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.

Lea’h Sampson

In 2016, I was working two jobs: One as a bartender and the other as a bank teller I was also in school focused on graduating. Whenever I was at work bartending, people would tell me that I should do stand up because of my banter with customers. I always loved the arts but doing stand up comedy was never my plan or something I even thought about.They finally convinced me to do my first open mic and from that day forward, I had the “comedy bug”.  Read More>>

Ikem Nzoiwu

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved to entertain others and put smiles on their faces. I started doing music back in 2009 when I used to freestyle with my friends to Beats and we would always have a good time. But I officially started music in 2020 with the release of my record Olajuwon. It was a different sound and people gravitated to it and gave a lot of positive feedback. It has been a tough road so far, but I believe it’s about the journey and not the destination. This is what I love doing, and I hope to keep doing it for as long as I live. Read More>>

Jarrell Campbell

So Poppin’ Tea was created to fulfill something I wanted! It all started in July of 2023 when Tiffany and I were at my parents house drinking some sweet tea. We were just enjoying ourselves when I got a random idea and said out loud, “Why haven’t they carbonated sweet tea?” Tiffany looked at me with intrigue because she hadn’t heard of it either. For context, Tiffany had recently gotten me hooked on sparkling water so I was curious. So we took a little time and quickly researched on our phones if there was a brand that sold it because, “Duh, it has to exist already!” But after a good 30 minutes of research, we realized that a carbonated sweet tea brand didn’t exist! Read More>>

Brittany Charles

Hair care has always been a central theme in my life. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by watching my mom practice self-care with such grace and dedication. She had this effortless beauty about her—her hair and skin always impeccably maintained—and she instilled in me the importance of taking care of my crown. Back then, I never imagined that one day I would be a hair care business owner, but life has a funny way of guiding you toward your path. Read More>>

Hussain Boxwala

I’ve always had a passion for cars – inspired by my older cousins when I was young. While I didn’t have much money growing up to mod my own cars, I always liked adding a personal touch to the cars I did have. My first car was a 2000 Vogue Silver Metallic (VSM) Acura Integra, with the 4AT and non-VTEC motor for those that know. I loved that car to death and added little things like LED cluster lights, under-dash lighting, and aftermarket wheels.  Read More>>

Michael B. Graham II

My hobbies include Family, poetry, bowling, Business, and DANCING!! I have lived in several major cities in Texas, landing in Houston where I attended and graduated from THE Texas Southern University receiving my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. I’m trying to decide if I just love challenges and learning new skills or I’m a glutton for punishment as in addition to earning my degree I decided to get both my insurance and real estate licenses as well!! Read More>>

Renata Urias

Organization has always come naturally to me, since I was very young I always enjoyed having my spaces neat and organized. (I recently realized that the way I played with my Barbies was just staging their house and it was fun enough for me!) Even though this has been always part of me, it wasn’t until my cancer diagnosis that I truly understood the profound mental impact of a well-organized space. Maintaining an organized environment brings clarity, reduces stress, and allows us to focus on what truly matters. Read More>>

Katie Davis

Throughout the years of growth and change, Katie maintains that the one thing that remains the same is the dedication to providing an excellent experience for the athletes that you won’t find in other organizations. Jen Cobb moved to north Houston from Fort Worth in 2014, but prior to that, she had created a business plan to start her own club in the western metroplex. Once in the area, she and Katie immediately connected and joined forces to combine their ideas, interests, and philosophies to grow TLVC to what it is today. Read More>>

Cenk Sanal

Three and a half years ago, I took the leap to start my own business, Blackluxe Ride. Initially, I managed everything myself, but after a year, my wife joined me, and together we built our small family company. Our mission is to provide our guests with authentic Turkish hospitality and ensure every trip is punctual and pleasant. We treat our clients like family, making them feel at home during their travels. Read More>>

Megan Duffy

I began taking on clients to not only transform them but to lead them by example. I started my LLC and never looked back. Now I do this full time and wake up every single day excited to do what I do. I love being an entrepreneur not because of money or perceived freedom, but because it’s a challenge. And things do go wrong… but I face them and fix it. I’m not sure what’s working harder… me on the business or the business on me. I’m so grateful. Read More>>

