the transaction had supposedly “closed.” I can still remember the awkwardness of that moment — our U-Haul full of everything we owned sitting at the curb while we stood there wondering where we were supposed to go. Read more>>

Lalena Kotasek

That foundation really shaped how I approach business today — with grit, creativity, and a focus on real results. I actually became an entrepreneur at 19 and went on to co-found a couple construction companies in Colorado while also working as a fix-and-flip real estate investor. That hands-on experience in traditional business and marketing gave me a deep understanding of how every dollar and every decision matters. Read more>>

Cynthia Singleton

Mindful of my friend’s comments, I spent over a year attending every parent training I could find on how to advocate within the special ed system in public school. By the time my son was ready to enroll in school, I was ready. His admission ARD was 13 hours: 6 hours the first day, and 7 hours the second day. ARD is the name of the meeting between the parents and the school to determine what special ed services a student will receive. Read more>>

Emily Schmeltz

Growing up with a massive Italian/German/Irish family in the midwest is where I discovered the kitchen and my passion for food, drinks, and most importantly hospitality. There were always a lot of people around for the holidays and of course the kitchen was the center of each gathering. My favorite memories include dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; all were welcome at these events and the food was certainly the focus. Read more>>

Kayla/Chelsea Clark/Edison

Our journey really began with a shared passion for creating memorable experiences. Ever since we were young, both Kayla and I naturally gravitated toward celebrations, birthdays, holidays, family milestones, you name it. We found so much joy in bringing people together and making those moments feel truly special. Read more>>

Donnette Williams Jones

Triumph Through Faith: The Inspiring Journey of Donnette Williams Jones Born in Oakland, California, I have always embraced the complexities of life. As the only child of both parents, my early years were shaped by a challenging upbringing. Raised in a dysfunctional household, I navigated a world of streets and struggles. Read more>>

Raven Dreibelbis

I spent the early years of my career in corporate marketing and creative roles, working in video production for the United States Professional Tennis Association, managing advertising for a national senior living provider and leading financial services relationships for a global FinTech company. I started my entrepreneurial journey when I was laid off from my corporate role during the 2008 recession. Read more>>

Yasmir Benavides

My name is Yasmir Benavides, and this is how Premiere Healing Hands came to be. It all started during the Covid year when I was still working in education. I had been with Galena Park ISD for eight years, first as a site coordinator and later as a principal’s secretary. That was the last position I held before everything changed. Read more>>

Nora Spinnor

I started writing this book a couple of years ago. I had the vision in my head, but it was nowhere near what it is today when I started. I kept working at it, researching and revising. I probably rewrote it four or five times. I feel like now, the end product is beyond me, beyond what I could produce alone. Read more>>

Gustavo De Cillo

I am a Brazilian immigrant. Have been in the US since 2005. I am an equine veterinarian (vet for horses). I grew up on a farm. My family raised Quarter Horses and I rode from a very early age.. As a young guy I loved breaking colts. Read more>>

BLANCA GONZALEZ

Began as a first generation American,whose parents moved here seeking a better future. Born here in Houston and becoming a mom at the young age of 19. Knowing I would have to thrive through life so my daughter’s lives could be better. I got my cosmetology license and began the pursuit to a better life. Then about 7 years ago The Lions Den Mens. Read more>>

Brittany Morris

7 years ago on September 10th, I began my first job in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a behavior technician. Within a day or so, I realized it was my perfect fit. I always knew that my purpose was working with children because their innocence, their raw tenacity, their inability to be anything but themselves, drew me to them. Read more>>

Jordan Kozy

I’ve always been a creative entrepreneur with a vision for freedom. From a young age, I knew that owning my own business, doing something I loved would be the path to achieving it. With over 12 years of experience in the digital marketing space, I was able to take everything I learned and pour it into my own brand and business. Read more>>

LaTonya White

I took a leap of faith in July 2018 and purchased my very own travel agency franchise — Cruise Planners. From day one, my mission has been simple: to create unforgettable vacations for my clients through all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and, of course, cruises. Read more>>

Mark Sachak

The key distinction lies in the use of two types of acids. One acid is designed to etch the cracked surface, ensuring a robust bond, while the other works to repel dirt, gathering it into the largest voids and bonding securely around it. This innovative approach enhances the strength of the bond by preventing dirt from being redistributed throughout the entire chip. Read more>>

