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.
Ariana Adams
While working in PR and social media, I knew I wanted to build something of my own—a business that not only reflected my passions but also gave back to my community. That’s when I discovered my path in short-term rental (STR) management. It started with one property for a family friend, but through hard work, referrals, and a commitment to excellence, I now manage 14 rental properties in Houston. Read More>>
Nicole Warren
I worked with small businesses for almost 10 years. I always had a love and appreciation for their dedication and passion and knew I wanted to work with small business owners. Simultaneously, I had developed some skills behind the camera and creating websites and it felt like a perfect concoction to offer marketing services, such as photography and websites to small businesses. Since starting my business, I’ve been so lucky to work with several small business owners across a variety of different industries and I have enjoyed growing and learning through every project! Read More>>
Nykole Devito
As I got older, I shifted my focus more toward science, which led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Arkansas State University in 2016. While I still loved architecture and design, I decided to pursue a more traditional career path in healthcare, believing it would offer stability and the opportunity to make a difference. I worked in the healthcare field for almost five years, but in 2021, I found myself in a situation where I couldn’t help my parents buy a home, despite my best efforts. I’d spent months traveling back and forth, trying to navigate the process, but not having the knowledge or resources to make it happen was a hard pill to swallow. It made me realize that my true passion was in real estate—not science. Read More>>
Randi Krasny
But here’s the thing—I missed being creative. So while I was showing houses and figuring out life, I decided to focus on myself. I got healthy, dropped 40 pounds, and dusted off my writing skills. Picking up my pen (or laptop, because let’s be real, it’s 2024) reminded me how much I love telling stories and finding the humor in life’s chaos. Read More>>
Julius Olaoluwa
Another challenge was the transition itself. Shifting from owning a nightclub—a fast-paced, demanding environment—to real estate, which required learning a completely new industry, wasn’t easy. At the same time, I was deeply involved in the foundation, coordinating initiatives, and ensuring our outreach efforts were impactful. Read More>>
Carly Thome
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have taught me so much and shaped who I am today. One of the biggest struggles was finding my footing early in my career after graduating. Transitioning from college into the professional world came with a learning curve as I figured out how to apply my passion for events and social media to real-world roles. Read More>>
Meosha Jacobs
My entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. I’ve always loved branding and web design since I did all my own branding and web design, which helped my businesses grow quickly. People kept asking me if I offered those services, and I realized there was a real need for my skills. So, I started The Startup Spot, my branding and web design agency, to help other businesses grow and establish their brands. I’m also a pro web designer for Squarespace. Read More>>
Maria Carpio
Even though I was very comfortable there I knew I wanted something more for my business. Then here comes Krystal Morfin, whom I’ve known for a while she was my lash artist. She had a suite available in her salon and offered it to me. I was so happy to be a part of her studio given that at least half of my clients came from her. I am happy to say i am in a very beautiful space with girls that hype me up and genuinely care about helping me grow. I look back and think how far I have come in such a short period of time time and I can’t believe it. I wouldn’t be where I am first of without God’s grace, without my husband and kids, my in-laws, and all the amazing girls who i have met along the way. Read More>>
Jordan Allen
I first started designing while I was in college. I became the technology chair of my sorority and I was in charge of creating event flyers and managing our social media. It was overwhelming at first but over time and through practice, I got better at it and I got to a point where I felt very comfortable being a social media manager. But, I didn’t think about making it a real business until the end of my senior year, near graduation. Read More>>
Antonio Shell
Life hasn’t been easy, and there were moments when I wanted to give up completely. Losing my mom was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced—I felt like there was nothing left to live for. Then, not long after, my baby sister passed away, and the pain felt unbearable. But even in my darkest moments, I know my angels—my mom and sister—are watching over me. They give me strength to keep going and remind me that I’m never alone. Their love carries me through, and I’m determined to make them proud. Read More>>
Yocairys Diaz
It hasn’t always been easy stepping outside my comfort zone and moving away from the security of a steady 9-to-5 job. There were challenges and moments when people didn’t understand my vision or my work ethic. However, I had faith and a strong work ethic that kept me going. Even when others doubted or didn’t see what I saw, I remained committed to my calling. Now, as they see the impact and success, the vision is clearer to them. Remember, people won’t always understand what God has uniquely blessed you to do, but staying true to your purpose and working diligently can lead to great things. Read More>>
Isaac Owolabi
We started as a college promotion group that specialized in small intimate events amongst friends. We did a few events that never picked up before venturing into party buses. We did a couple of party bus events that mainly consisted of friends & friends of friends as well as a few outsiders but these buses contained no more than 50 people. The afronation came into Miami then the birth of afrostrip happened in 2023. 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!