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.

Camilla Smith

No, not all. Starting a business is way more challenging than I ever thought it would be. There are so many ups and downs! Busy season is hard to manage with my family’s schedule, I have three boys ages 11,8 and 6 and they all play sports. Slow season is frustrating and it makes you question if starting a business was ever a good idea.  Read more>>

Phoebe Ho-Stone

One of the biggest challenges has been not having the time to fully invest in photography since it’s not my full-time job. Sometimes that means turning down opportunities I’d love to take. The logistics side has been a journey too. Figuring out how to price my work, write quotes, and create contracts that actually protect me. I’ve had a few tough client experiences that taught me the importance of setting boundaries, but nothing terrible, just growing pains that come with learning and evolving. Read more>>

Adeyemi (a.d) Adebiyi

We specialize in wedding photography, and thanks to that area of expertise, we’re able to cover many different styles and occasions — from pageants and headshots to corporate events. Weddings are so much more than just a ceremony; they touch on every aspect of the art of photography. Capturing love, family, fashion, details, candid moments, and everything in between — it pushes us creatively every single time. Read more>>

Kween Kazaree

As I mentioned above, my debate experience helped me stand up for myself. It gave me the confidence and understanding I needed to represent myself properly. But in conclusion my family endured harsh consequences because I did not fully understand the family court system. This is where ‘Family Court Mentors’ was born. An organization I founded to help guide and prepare parents for family court. During my grief in loss, I vowed to use my experience to help as many families as God would allow. Not only did this experience birth my organization but it also restored the right amount of passion I needed as a writer and rapper to produce the music I believe the world needs to hear. Read more>>

Amanda Toudouze

Before starting Toudouze Law, PLLC, I began working alongside my mother in her wholesale business of Texas souvenirs, Nancy Jo Enterprises, Inc. In addition to providing legal services for her company, I worked to improve the operational and logistical side of the company. Throughout my time at Nancy Jo, I have been able to network with other small business owners and provide legal services to other entrepreneurs. I am able to help these individuals from an attorney viewpoint as well as a small business owner’s understanding. This is how Toudouze Law, PLLC came to fruition! Read more>>

Nicole Coutinho

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn time management, how to price my work, and how to balance creativity with running a business. A couple of years after starting my own business, I became a mom, which brought a whole new layer of challenge and perspective. I’ve also moved across states, from Connecticut to Texas, and had to adapt both personally and professionally. And of course, navigating the uncertainty of COVID as a small business owner was no small feat. But each of those experiences taught me resilience, helped me grow, and reminded me why I started this in the first place. Read more>>

Dena Day

It is important for us to help the families to meet their basic needs like food and shelter before they are able to focus on therapy/intervention for their children. We will often spend a session working on case management and helping the family to access the things that they need. Being on the management side, we always worry about government budget cuts, always seek extra funding and grants and always work to find ways to ensure our infants and toddlers get the services that they need. Read more>>

Amanda Johnsen

During that time, I also witnessed firsthand how proper planning, or the lack of it, can deeply impact families. My father passed away without life insurance, and watching my family navigate not just the grief but also the financial strain left a mark on me. A few years later, my father-in-law passed, but because he had life insurance and had carefully planned ahead, his family could focus on grieving and honoring his wishes rather than worrying about costs and logistics. Experiencing both sides of that taught me just how powerful this work can be. Read more>>

Susana Moreno

My name is Susana P. Moreno. I’m the daughter of immigrant parents, and the proud product of a hardworking, ambitious family. My father came to this country as an investor to start his own company, and growing up, he was my biggest influence. A civil engineer by profession, my dad always had me around construction sites since I was a little girl. But even with the smell of fresh concrete and blueprints in my life early on, I was still very much that girly girl obsessed with fashion, design, and anything that let my creativity shine. Read more>>

Ronnita Huff

Another struggle I faced in this industry was finding my niche. When I first started, I did every hairstyle that people asked for braids, weaves, cuts, color, whatever it was. At the time, I thought that was just part of the hustle, but really, it was draining. I was overworking myself, trying to be everything to everybody. Read more>>

Charles Washington

I always love working with others and collaborating, emailing me at thevibeshtx@gmail would be the best way to connect. The ways to support would be coming to live shows and experience the vibe, streaming and sharing music and video content, spreading the word is sometimes the best support. Read more>>

Treyoun “Trey” Thompson

The road hasn’t been smooth and I’ve come to embrace that. I worked a 9–5 to fund my dream of building a real estate career, but balancing that with bills and everyday responsibilities, especially without financial support, was a challenge. I moved to Houston alone, and every step forward required sacrifice and faith. When I finally took the leap to go full-time in real estate, it was difficult not seeing immediate success, especially when comparing myself to others. But I constantly remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. The struggles I’ve faced have shaped my character and made this journey not only more fulfilling, but also more meaningful and well-earned. Read more>>

