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.

Marissa Scott

My career started in corporate event coordination, where I quickly learned the importance of balancing ambitious visions with practical realities. I honed these skills through various scales of events, from intimate gatherings in San Francisco to large global meetings, always focusing on the meticulous details that transform an event from ordinary to magical. Read More>>

Nikita Morrow

I’ve ran into all types of problems just trying to figure it out. I’ve had clients attempt to over sexualize my profession, people not pay for sessions, people book and not show, clients not be satisfied with their service. All of which are extremely frustrating. However, that forced me to be better and change the way I go about certain things. I find myself purposely placing people around me that either have already been where I’m going or those who are walking the same path as me. Keeping like minded people around, helps me navigate through my struggles a little easier. Read more>>

Taty H.

I have a background in fashion design and modeling, and I have been a midlife fashion, beauty and lifestyle content creator for five years. My Instagram handle is Tatysfavs “Taty” for my name and “favs” because I share my favorite products. These five years have been like a long road where I collected experiences along the way. These experiences have made me proud of the things I learned and what have been able to achieve.  Read more>>

Grey Ghxst

Now based in Central Texas, I’ve built a career spanning multiple photography styles, from boudoir to music and editorial work. My path has taken me from shooting headshots and music videos for college friends to documenting Houston’s club and live music scene—an experience that honed my ability to capture fast-paced, high-energy moments with precision and depth. In 2018, I followed my passion to Austin, where I had the opportunity to photograph artists during SXSW. Since then, Austin has become my home base, allowing me to continue growing as a photographer and refining my craft while pushing creative boundaries. Read more>>

Sydney Rhodes

Throughout my career, transitioning from a dental assistant to an instructor and eventually managing multiple dental practices presented steep learning curves and professional growth demands. At the same time, pursuing my true passion for sustainable fashion hasn’t always been easy. With work and family responsibilities taking priority, finding time to dedicate to thrifting and building my secondhand online shop has been a challenge in itself. However, these struggles have shaped me into the person I am today, fueling my drive to create a meaningful and fulfilling life. Read more>>

Blaire Hoffman

Haugen Consulting is a leading provider of demurrage consulting, commercial operations support, and maritime training. We specialize in helping companies navigate the complexities of demurrage, claims, and commercial risk, offering expert guidance to optimize operations and reduce financial exposure. Our training programs are designed to simplify complex industry concepts and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Read more>>

Marie Martinez

I want to believe it has only because of how far we’ve gotten but reflecting back on the whole journey so far, it hasn’t been. I wouldn’t say the struggle has come from within the band but rather independently from one another. At times, we’ve struggled to figure out what we want for ourselves without sacrificing the passion for the music. Slowly, we have figured out what entices us the most to continue on and in part, that has really solidified the bonds within the band. At the end of the day, we are, and have been friends first which has helped balance the art and our personal endeavors. Read more>>

Winnie Gu

I think what sets me apart from others is my upbringing and perspective. I identify as a third culture individual–I embody cultures that are different (and more) than that of my home and host nations. My cultural identity is a combination of a little bit of every country that I have lived in. There is a sense of never belonging anywhere, because I never feel “native” enough for any environment. However, being a perpetual outsider has also made it easier to clock my internalized biases and examine things more analytically. Read more>>

Jes Schneider

You have to realize that there’s only one you and your job should be to give, not only people but more importantly yourself, the most authentic and pure version you can of that and that seems to really help release the pressures of trying to be anyone that you’re not. Ive written a song about the experience called “Born”. It’s about not listening to other peoples comments and opinions about you because at the end of the day they just don’t know. Well maybe they do but a lot of times it’s better to make the mistakes on your own and learn the lesson yourself rather than making a mistake that wasn’t even your decision in the first place. Read more>>

Elsie Lindsay

He believed in keeping us busy, and real estate was his tool. My brothers became pros at lawn care, while my sisters and I accompanied him on his rent-collection rounds Houston. . Being curious, I asked why was he picking up checks from so many people. He stated ‘’ I’m a landlord,” he explained, and casually mentioned selling real estate. I didn’t ask for an explanation. I learned by watching. Him. We visited million-dollar homes in sugar land where measure walls , windows and doors. His world fascinated me, and I decided then that one day, I would become a Realtor. Read more>>