Ibrahim Halawa

Restaurant owners starting telling each other about who I was as my social media grew, and my reputation became known, before I knew it, I had a small social media management company. By 2022, I had entered in a large scale of digital marketing, with the right partners and formed a larger team. Today we employ over 20 people throughout the world and service many brands in the Hospitality industry. We offer branding, full scale marketing, and keep things as real and genuine with our partners and clients. Our office is located at 6671 Southwest Fwy, Houston TX. We have branded into Minty Marketing Agency. Read More>>

Maria Martinez Layla Aleu

We then came up with the name “Celebrate with Milas” for the business. As dedication to what started it all, a princess themed birthday party. We use the princess themed event as a markets tragedy, offering a full package which would include the Tent, Drapes, Lighting, Back drop, Tables and chairs and to finish it off a touch of balloon decor that would complement the tent. A whole year later we find ourselves doing 2 to 4 event’s a month, all around Houston and surrounding cities. Read More>>

Nelslibmar Sanchez

Hi, my name is Nelslibmar, and I am the creator and designer behind Bellina @accessoribellina a handmade accessories brand. I’m 34 years old, born in Venezuela, but currently based between Toronto, Canada, and Houston, USA. The idea for Bellina came to life when I was finishing my degree in petrochemical engineering in Venezuela. Although I graduated in that field, my passion for accessories, especially earrings, kept growing. That’s when I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship. I didn’t know much about business at the time, but I’ve always been resourceful and eager to learn. Read More>>

Pooja Patel

I started baking during quarantine as a fun pastime with my family whom had all gathered into a small townhome for the lockdown. I continued baking even after as I found myself enjoying it very much! I recently decided to pursue baking as a side business while continuing my full time job of being a labor and delivery nurse. Read More>>

Mina Thomas

I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’ve been in the business industry for many years. I had my first business in high school with a small boutique. I was selling my products on social media and around my campus. I became quite popular. I did speeches for my school and was an inspiration for many students. Read More>>

Jasmyn Zachary

After leaving campus and returning home, I faced the challenge of rebuilding my clientele after being away for five months. It was a tough journey, but I was determined to rebrand and start fresh. Fast forward to 2024, and I made the bold decision to relocate to Houston, Texas. Initially devastated by the move, I soon discovered new opportunities. Now, just three weeks in, I own an online hair brand and my schedule is fully booked! Read More>>

Ces Guerra

I’ve always had a servant’s heart! Since I was a young boy, my Mother instilled volunteerism and service! Along with that, I’ve served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division serving my country! I earned my undergraduate degree from LSU in 1984 and began my career in, you guessed it, non-profit work for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Baton Rouge. The twists and turns of my career took me to corporate consumer product and pharmaceutical sales where I held many positions requiring service and leadership. During this time, I earned my MBA from Houston Christian University in 1994, and worked in various capacities until I began my Real Estate journey in 2013! Read More>>

Brenda (Bella) L.

My passion for beauty sparked in high school, where I took clients after school, but in the community I grew up in, being a cosmetologist wasn’t seen as a ‘real’ profession. So, I put my talents aside and entered the medical field, though it never felt fulfilling. One day, I decided to take a risk. I posted a video of my work, and it went viral. That overwhelming response showed me that I was meant to pursue beauty. With countless inquiries flooding in, I quit my healthcare job, dropped out of college, and never looked back. Read More>>

Brian Marvin

COVID was definitely a severe challenge, the rules that were being imposed made it very difficult for people to make personal decisions for their own safety. We were teaching multiple interactive online classes daily with grappling dummies until we could get back to training together. Read More>>

Grace Rodriguez

Starting Gracielu Esthetics was a passion project that grew from a love for helping others feel confident in their own skin. In the past years, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful that allowed me to connect with people and make a real difference in what I do. Esthetics was the perfect fit. I became obsessed with learning everything I could about skincare, treatments, and how to get that natural glow we all desire. Read More>>

Chelsea Marie

Since I was a little girl growing up in Chicago, I always had a passion for modeling, doing hair, and makeup. My journey began around the age of 12. My mom moved our family to Texas—Austin, to be exact. Even before that, as a toddler, I loved playing with dolls and had a fascination with hairstyles, eventually teaching myself how to braid. Who knew that while having fun as a young girl, I was building the skills to become my own stylist? Read More>>

