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.

Toussaint Davis

I grew up in Chicago, and music has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve wanted to be a singer for as long as I can remember, and I’ve spent these past few years working hard to create great songs for my fans. Dancing is also a big part of who I am—it’s something that fuels my passion and keeps me connected to my art. Everything I’ve been through has led me to this moment, and I’m grateful to be living my dream. Read More>>

Wilson Harrison III

After 6 months of running the pop-up restaurant with long lines, the team took the courage and opened their first mobile food truck in April 2020 in a thriving Urban are in Houston, Texas. we had to open a food truck because this was the time during Covid 19 when restauarnts were required to shut down their businesses. Demand for our crave-able hot fried chicken exceeded all expectations and sales have grown every month since opening with consistently great quality food and awesome experience. We went from one food truck in 2020 to 3 food trucks now in 2024. Read More>>

Paul Perges

I’m originally from the Philippines but moved to the states when I was 6, and stayed in VA for most of my life. I recently moved to ATX a few months ago to pursue music. I’ve always been a music lover and always participated in any music activities. I started taking music seriously around 3-4 years ago and one of my greatest achievements was being able to create a masterpiece with Sean Love called “Motions” which hit 1.5 millions streams on Spotify. Afterwards, I kept making music and networked with a lot of great and amazing talented people which made me who I am today! Read More>>

Stephie Eugene

No it hasn’t been, . I feel like social media had changed a lot. Being an entrepreneur is more than having an LLC but back when I was coming up that’s all we needed. I feel like now that social media is so big it’s kind of hard for us OG’s to adapt to it well this is where I was a year ago or 2 now I kind of having an idea on how to run it . Read More>>

Jonathan Basulto

Our organization began with approximately 20 volunteers and has since to over 5,000 Volunteer Chaplain Ministers. These Ministers carry out the Labor of the Good Samaritan within their own communities. While most serve within the United States, there are some of us who also serve or have served in several other countries, such as Mexico, Cuba, Central and South America, Spain, Portugal and even Jordan! Read More>>

Daisy Martinez

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I am a loving, caring, and empathetic person. I love helping people so when it was time to choose a career, nursing was my first choice. I also saw a need to advocate for our Spanish speaking community and I wanted to be part of that. I wanted to care and advocate for them as I would for my own family. Read More>>

Daniela Cordero

I started my photography business by taking free pictures of my friends and family and slowly I grew my clientele as I got more experience. It has been a rollercoaster and a learning experience since I started DC Photography in 2023 but I am extremely grateful for the support through my first year as an official business. Read More>>

Lenaise Meyeil

The journey of writing and completing “SEND A BAD B!T*H ROSES”, began with a profound process of self-discovery and a commitment to true healing. I had to confront the deepest parts of myself, acknowledging and addressing the wounds of past traumas, especially those rooted in childhood. My awakening came after a severe mental health breakdown last December, brought on by the overwhelming weight of life’s challenges—parenting, marriage, low mood, family conflict, the ending of friendships and the relentless pursuit of pleasing others Read More>>

Phoebe Nguyen

Born in Vietnam, I moved to the U.S. in my 20s and have lived in Houston for over 15 years. I’m fluent in Vietnamese and also speak Spanish. I absolutely love Houston and its vibrant community. My career began at UnitedHealth Group, where I hosted events for thousands, appeared on TV and radio, and helped millions embrace healthier lives through preventive care. Read More>>

Laura Mccullough

Technological Advancements: Keeping up with rapid technological changes and ensuring that my equipment and skills remain current has been both costly and time-consuming. Adapting to new trends while maintaining a high standard of work is an ongoing challenge. Read More>>

Lucresia Montez

My colleagues in the martial arts school are aware of what I do for a living and help support me during the hard days, whether that means taking on an extra round of sparring, or increased cardio, I do not leave the dojo with anger, resentment, remorse, or any type of work related feelings, it all stays on the mat so I can enjoy my family at home. My husband has been with me 27 years, my daughters are 23, 18, 18, all have received associate degrees from San Jacinto College Central Campus, and my twins are currently attending University of Texas Austin, and Texas A&M College Station. Read More>>

Braxton Strickland

This video was well received, and The Houston Chronicle came out to do a story on the home. The Houston Chronicle featured the video in their article, and it was at that moment I figured I might be on to something! Now in 2024 we work with multiple business owners in the Houston/Galveston area to provide great multi-media and get companies the attention they’re looking for! Read More>>

Morgan Thomas

It’s essential to find something you love and commit to it wholeheartedly. I realize that my achievements would not have been possible without embracing this mindset. As I near the end of my first year in modeling, I’m thrilled to have been featured in over 5+ magazines, with more opportunities on the horizon! Read More>>

Chad Green Bey

Now fast forward to today, I work with some of the people I went to school with at HCC. I am a lab aide in the audio department. I also manage the grooviest studio in 5th Ward: Wayne Street Live. I am a live sound Front of House and Monitor Engineer for Brazos Sport College in Lake Jackson as well. I’ve recorded tons of people in many different genres from rock, to hip hop, to gospel. to r&b, to poetry, to audio books. I also write my own music and collab with other cool artists I meet. I’m even getting into film and have created music videos for people. Read More>>