Brian

I founded UPPROVE, a lifestyle streetwear brand, on October 4th, 2020. Having always had a passion for clothing, starting my own brand was a long-time dream of mine. I wanted to create a brand that everyone could relate to, using my approach to life to define its meaning. UPPROVE means to go UP in life in all that you do and to ensure you APPROVE of it. The support I received when I launched was overwhelming—orders and positive feedback flooded in from people across the United States. That’s when I knew I was onto something special. Read more>>

Taylar Willis

I’ve always loved photography! When I was in high school, I would walk around with a digital camera taking pictures of my friends. Fast forward 10 years later, I find myself jobless due to the pandemic. One day I had a job, the next day I didn’t. I told myself in that moment, that I wanted something that was mine & mine only. So I went and bought a canon t7’rebel mid pandemic. I was determined to teach myself multiple styles of photography! And I did just that. That’s when I birthed TAY-TOOK-MY-PIC Read more>>

Sahar Kohandel

The road hasn’t been entirely smooth, but each challenge has been a chance to embrace the fear and turn it into something positive. Instead of letting obstacles hold me back, I’ve tackled them head-on, knowing that growth and success lie just beyond those moments of discomfort. Every hurdle has pushed me to become stronger, more creative, and even more passionate about what I do. Embracing the fear has been essential — it’s been a constant reminder that the most rewarding moments often come when you step outside your comfort zone. Read more>>

Debra Elizondo

It has not been a smooth road, its very hard when you have no clientele. The key is to have faith and be consistent. Any time I get a client I record everything, I learned that everything you post is content and people enjoy it. Some struggles along the way was when I decided to quit my Full Time job to officially do Brows Full Time. I was very miserable and depressed at my FulL Time Job and I knew brows was something I really wanted to do. When I left I was barely making enough for my bills, I started second guessing everything and was wondering if I should just get a job and forget having a business. Im grateful I have a good support system, My Mom and Boyfriend both pushed me to continue and keep fighting through the struggles and it ended up being the best thing I ever did. Read more>>

Chef Laay

During 2020 till now trying to grow my business it was hard having to work a 9-5 support myself but also make content just like a 9-5 and learn how to market myself it wasnt cheap starting my business due to the fact that it cost money to make money I would save up my plate money and use it towards my business for new props photo shoots and much more now I have caught my balance and now my business pays for its self through my large clientele I have grew from the ground up and I thank god for allowing me to succeed and continue to grow and I thank my clients for trusting me with there events I wouldn’t be successful without the support from them. Read more>>

Alexis Thibodeaux

I’ve loved baking since I was a kid. I was always glued to baking shows and competitions, dreaming about being in their shoes one day. But for the longest time, fear held me back from starting my own business. I kept putting it off, doubting myself and worrying about failing. Read more>>

Iman Shahkarami

One of the biggest struggles has been the increasing competition, especially with the accessibility of photography equipment and editing tools. With high-quality cameras available on smartphones and entry-level gear becoming more affordable, many people are entering the field, often offering services at significantly lower prices. Standing out requires not only technical skill but also a strong creative vision and consistent quality. Despite these challenges, I stay focused on delivering exceptional work and building long-term relationships with clients who appreciate the value of professional photography. Read more>>

Simple Coffee

Our specialty coffees are crafted with a deep connection to the flavors, spices, and essences that tie us to our roots. Each cup brings a unique journey—sweet notes, bold spices, and flavor combinations you simply can’t miss. It’s more than coffee; it’s a taste of tradition and creativity in every sip. Read more>>

Kristopher Williams

It’s never smooth on things like this. You go through so many ups and downs. So many nights of nothingness and self doubt.. and it’s met with nights of joy and achievements it’s so hard now to appreciate my journey so far because I’m always thinking of what’s next and how to be better. But it’s important to celebrate the small wins and eventually they’ll turn into bigger ones. Read more>>

Trinity Vu

My stepmother’s encouragement and expertise inspired me to launch my own company. She shared her invaluable knowledge and industry insights, which laid the foundation for where I am today. I began my journey as a balloon artist at 17, during my senior year of high school. Over time, I discovered a strong passion for event coordination, which led me to expand Poptastic Decor 1.5 years later to include event planning services. Read more>>