William Marshall Stewart

I’m a faith-driven husband, father, and entrepreneur who believes life is a constant work in progress—and I’m grateful for every opportunity to grow. My journey into real estate and the essential services industry wasn’t exactly planned. After being laid off from my banking career 15 years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. That’s when my older brother extended a lifeline and invited me to help build a real estate company. I said yes, and that leap of faith changed everything. Read more>>

Yuvi Parmar

Looking ahead, the plan is clear. Scale Inventor and Tinkercad curricula across new chapters, complete laboratory validation of our filters, and release the first version of our community resource app before college orientation. The path from library volunteer to nonprofit founder has taught me that equitable access to knowledge transforms individual stories into collective progress, and I intend to keep weaving that thread wherever opportunity leads. Read more>>

Amy Guthrie

My career began in hospitality and events—fast-paced, high-pressure, and deeply demanding. After years of long hours, weekend work, and challenging clients in New York City, I hit a wall of burnout. When my now-husband and I relocated to Houston in 2018 for his job, I knew I needed to reconnect with joy, creativity, and ease. That’s when I found a nannying position with a wonderful family and their two young children. We grew incredibly close, and as my role naturally expanded, I felt a quiet but persistent pull toward something deeper—a way to care for families beyond logistics and routines. I didn’t know what it was yet, but I could feel it stirring. Read more>>

Cesar Pavon

One of the biggest struggles was learning how to grow a second brand while still nurturing the one that started it all. Quinces and Weddings Studio was born out of love and loyalty, but building awareness and trust in a new market, especially for large-scale events like quinceañeras and weddings, took time, effort, and a significant amount of reinvestment — both financially and emotionally. Read more>>

Tiffany Drake

At the age of 30 years old I finally decided with the help and advice from my husband to go to cosmetology school and get licensed. I graduated from cosmetology school after 1 1/2 years. From there I did hair from my home but that didn’t last long because of word of mouth! Then from there I rented a booth inside a shop that had been around for along time. And that helped me gain more clientele! Now I am currently renting my own suite with consistent clientele and I couldn’t be more grateful. With the help of social media, my clients and word of mouth from friends and Family member’s! I will soon have my own shop where I’m renting booths, or suites to others in order for them to be successful as well. HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Read more>>

Tefenet Banos

Eventually, I started doing in-person markets like farmers markets and pop-ups. That’s where my business really flourished. I discovered that I’m a people person, and my sales started to grow. I learned something from each market, and that learning continues to shape my path forward. Seeing what people gravitate toward and watching their initial reactions to my work has been incredibly helpful. Read more>>

Assane Sy

I am a Senegalese photographer based in New York, working at the intersection of tradition, culture, and identity. My practice blends documentary, portraiture, and fashion to create a distinct visual language that speaks to diasporic experience and generational memory. I am known for centering untold stories and cultural rituals, such as my ongoing work on the Grand Magal pilgrimage. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge worlds—honoring where I come from while navigating where I am now. I’m most proud of using my work to connect people, preserve cultural heritage, and spark deeper understanding across borders. Read more>>

Cloris LaRue’ Foster

I would later become a Published Author by way of compiling journal entries that served as my therapy. I was desperately trying to process the fact that my 13 year marriage plus years of dating my children’s father would soon be over. Initially I wrote in a journal that later turned into an online blog where I publicly shared my grief to later discover that there were many other women who could relate to my story. I then began to receive emails where women would thank me for my transparency in sharing my story. Many had also begun to share their story with me. Little did they know, they helped me as much as I may have helped them. The greatest part of sharing that journey publicly was that I quickly learned that I was not alone. Read more>>

Dorcas Ola Bolarinde

Looking back, my childhood shaped me in powerful ways. It gave me empathy, resilience, and a deep desire to make a difference. As I grew older, I realized I wanted to help children who feel the way I once did- unseen, unheard, and unloved. I wanted them to know their worth. With my love for poetry and a push from God, I wrote a book titled Words From A Young African Girl, which will be released on August 1st, 2025. My hope is that the book serves a purpose: to show young readers the transformation that comes from a life before and after a relationship with Christ. Read more>>