Tara Dugal Evelin Wirtmann

We’ve always been enchanted by fall—it’s our favorite time of year. What began as decorating our own homes turned into something much bigger. Last winter, we read an article about an entrepreneur who created pumpkin displays in their community, and it inspired us to bring our own small business to life. Read more>>

Chaddrick/ Jeremy Forbes / Brown

Fusion-Haa Podcast: The Origin Story It all started with two best friends from high school — Chad and Jeremy — who could debate anything under the sun (and usually did ). Whether it was anime, video games, wrestling, or pop culture, our conversations always turned into lively, passionate debates that drew people in. Read more>>

Anna Flores

Why did I go from cop to counselor? It’s cliché to say I love helping others, but as a cop you’re limited in how much you can truly help. It feels good to make an impact in the moment, but I often found myself wanting to do more—for victims of crime, for families, and for my community. Read more>>

Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith embarked on a journey in 2008, driven by her dedication to providing mental health services to foster youth in congregate homes. What began as a solo endeavor expanded in October 2011 into a group practice, addressing the increasing need for therapeutic services in the community. Read more>>

Victor Reachi

i suuuuuuuper busy contractor, now i have a big enormous cabinet shop and about 20 people working for me, i become a general contractor and do general construction not only cabinets, i have a beautiful family starting with my wife, 3 sons, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson and really happy, every time i look back i cant believe im here thanks to, god, my family, all my good friends that i mention and of course to the this country, thanks. Read more>>

Daniella Bernal

The story of how it all began is one that means a lot to me. My name is Daniella Evelyn Bernal. About three years ago, I was a 20 year old girl who felt pressured to follow the medical path like everyone around me. I’d always been the creative one — the girl who loved art, beauty, and painting. Read more>>

Anita Emmanuel

I grew up watching my mom bake — it was the happiest I ever saw her. She always seemed so full of joy whenever she was in the kitchen, and even though I didn’t realize it back then, those moments planted a seed in me. Funny enough, I never imagined baking would become my passion. I actually wanted to be a lawyer and a writer. Read more>>

Jasmine Nelson

When I was younger, I’d say a Sophomore in High school, I was riding the bus with a friend, she mentioned that she had hair on her face. Out of curiosity, I went home and looked in the mirror… and there it was. Hair on my neck and a little bit on my jawline that I’d never noticed before. Read more>>

Rebecca Ward

What started as a simple fall tradition of picking out pumpkins with my family and decorating our front porch quickly grew into a full-blown passion for creating cozy, welcoming spaces that celebrate the magic of the season. Fall has always been my favorite. There’s something about crisp air, homemade soup, and a pumpkin patch that brings families together. Read more>>

Stephanie Sanchez

I’ve always loved photos and having photos printed and displayed in my home. I started photography about 10 years ago right after I was married to my high school sweetheart. My wedding photographer was offering a beginners photography class and taught me how to use my camera in manual mode. I was hooked after that. Read more>>

Crystal Gibson

Our Story Founded by Master Esthetician and Licensed Instructor, Crystal Gibson The Esthetician Academy was born from both passion and purpose — the vision of licensed master esthetician, instructor, and entrepreneur Crystal Gibson, who has over 16 years of corrective skincare experience and a deep commitment to education, empowerment, and excellence. Crystal’s journey began long before the doors of The Esthetician Academy ever opened. Read more>>

Mimi & Johnae

It all started from a dream and a passion. Mimi’s passion for cooking and Johnae’s dream of opening a restaurant. Peppaz HTX was founded by Mimi Jones and Johnae Bernard. What started off as cooking made-to-order plates from their home kitchen soon grew to something much bigger. Read more>>

Big Business

I’m a local artist born and raised in Houston, Texas. As a child, I was into drawing almost everything, especially comic book, character and movie characters. I used to sketch and draw as a kid have a once I started working I stopped creating art. I didn’t pick up painting until the pandemic, which was almost 15 years later. Read more>>

Nes Onuoha

While I was in the process of obtaining my Speech license, I found myself at a crossroads, seriously considering law school. I was preparing for the LSAT and exploring that path when I received a call from a facility I had previously connected with way before I received my license. Read more>>

Donisha Wright

I started my business after my third layoff when I realized it was time to take control of my future. What began in 2018 was more than just a way to earn a living — it was about creating stability for my family and using my skills to support other small business owners who often don’t have access to reliable financial guidance. Read more>>

