Trailblazers: South Loop

The editorial team has a special attachment to our new series, The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative, because so many of us feel that media portrayals of women have been too one dimensional. Today, women are doing incredible things in all fields – from science and technology to finance, law, business, athletics and more.  With the Trailblazers series, we hope to highlight and celebrate female role models, encourage more equal and just representation in the media, and help foster a more tight-knit community locally helping women find mentors, business partners, friends and more.

Below, you’ll find some incredible trailblazers from in and around South Loop that we hope you will check out, follow and support.

Jaimie Adams

Working two jobs when I could get hours and doing hair on the side. Many sleepless nights!!! I survived! I wanted to quit but I was fighting to become a better person. I have definitely had some hardships with business taking lessons the hard way. Such as moving faster than my resources allowed. Read more>>

Janai Smith

My biggest struggle is pursuing Jesus in a world that tells me I’m crazy for it and seeing the beauty in every sacrifice I have ever had to make. My second biggest struggle has been learning to love even the ugliest, inappropriate, unhealthy parts of me so that I can become the best version of myself through constant growth. Read more>>

Rhashedah Ekeoduru

The blog has a travel focus but highlights events around Houston, fitness, and nutrition tips. In addition, I am a motivational speaker and mentor for students wishing to enter the medical profession. These roles bring me great joy. Read more>>

Carissa Stephens

I wanted to be more directly impactful in my community as well as dedicate more time to motivating and inspiring girls and women to embrace their natural beauty and live their best lives as I had done for years with an existing brand. Plus, I wanted to travel whenever I felt moved to without needing to request time off. Ultimately, I was determined to design the life of my dreams. Read more>>

Shameka Chante’

I always say I fell into modeling by accident, but really it was a blessing in disguise, which made me develop a deeper love for myself. I know that there are many women and young girls that have been in that very space that I used to be stuck in, and I feel like it’s my duty to help them see the beauty they possess inside and out. I tend to do that through modeling. Read more>>

Joy M. Hutton

I have always had a passion for helping people – I thought I was going to be a lawyer. I decided to pursue another route instead. I received my Master of Public Administration, in hopes of working for the government and affecting change in education reform. Well, this did not work out as planned. One thing my life has taught me is to be flexible. Read more>>

Angie Emerson and Cisco Ruiz

Six years ago, I began frequenting open mics around town (Clear Lake, Texas) with my old flute from 6th grade. I knew Cisco (my current music partner) from my parent’s wedding when I was just seventeen. He then took me under his wing and began to teach me about sound engineering. Read more>>

Anna Mata

My aha moment came when one customer was so excited about her new do that she exclaimed, “Anna your an artist!” That has stuck with me, and really helped me feel my worth intellectually, my brain just worked differently, because I was an artist, such a weight had been lifted! Fast forward to the 8th year of my career, I had my firstborn. Read more>>

Lillian Tryon

I have perfected my craft and have established myself as a highly sought out Microblading Artist. I am now located in the Meyerland Area inside of Salon Meyerland where I offer my clients an array of beauty services such as Microblading, Aromatherapy Facials, Microdermabrasion, Cosmetic Teeth Whitening, Makeup Services and More! Read more>>