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.
Simone Castille
Her Fitness Bootcamp which is hosted quarterly in Houston, Tx. This is a 1hr bootcamp that will get the heart pumping and blood flowing. Each bootcamp is dedicated to a specific cancer awareness month in honor of my loved ones who have passed. This dedication helps me remember to put my health first and never neglect the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We are not only here to push individuals to work out consistently, but also advocate and educate our audience on the importance of fitness and healthier nutrition as a whole. Read More>>
Kieng Vannak
As a professional dancer and choreographer, I spent hours rehearsing, performing, and moving. I noticed that most of the activewear out there either looked great but wasn’t functional, or it was comfortable but lacked style. I wanted both, and I realized others probably did too. That’s when the idea for my own clothing line started to form in my mind. Read More>>
Anna Sazo
Then we have lunch over great conversations about the topic of the day and more.I also speak 5 languages and live in 6 different countries so I have clients from all over the world. Read More>>
Madison Valdecanas
So, I decided to start up my own coffee/cocktail catering service. I knew I already had the skills of a barista ,so I just taught my self how to bartend. It took countless days and practice to really get myself familiar with the different drinks and build a strong sense of artistry. All that hard work paid off and now I get to hit the morning and night market with my coffee and cocktail service as well as build relationships with different clients I meet. Read More>>
Evelyn Alvarez
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I’ve always been driven by imagination and a passion for dreaming big. From humble beginnings, I’ve forged a successful career as a professional model. My journey began as a brand ambassador, evolving into print and campaign modeling, and most recently, affiliating with the iconic Playboy brand. Read More>>
Thuylinh Nguyen
Hence, the concept of Drip. I wanted to “redefine” the express nail salon experience by providing luxury, customer-focused service that is both relaxing and efficient within a spa-like atmosphere. There’s also this stereotype as to what types of nails certain professionals or individuals are “supposed” to wear. I aspire to break out beauty boundaries & stereotypes; inspire & nurture individual expression & creativity. Drip was built to commit to diversity, cleanliness, innovation and support. I wanted Drip to be more than just nails. I wanted to nurture relationships and create a safe space for everyone to feel welcome to express themselves freely. Read More>>
Nikki Harris-anderson
I have always loved makeup since I was a little girl. Constantly sneaking my mom’s makeup and putting it on when I got to school. As an officer on my high school’s dance team, I was always the one the girls asked for help with their eyeshadow and putting on lashes. Although I loved doing makeup, I knew I wanted to go to college to be a neonatal nurse. My family is full of Harvard graduates, doctors and nurses, so it was just natural that I also gravitated towards the medical field. Come my senior year all of that would change. Read More>>
Gloria Suarez
I am also the Founder and Executive Director of my own 501c3 nonprofit, Bee Abled, for people with disabilities, family, friends, and caregivers. I am a huge advocate of community work. I volunteer at TIRR Memorial Hermann (where I did inpatient and outpatient therapy) as a Peer Volunteer, where I mentor other people with spinal cord injuries and discuss similar challenges and ways of overcoming them. I am an adaptive athlete living with paralysis for over 9 years. I participate in several adaptive sports such as: wheelchair soccer, wheelchair softball, boccia, air pistol, and racing. Read More>>
Nikia Wingard
However, the summer of 2024 brought unexpected challenges. I faced financial hardship while out on FMLA due to mental health struggles, compounded by my baby brother’s illness. During this difficult time, my Aunt Mary reached out and asked if I could make her some teacakes with pecans. I gladly obliged, finding comfort in baking. One Sunday, I invited my close sister’s friends over for Sunday dinner, and when one of them asked for something sweet, I mentioned I had a couple of teacakes in the cookie jar. After trying them, my friends encouraged me, saying, “Nikia, you can sell these! You need to earn income—why not start at our church?” Read More>>
Jarrod Bonaparte
Hell no! It was not a smooth journey running a donation-based fitness boot camp. As you can imagine, in the earlier stages between Houston’s constant weather changes, coming up with various workouts, and substituting my time for financial gain, it was a huge sacrifice and mental struggle. Read More>>
Cathey Bolin
They always pushed me to learn and try new things even if it was outside of my comfort zone. I taught myself how to play guitar around the age of 12 and had already been singing in the church choir for a few years. I played my first solo gig in 2014 and instantly became addicted. At that point, even past the nerves, I knew playing music was something that made me happy and I never wanted to let it go. Read More>>
Carmen Reeves
Those collections soon grew into short stories, and eventually into short scripts. By high school, I kind of had the vision of what I wanted to do, with the help of my school’s A/V program. I learned a lot of useful and technical baseline information. Through that experience, I was led to the decision to go to film school- an exciting venture that I am still pursuing. During my time in school, I’ve gotten work and intern opportunities within the Houston-based film industry which has taught and helped me continue to shape my voice as an artist. Read More>>
Alejandro Betancourt
O no never a smooth road specially in this industry, Hurricane Harvey, and the pandemic were some examples of tought times, even thought i was in miami during the pandemic and it never felt like there was one finding people during that time was really challenging. Read More>>
Kervin Queliza
I had been searching for weeks for a game that was similar to what I wanted, with no luck. I remember that I was at my local HEB complaining to a friend (who would later be my business partner) about it and he made a comment about why don’t we make one. I spent the next thirty minutes in the produce aisle designing the majority of the game including the majority of opening lines for the game. Read More>>
Queen Ivade
As a hairstylist, my journey hasn’t been without struggles. Building a client base from scratch was tough, especially transitioning from fashion design. Mastering different techniques took time, and there were moments of frustration when styles didn’t turn out as expected. Balancing the creative side with the business aspect was challenging too, managing bookings, marketing, and the constant self-doubt that comes with perfectionism . Despite these hurdles, my passion for styling has kept me going, and each challenge has made me stronger and more determined. Read More>>
Sylvia Escontrias
May 2, 2017 at 9:46 am
I would like to know how to be considered for Houston most inspiring stories. I would love my story to be featured – I am a breast Cancer survivor just recently an d I was just named WEC’s Busniess professional of 2017!!!!!!