Tania Lee

My journey as a UGC creator started out of pure curiosity and a love for beauty products. I’m originally from Ukraine, but I spent 9 years living in Dubai, where I worked as a Flight Attendant. That experience taught me so much about different cultures, people, and of course, beauty trends from around the world. Read more>>

Isaiah Mcswain

Since I was a young boy, I have configured solutions to my problems. Passion doesn’t at first pay the bills and I needed to find a solution to that; I may or may not still be working that out lol. I also wear the crown of “queer creative child” in my family as I did hair and nails, and was a self proclaimed multidisciplinary artist ( I had a few doodles laying around). Read more>>

DAYSHA BLACKWELL

Sure! My story starts with a deep desire to create spaces where Black women feel seen, supported, and empowered. After watching our country shift so quickly—and seeing, once again, that Black women showed up and voted for the greater good—I felt exhausted. There was this internal tug-of-war between “we have to do something about this” and “get somebody else to do it.” We’ve always been the backbone of progress, but too often we’re left pouring from an empty cup. And honestly, I was tired of us having to carry it all. I knew it was time to shift that energy. Read more>>

Anthony Sims, II

On my 13th birthday, my parents chipped in to buy me my first camera before a school field trip, which became the best gift I could have received. By that time, I had already developed a deep fascination with visual storytelling, spending hours studying my favorite movies and TV shows. Having a camera allowed me the freedom to experiment with different settings, modes, and composition techniques, helping me develop the eye of a great photographer. That moment, though small at the time, set me on a path. Fast forward six years: I graduated at the top of my class in 2022 and founded Main Frame Photographs in the spring of 2023. Read more>>

Tatiana Ortiz

In 2016, I decided to formalize my business in Cartagena de Indias under TEventos. From that moment on, we embarked on this journey, working with local couples and corporate events. Like any entrepreneurial venture, we faced ups and downs, but we remained committed to making this dream a reality. Over time, I realized that what I love the most is getting to know the stories and the unique world behind each client. Read more>>

Lydia Lomelin

It hasn’t been easy at all. When we started Magnolia Prep, we were also juggling two side jobs—so whenever we weren’t working those, we were cooking, managing clients, answering emails, planning routes, handling deliveries—every little detail mattered. On top of that, we’re parents, which added another layer of responsibility. Read more>>

Diamon Robinson

This is not escapism: on the contrary, the long view can reveal what truly matters in the present – what to be mindful of, and what to ignore. The upshot is greater clarity about one’s choices and priorities amid the cacophony and distractions of life in the mid-2020s.-Musical (Tonedlover) Read more>>

Courtney Tully

I practiced with local athletes, fine-tuned my setups and studied the light action with my camera. Each session has taught me something new. This type of photography for me is evolving every day into something I never imagined. It is a constant learning curve and has its flaws from time to time. But it’s also been about growth, persistence and the willingness to learn and know it won’t always be perfect. I love working one-on-one with the athletes, capturing their dedication and spirit that makes them feel like the stars they are. Read more>>

Dajuan Copeland

Being in a city as vibrant as Houston offers countless opportunities to network, collaborate with other creators, and draw inspiration from the city’s rich culture. I’m excited to explore the diverse avenues that come with being in a new environment and continue working toward making a name for myself in the content creation world. This move represents more than just a physical change—it’s the start of a new chapter where I can fully dedicate myself to my passions and push my creative boundaries. Read more>>

Cutthroatkitchn

CutthroatKitchn is a brand that utilizes the skill of culinary arts and digital media to curate cooking videos in the format of less than a minute. The videos/reels demonstrates how to create familiar cuisines with also including the recipe at no cost. CutthroatKitchn at the root began with love and continues with love. Read More>>

Martaeus French

My interest in fitness started with my dad. I always remember waking up on Saturday mornings and walking out of my room to see him training in our home gym, with his big Arnold Schwarzenegger poster hanging in the middle. That will always stick with me and sparked my interest in fitness at a young age. By the time I reached my junior year of college, I decided it was time to finally put on some muscle after being the skinny kid for so long. Read More>>