Lakethia Bryant

The road hasn’t always been smooth for Yielded. She has faced several significant struggles, including the emotional impact of losing her mother and the profound loss of her close friend, Company Keeper . These personal trials tested her resilience and faith. Additionally, navigating the challenges of balancing ministry, entertainment, and personal life has required perseverance and adaptability. Despite these obstacles, Yielded’s dedication and passion for her work have driven her to overcome difficulties and continue making a positive impact through her radio show and Gospel Comedy Entertainment. Read More>>

Lucy Petry

My life took a significant turn when I became a mother as a teenager, and soon after, lost her father in accident in Brazil where I was born. That moment ignited my dream of obtaining an education to lift my daughter and me out of poverty. Despite the odds, I stayed in school, driven by the vision of a better future for both of us. Read More>>

Susana Lewandowski

The best part of being a therapist is seeing the transformation in others, witnessing them regain their sense of purpose and re-write their life narrative. It is such a privilege to see this in- person. I have worked with couples, families, children and adolescents with various situations and struggles. Currently my path has crossed again with the creative arts and I am learning and researching on expanding creative programming to promote mental health and wellness. Its interesting how it started with the creative arts from a young age and I am coming back to it with a twist of health and empowerment. Read More>>

John-robert Sims

Fast forwarding to today, I graduated from Texas Southern University in December and had a goal in mind to get on set again as a Production Assistant to continue to learn all the departments. The first movie I worked on was unpaid but they paired me with this Gaffer that I work with to this day. I’d say I learned a lot on set that school couldn’t teach me but school provided me with a solid network of teachers and peers. Read More>>

Raya J

So I started working through the platform Thumbtack to market myself. I uploaded some of the photos I took while working for M.A.C and the rest became history. Some of my most memorable makeup experiences came from working on that platform. Since then I’ve worked on Draymond Green’s wedding, done makeup for the NAACP Awards and Grammys which later appeared as a clip on the Jennifer Hudson Show and many other opportunities. Read More>>

Marcella Blackman

Our entrepreneurial journey began with a desire for independence. Tammie, with over 25 years in medical business offices, sought a change that offered greater freedom. Marcella, eager to break away from a desk job, envisioned a new path. This shared vision led to the creation of Henton House LLC, where we blend our creative talents and entrepreneurial spirit to bring exceptional events to life. Read More>>

Angela Childs

Building and growing a business is never easy, we have truly had blood, sweat, and tears that have been involved in getting to where we are today. We have been very blessed with our customers and our Love Always team, but lots of hard work has gone into getting us to this point. Read More>>

Nathan Warner

My father introduced me to drawing, as it was one of his favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, he passed away in the Phillips 66 plant explosion in 1989. My mom saved all of his artwork and they became inspirations to me over the years. He most recently inspired me to focus on pointillism, which has helped to push my artistic skills. It has been a struggle to find my own way in the art world. Finding the balance of giving the client what they want, versus creating something that I think will look good and be exciting to paint is sometimes difficult. It is always interesting that at the end of a project, I have learned a new art skill and a little something about myself. Read More>>

Christina Erwin

I am a dreamer and a lover of all that is beautiful. It sets my soul ablaze. I was put on this earth to discover, curate and create beauty. Which is why flowers are so near and dear to my heart. Flowers are the most supreme beauty. They are delicate and intricate. I feel astonished each and every time I hold a bloom in my hand of how bewitching flowers are. Which led me to become a florist. Read More>>

Gabriel Freeman, Orlando Critchlow, and Bernard Campbell

In 2024, Gabriel secured an office space for his graphic design company Frestylin Concepts Design Studio where they manufacture Cigar Passion Clothing. Today they are working on partnerships with local and national golf tournaments, golfing groups, and cigar lounge smoking social group sales. Read More>>

Lindsey Buford

My path has been one of passion, persistence, and personal growth, deeply shaped by the loss of a family member that set me on my current course. After working as a medical assistant in Houston for six years, following the passing of my mother to bone marrow cancer, I found myself burnt out by the demanding nature of the job and the low pay. Despite my desire to transform lives, I wanted a career that allowed for quicker results without requiring years of school or getting too hands-on. Read More>>

Lundin Aries

This year i begin to show my style as a young activist by creating a back to school event where we can unite the youth and the hood to come out in unity with our politicians and law enforcements with live performance for up and coming music artist in Houston, award winning food vendors and along side of clothing brands striving in Houston. It was such a pleasure bringing all these amazing people together to celebrate the important thing and its unity. Read More>>

Lizz Gonzalez

When I moved at the age of 12 to the United States from El Salvador, we chose South Padre Island since it was the closest thing that reminded us of home. My mother took a job as a house keeper at a privately owned beachfront hotel. My father worked maintenance for the same hotel. The years passed and I was finally able to work, I decided to work as a waitress at the hotel as my parents. Read More>>

Lynn Emam

Inspired by her own positive experience purchasing her first home, Lynn entered the real estate field with a commitment to providing exceptional service to her clients. Her early success in becoming a homeowner at the age of 22 has empowered her to guide others, especially young individuals, in achieving their homeownership dreams. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys exploring Houston’s vibrant culinary scene, indulging in its diverse array of restaurants. When she’s not busy assisting clients, you can find her unwinding at the gym, soaking up the sun by the pool, or enjoying a good book in one of Houston’s beautiful parks. Read More>>