Cori Aston
June 1, 2017 at 2:39 pm
Thank you for sharing my story and my art. As an artist we normally sit in the background… and create. We help create the visions, the mood boards and then execute those visions in our minds eye onto the human canvas.
It’s a never ending journey of the next creation. So, thank you, voyage magazine, for considering me one of Houston’s inspiring stories.
Suzanne Bearnth
June 5, 2017 at 11:58 am
Congratulations Cori! The story is extremely awesome and well deserving!
Kristen Grandi
June 15, 2017 at 2:45 pm
We are so grateful for you guys featuring Junk Hippy!
We’ll see you July 8 in Rosenberg!
Peace & lots of love,
Kristen Grandi
Memory Mill Productions
July 6, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Thank you very much for featuring The Memory Mill Productions in Houston’s most inspiring stories!
We can’t wait to shoot more weddings, document more stories and capture moments that will be cherished forever.
Catherine | Fit Armadillo
July 28, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Such an honor to share more about my company! Thanks for the feature.
Dawn Appling, EA
August 18, 2017 at 3:33 am
Thank you so much for featuring ProTouch Finance. I am humbled, and really appreciate you taking the time to give me the opportunity to tell the story of our humble beginnings.
Love and blessings <3
Maria Simon, JustSnickerdoodles
October 18, 2017 at 12:53 pm
I am so overjoyed at this amazing opportunity to be featured! Thank you guys so much for shining a light on my little mobile company!
Jo Trizila
November 17, 2017 at 9:48 pm
Would love to know how to be in contact with you. We have a great story to tell.
Through the end of the year, Solis Mammography – the nation’s largest independent provider of breast screening services – presents its “Help Us Help Houston” campaign through its seven locations across the greater Houston region. From now through the end of the year, patients who schedule and complete their annual screening mammogram at Solis Mammography, will also give the gift of restoration and recovery.
For every mammogram appointment scheduled and completed at any Solis Mammography center in the Houston area between Oct. 23 and Dec. 31, $10 will be donated to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund by Solis Mammography and its partners in the effort, HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division and Hologic. To signal their participation in the campaign, all patients need to do is use the code “Harvey” when they check-in for their appointment.
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund was established by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. The fund is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Because of the immense need in and around Houston, this fund is dedicated to relieving gaps that are not met by other local and federal efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Diana Lombard
December 13, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Thank you so much for featuring Diana Lombard Interiors! It was an honor to be included in these stories and share information about my business!
Maria and Ruth
December 15, 2017 at 2:30 am
Thank you so much for including boballoons in your most inspiring stories!! It was an honor to share our story and information on our yard balloon business. We love celebrating birthdays!!
Tanya Ivory Mayes
January 21, 2018 at 9:06 pm
Thank you for featuring The Ivory Collection in Houston’s most inspiring stories! I am honored and inspired by the other stories as well. Great magazine!
Juan
June 27, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Thank you for featuring Blue Elm Photography as Houston’s most inspiring stories! It is truly an honor to be a part of such an outstanding community. Thank you!
L&B Limited Company
August 8, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Thank you for featuring two photos of homes from L&B Limited Co. We’re thrilled to be highlighted among other local talents. Being a part of our community is important to us and we love seeing all these rising stars in Houston!
Gusto Graphic Tees
January 3, 2019 at 3:31 pm
Thank you so much for this opportunity to tell our story along with so many other amazing people/companies. We truly appreciate you and what you do to promote small businesses!
Carrie
March 22, 2019 at 11:57 am
Thank you so much for featuring my blog & Instagram site, @carriebesthetics. I truly appreciate the opportunity & I love what you guys are doing!
Krystal
April 19, 2019 at 6:21 pm
Thank you so much for the feature! Really meant a lot.
Krystal S. LIttle
@krystalslittle
@yessshair
Sarah Britton
November 29, 2019 at 5:40 pm
We are so honored to be featured in this amazing series. Thank you!
Rima Dawood
December 19, 2019 at 12:35 am
It is amazing and awesome to read my own story and feel the excitement again as if I live every moment right now!
Thank you so much Voyage Houston!
Agnes Belle
January 12, 2020 at 9:45 pm
Thank you for featuring Agnes Belle in Vintage Park as one of Houston’s most inspiring stories. We appreciate it!!
Emily
March 2, 2020 at 4:27 pm
Thank you for taking the time to reach out and offer a feature. I really appreciate it!
Emily Cole
https://www.emilycoleofficial
Determined Solutions
March 27, 2020 at 2:12 pm
This is awesome! And this is what we need more of right now. Local businesses supporting locals. We’re going to have to come together to make it through these trying times, but no doubt, Houston will bounce back stronger than ever!