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.

Jason Turner

A significant turning point came during my time in the military. That experience, along with the impact of personal relationships and loss, greatly influenced both my perspective and my work. It deepened my understanding of human emotion and resilience, which I now strive to convey through my art. Read more>>

Khristopher Fields

Through those efforts, over 170 at-risk youth received top honors from the White House, U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Education, the State of Texas, and the City of Houston. My motivational presentations have reached more than 700 people, and my programs have served over 800 meals to underserved youth and their families—proof that dignity doesn’t require a dollar, just heart. Read more>>

Craig Curry

By day, I navigate the tech world as a consultant, but I am also passionate about capturing the beauty and authenticity of life through photography. Whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the energy of an event, or the everyday moments that make up our lives, I thrive in capturing these moments. I believe that every person has a unique story worth telling, and I’m honored to be entrusted with the task of turning those stories into visual masterpieces. Read more>>

Matthew Guajardo

I truly believe the hard roads shape you into a better artist. The COVID years were tough—especially on the business side—but they gave me the space to focus on the kind of work I really wanted to create. It was during that time that I started honing in on my style and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Looking back, I’m genuinely thankful for that period and everything it taught me. Read more>>

Shawneea Harrell

In time, my business began to grow within the Greater Houston area. I opened a salon in the vibrant Houston Heights neighborhood to add to my thriving mobile grooming units so I could better serve the community. I’ve since built a team of talented, passionate groomers who share the same commitment to excellence and care. Read more>>

Maryanna Arredondo

It has not been a smooth road, working in a hospital has its good and bad, you have great outcomes and not so great. you work dayshift, nights weekends and holidays and not to mention taking call. Missing your kid’s baseball game or practice. Missing a family gathering or a holiday. It’s tough. With real estate, it’s not easy either. You get through inspections and then days before closing everything falls through the cracks and the deal is dead. Its financial setbacks or the loan and then you have to tell your clients that they no longer qualify, or they need more money and you have to break the news. It’s heartbreaking all the way around. Read more>>

Alishbah Lakhani

One of the biggest struggles was shifting my mindset. Coming from a corporate background, I was used to clocking in and clocking out. When I started my business, it was just me—wearing all the hats, staying up late nights to finish projects, and working through nap times. I had to learn that just because I was great at something, it didn’t mean sales came knocking at the door. I had to learn to rely on myself. I was my own strategist, designer, admin, sales, social media manager, snack distributor… you name it. And I learned I was worth investing in and getting the help when I needed it. Read more>>

Ijé Simon

About ten years ago, I started sharing that passion online. At first, it was just for fun, but over time, it grew into a real community of people who love beauty, fragrance, and self-care as much as I do. Somewhere along the way, I realized there was a real need for beauty solutions that were both science-backed and culturally rooted, and that’s what inspired me to create my brand, Rouzié. Read more>>

Jonathan Melgar

I started with nothing but a camera and a vision. At first, I was just filming for fun friends, events, whatever I could get my hands on. But I quickly realized I had an eye for storytelling and creating visuals that made people feel something. Over time, I invested in better gear, leveled up my editing, and built a brand around cinematic, high-end content. Now, I work with brands, entrepreneurs, and creators to bring their vision to life through film, strategy, and visuals that convert. And I’m just getting started. Read more>>

Michelle Pulido

When I lost him at just 17, everything changed. As the oldest, I had to step up to care for my mom and younger brother. I worked multiple jobs, but deep down, I knew I was meant for something more. That fire he sparked in me didn’t go away.
What really lit the fire in me was what happened to my dad. Toward the end of his life, he sold everything, his businesses, his legacy to buy his first ranch. But he got taken advantage of and ended up losing it all. I had to step in and try to help, and I told myself: never again. I never want to see someone else get hurt in the process of building their dreams like he did. That became my why in Real Estate to never see someone go through what my father did. Read more>>

Gail Cerruti

As insurance reimbursements worsened and time spent with clients became even more critical, I opened Gentle Physical Therapy, LLC, where I now work one-on-one with clients for a full hour to incorporate multiple healing modalities, including microstimulation, dry needling, scalar energy, cupping, CranioSacral therapy, and movement therapy. This holistic approach helps clients take control of their health and return to the activities that bring them joy. Read more>>

Kourtni

As the boutique grew, I started doing pop-ups and temporary shops to bring that experience into real life and connect more deeply with my customers. I found so much joy in watching women light up when they found something they loved, something that felt like them. That connection is what fueled my dream of opening a physical storefront. Read more>>

Kevin And Maria Scott

My story started when I went to the military back in 1990. I traveled the world extensively and moved 13 different times. After retiring, we moved to Houston where I started working in oil and gas. When COVID hit, I went on a journey of personal self-improvement and took courses and got hooked on speaking and creating content. So, I started an Instagram page in 2021 focused on coparenting communication where I gained over 100,000 followers. That has run its course and now I enjoy creating content with my wife, traveling, and sharing our experiences with the world. It’s been a thrilling ride so far, and I’m excited to see what happens next. Read more>>

Lindsey Mann

Being a content creator while raising 3 kids is no joke. It’s a constant balancing act-filming content during nap time, editing between school runs, and trying to stay creative on very little sleep. There are tough days when I wonder how ill get it all done, but I always come back to my why: connecting with other moms, making people laugh, and showing the real, messy beauty of motherhood. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Read more>>