Vessy Smith

I’ve always believed that travel is one of the most beautiful ways to experience life. It opens your heart, expands your world, and reminds you that wonder still exists everywhere—you just have to know where to look. My journey to becoming a travel professional wasn’t a straight path, but every chapter along the way has shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Max BurrusWebb

I’ve always been an anatomy nerd and been fascinated by birth. I grew up in a very small town, and when I was 16 read every book about midwifery and birth that the local library had. Read more>>

JOSE MORA

My story begins in Venezuela, in a small and beautiful coastal city called Lechería, where I grew up and built my professional foundation. For seven years, I worked in the oil and gas industry as a petroleum engineer. However, my passion for cars was always part of me. Read more>>

Mahalakshmi Krishnan

I came to the United States as an immigrant in the early 1990s — full of dreams, aspirations, and an unshakable sense of purpose. I was young, fearless, and ready to explore an unknown world. I still remember walking into a thrift store to buy my very first winter jacket — it was freezing in Chicago, but I was filled with the warmth of determination. Read more>>

Brennan Cross

My name is Brennan Cross, and I’m the founder of a new Pilates studio in Tomball, Texas. I was born and raised in this town, and its always been a special place to me. Tomball is where I grew up, built lasting connections and learned what community truly means. Being able to bring this dream to life here feels incredibly meaningful. Read more>>

Patricia Verrelli

All three of us have been in the hair industry for over 15 years. We met and worked together as stylists at the same salon. I, Patricia, hail from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Houston three years ago. Danielle, from California, has lived here for over 20 years, while Jenn was born and raised here. Read more>>

Kelsey Albrecht

I graduated as valedictorian with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2008 and spent four years working in the Intensive Care Unit. I then pursued advanced training, earning my Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia from TCU in 2014. Read more>>

Stacy Gonzalez

I’m a Houston native, a daughter of Peruvian immigrants, a University of Houston graduate, and a proud single mom building a life rooted in purpose, independence, and legacy. My path hasn’t been linear — I’ve been a nonprofit founder, campaign manager, marketing consultant, marketing firm owner, and now a Realtor and business owner. Each chapter taught me resilience, strategy, and the power of self-belief. Read more>>

Lisa Benoit

Before I ever became a broker, I was a business owner — working long hours, wearing every hat, and spending countless nights researching how to grow and market my restaurants. I learned how to manage staff, build systems, and create a brand from the ground up, but when it came to real estate, I realized how much I didn’t know. Read more>>

Eshal Jasani

I began planning events in high school, starting with my own parties and school functions, which sparked my passion for creating memorable experiences. As I gained more experience helping with family weddings, I developed a deeper understanding of logistics, design, and coordination. Read more>>

Derriel Alexander

I’ve always had a heart for people and a love for creating moments that bring them together. Growing up, my family was big on get-togethers. For us laughter, music, food, and connection were always at the center of it all. That joy of seeing people celebrate and feel seen is something I carried with me into adulthood. Read more>>

Grecia Berrios

I was born in El Salvador, in a small town where life was simple but not easy. I grew up surrounded by scarcity and uncertainty I saw violence, and I saw children die from malnutrition. Those moments marked me forever. They made me compassionate, but also strong. They planted in me a fire to rise above and one day change the story for my family. Read more>>

Crystal Pike

I hold two master’s degrees one from the University of Houston–Clear Lake in General Psychology, and another from Lamar University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My journey began in higher education, where I served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Lone Star College. Read more>>

Michelle Johnson, LPC

Rather than dishonoring my past, I embrace it because it allows me to sit with people in their darkest seasons and say, ‘I see you, and I’ve been there.’ My journey has fueled both Transcend Living Transformative Counseling and my new venture, Lionisticly®. In fact, the heart of Transcend Living Transformative Counseling is found in the name of the practice. Transcend means to rise above or go beyond, and transformative counseling is about guiding people beyond what holds them back so they can live with resilience and hope. Read more>>

Keith Shelby

My journey into business ownership wasn’t straightforward. I always admired my uncle, a businessman I looked up to, and deep down, I knew one day I wanted something of my own. But life had other plans at first. I worked in sales and service jobs, learning how to talk to people, serve clients, and build relationships. Read more>>