Shelby Phillips

When I finished her curls, I pushed all of her gorgeous hair to the front for her to see. The smile and excited shriek the let out was nothing but pure joy and confidence. I knew from that moment forward, that if I had the power to make people feel pretty and confident in their own skin, even temporarily, it would be worth it. I’ve carried this experience with me throughout my career and plan to for the rest of it. I get to be excited going into work knowing that I am going to leave people better than I found them. Read More>>

Beverly Thomas

I would say my music is very melodic, but it can also just be straight rap and no singing I’m really proud of Not quitting despite everything that I’m going through and such a young age I’m proud of myself for being strong. I’m proud of myself for not trying to compete with others. I just stay in my own lane and I continue on my crafts. Music is my therapy. Read More>>

Tim & Taylor; Aaron & Keadra Cain; Anderson

While our partnership has been the smoothest part of our journey, thanks to our strong communication and ability to resolve issues together, we’ve faced some challenges along the way. We regularly discuss what’s working and what isn’t, making adjustments based on feedback, which has helped us grow. Read More>>

Noor Zaidi

A pivotal moment was meeting my incredible mentor at the end of 2021. I began working with her as a real estate team assistant in 2021, learning from her dedication and strength. Her influence was profound, guiding me through various aspects of the industry. After graduating with my marketing degree in December 2022, I transitioned into the role of my team’s marketing manager at Houston Premium Homes Realty Group. By late 2023, I knew it was time to fully commit to real estate as a career. Read More>>

Fatima Reyes

I graduated high school in 2018 and began my college journey at Lone Star the following fall. My initial plan was to complete my prerequisites to eventually transfer to a four-year university for a degree in criminal justice. During this time, my parents provided financial support, but I felt the urge to become more financially responsible. I discussed finding a part-time job with my mom, who suggested I explore starting my own venture instead of working for someone else. Read More>>

Dorothy (Dot) Alford

For me, photography isn’t just about finding the perfect shot or the best light—it’s about connection. It’s my way of immersing myself in nature, of finding peace in those quiet moments when the world seems to slow down. When I photograph a bird or a landscape, I’m not just documenting what’s there; I’m sharing a piece of my heart, inviting others to feel the serenity I find in these moments. Read More>>

Steph King

One of the only things that keeps me going is the support from my community, my friends, and family. The one consistent thing that I have noticed is the encouragement I have received; even from strangers. Even if I can’t see my talent or potential, many others have made it known that they believe I am capable of being successful. Everyone’s journey is different; don’t let that deter you from chasing your dreams! Read More>>

Michelle Huertas

We had our son at 19 and 20 where our story truly began when we moved down here (my husband moved back) to Spring. I’ve always been some sort of creator through the years whether that was baking, marketing or blogging and when Tiktok was created, I started sharing videos that would hopefully resonate with someone else. Flash forward to today, I’ve resonated with the Houston & Greater Houston area moms who want to feel included in a group of like minded friends and remake “MomTok”. Read More>>

Amanda Tullos

When I was a child, I used to create floor plans in my yard out for fallen leaves. I spent more time organizing and arranging my Barbie doll house, than actually playing with the dolls! I’m pretty certain I was destined to become an Architect! As Houston native, I attended Alief schools and then the University of Houston College of Architecture. I have always been interested in green buildings, but it wasn’t until college that I was exposed to a deeper level of sustainability in the built environment. Read More>>

Brandi Brooks

Not at all! Throughout my acting career, I have experienced death, heartbreak, betrayal, sickness, and depression. I am in a much better place today than I was 6 months ago. At one point my career was at a standstill. I got booked for a major commercial, then nothing. Ghost. It is discouraging but you have to learn to keep going. I would not be where I am today without God. Read More>>

Snehee Chaplot

Determined to find a way to enjoy dairy again, I embarked on a journey of research and experimentation. With my background as a Food Safety Scientist and over 15 years of experience in research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing, I delved into Ayurvedic principles of dairy processing. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, offered insights into how dairy could be consumed in a way that was easier on the stomach and more nourishing for the body. Read More>>