Jessica Teich

After my second baby was born, I felt a strong pull to re-enter the workforce full-time. However, I wasn’t sure if teaching would allow me the flexibility I needed to still be present for my kids. I spent a lot of time praying and really leaning on God for direction. And when I say He opened the door and pushed me through it—I truly mean that. The path forward became so clear, and doors started opening in ways I never could’ve planned for myself. Read more>>

Alonzo Hayes

I started content creating as a way to express myself and connect with people who vibe with the same energy. It began with ideas I had while creating—building a space that reflects confidence, beauty, and resilience. Over time, it’s grown into more than just posts—it’s about building a platform that sets the foundation for my future. I’m creating something real, something lasting, and every piece of content is part of that vision. Read more>>

Betty Balshaw

Working with law firms can get pretty monotonous after a while. After years of working in the legal field, I felt a strong desire to break free from the routine and explore my entrepreneurial side. The idea of starting a business with my friend sparked a newfound excitement within me. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself, learn new skills, and ultimately create something of my own. Despite the uncertainty that comes with starting a new venture, I was determined to take the leap and see where this new path would lead me. Read more>>

Kruti Gandhi

I built my dermatology career in Florida, spending over a decade refining my skills and deepening my commitment to patient care. Life eventually brought me to Houston for my then-husband’s career, and during that transition, I faced a deeply personal challenge — he had an affair while I was pregnant and filed for divorce two weeks after I gave birth. Read more>>

Mariah Gibson

With anything, there are struggles. I definitely dealt with a lot of self doubt, comparing my craft to others in the industry, and just constantly wanting to improve and grow as an artist. I also had to figure out how to balance work and school with my passion. There were moments when I wondered, “Should I keep going”. But honestly, my love for makeup and the incredible people God placed in my life to encourage me have kept me resilient. Read more>>

Angelica Santibanez

Navigating motherhood for the first time alongside launching a new business was definitely tasking and challenging at times. I was constantly in limbo between managing business & motherhood and not neglecting either. Overstimulated and in constant need of energy, one thing I surely benefited from was having my very own Untainted Energy drinks whenever I needed the energy! Read more>>

Rachel McNeel

When I graduated high school, college wasn’t an option that was available to me. I was homeschooled throughout my juvenility and home school diplomas weren’t recognized by colleges back then (yes, I’m that old haha), which made scholarships and financial aid not an option. So, I dove into the work force and worked extra hard to work my way up the ladder. I’m honestly thankful for that time in my life because it taught me perseverance, which has played a huge role in this journey of being a small business owner. Read more>>

Ogechi Anene

With @ChefGech, I take orders of all shapes and sizes. Many of the orders I’ve fulfilled were new to me as a recently self-proclaimed chef. The novelty of my craft excites me! Even after making some dishes for the very first time, I’ve received feedback like, “The food was really good!! Gizdodo in particular was fantastic—I’d say one of the best I’ve had out here,” or that my “Meat pies are the best!” Having people enjoy my food excites me even more than trying other people’s food. For me, at least, the cost of labor and inventory pales in comparison to the satisfaction I get from giving people a great experience. Read more>>

Ashely Salazar

I’m a lifestyle and event photographer, and I specialize in capturing real, beautiful moments that tell a story—whether it’s a quinceañera, graduation, engagement, maternity, or a holiday shoot. I’m also expanding into drone photography, which has added such a unique and cinematic touch to my work. What I’m most proud of is the experience I give my clients. I want everyone to feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Read more>>

Nehi Patel

My journey has been a blend of personal growth, cultural exploration, and creative evolution. I moved to the U.S. at 21 to pursue my Master’s degree, filled with ambition and a suitcase full of dreams. Los Angeles became my home for the next 8 years—a city that shaped me both professionally and creatively. I began working full-time as a Business Intelligence Analyst, but I always felt a strong pull to express myself beyond spreadsheets and dashboards. Read more>>

Tiffany Martin

I wrote an ebook called “Behind the Mind, Selfcare is Healthcare: A Mental Health guide for Business Professionals” and became a best selling author in 2023. I also found my multi millionaire & billionaire mentors that changed the trajectory of how I was showing up in business and found myself in rooms I’d never thought I’d be in. Listen….Leadership Starts With Self and we have to get our A.C.T. together through Self Awareness, Self Clarity, & Self Talk. As the 1st certified Houston based NeuroLeadership Practitioner by the Academy of Brain Based Leadership, I am here to change the way leadership looks…..Globally! Read more>>

Alyssa Young

I’m a hairstylist. Although I do have my favorites, I don’t necessarily “specialize” in anything in particular. I have a pretty wide range of clientele and sort of do it all. My favorites services are blonding, vivid colors, short haircuts, and event/formal styling. I believe what sets me apart from others is the way I treat my clientele. By that I mean I just want them to feel completely comfortable with me in every way. Hair is a big deal, and can make or break someone’s confidence. If they aren’t completely happy with my service, the products I use, the environment… etc, I will do my absolute best to accommodate. Read more>>

Karen Baker

Once again, I returned to my Houston roots and launched my career as a professional organizer. The business evolved naturally, and by 2011, I had found my true calling – helping professionals optimize their work lives. This evolution led to the creation of SOHO Productivity Solutions. I combine my legal background, sports industry experience, and organizing expertise to help solopreneurs, executives, and freelancers transform their workplace productivity. Read more>>

J’Lisa Jordan

Because of her, I developed a passion for crafting, knowing that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. I started small, learning as much as I could, and over time, I built the confidence and skills needed to reach where I am today. Her influence continues to guide me, reminding me to stay grounded, grateful, and always willing to uplift others. Read more>>