Michelle Andrea

While the art world is vibrant and essential, I’ve come to believe that art doesn’t belong only in galleries—it belongs everywhere. Creativity isn’t reserved for the “artistic.” Anyone who thinks, dreams, or solves problems is creative. Often, the people who claim they aren’t artistic are the ones who need to be reminded of that most. When I moved to Houston in the summer of 2024, I decided to remain open to possibility. Through a series of unexpected connections, I found myself stepping into a new role as a social media marketing manager for one of Houston’s leading mortgage companies: Warens Financial Group. Read more>>

Nicholas Nguyen

After graduating with a degree in International Business, I stayed in Houston and launched my fashion brand, Mysterious by NPN. It was born from a deep love for storytelling, transformation, and self-expression. The brand was my way of turning emotion into art—creating bold, one-of-a-kind designs for people who live to be seen, heard, and remembered. For a while, it felt like everything was finally coming together. Read more>>

Paisley Davis

It has not been a smooth road, especially the last 5 years because what I’ve discovered is that once you become intentional about stepping into alignment with who God called you to be and do what God called you to do, I believe it is one of the biggest struggles that many people deal with and can probably relate to, that healing the pain and trauma of the past is a very hard thing to do, it requires patience, vulnerability, and a willingness to confront the shadows that linger within. But as challenging as it may be, this journey is also profoundly rewarding. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory that brings us closer to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Read more>>

Ferrell Phelps

My website is a fantastic way to explore my work, especially my photography. I specialize in capturing the best version of you as a client while fostering a comfortable and relaxed environment. Through my art, I strive to create pieces that resonate with everyone, whether eclectic, modern, or contemporary—there’s something for all tastes. I may jump around a bit, but that’s just the artistic side of me (smiling). Read more>>

Makayla J.T. Anderson

Safe to say the piece was a hit and I discovered my knack for Spoken-word. Though I did not perform spoken word again until after college – journaling, yoga, dancing and poetry continuously saved me. Bouts of anxiety and depression often left me crippled and my only way to feel heard was through my pen + movement of my body. This also led me to becoming a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor. Read more>>

Lando

My brand ARYST is my labor of love & brain-child, and I’m constantly working on designs and a future collection behind the scenes, once I can put this music life down for more than a second. Balancing everything in my head is the constant struggle though. Read more>>

Edgar Herrera

I started in the Hospitality industry back to 2008, in a Japanese restaurant I felt like I found something that I really passionate about, during these wonderful years, I have had the opportunities to work in different concepts, like Mexican, Italian, American, catering service, I took advantage in the pandemic to take an international cuisine online course, in 2023 my brother he has this project which he told me about and asked to be a part of Atos cuisine, so we decided to start ATOS our concept is to explore our ideas, we really enjoy to give the best hospitality experience to our guest, quality service over all. Read more>>

Mitchell Brenham

I am the president of LIVE, a student organization at Sam Houston State University that was created to revitalize the local music scene. LIVE was born out of our passion for live music and the desire to bring more events like that to Huntsville. Our mission is centered around building a strong community, where both performers and attendees can connect and engage. We focus on creating social and inclusive events that provide opportunities for everyone involved, giving them the support and recognition they deserve while also strengthening the local scene. Read more>>

Jessica Eslinger

We want to know your name. We want you to bring your family and friends. We want husbands and wives who are thinking about ending their marriage to come into this space and leave united. We want youth who have thought about suicide to come in and leave knowing there is a God. We want individuals battling addiction to come in and leave feeling like chains just broke off. Read more>>

Natalie Sweet

But I was wrong—the coaches chose my song! And through that, I got connected with John Chisum, who’s not only an accomplished artist but also the CEO and founder of NCS. He encouraged me to join their artist development program. That was a big turning point for me. It gave me the tools, encouragement, and community I didn’t even realize I needed to keep going and keep growing as a songwriter and artist. Read more>>

Runsi Sen

Deep into my darkness, I stumbled upon my moment of epiphany, when one day I reached for the depression pills from the medicine cabinet, that my doctor had prescribed for me for the first time. At that defining moment, I realized I was faced with a choice to give in or lean in. I decided to lean in to light by giving others hope and giving them the gift of the spirit of Ovarcoming, by supporting women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and their families. Read more>>

Hannah Cooley

I enjoy mentoring younger students and giving back to my community. Before dental school, I was a student of the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). I was later a mentor for SHPEP during the summer of my freshman and sophomore years of dental school. I mentored and tutored over 160 students in pre-dental, medical, and nursing fields through this program focused on academic enrichment, interprofessional education, and career development. Read more>>

Mafer Pinder

Definitely not. It’s been anything but a smooth road. I only got into the sport in 2018 when I signed up for a half IRONMAN—after a very long period of doing absolutely nothing athletic. But from that moment, I completely fell in love with triathlon. Unfortunately, less than a year later in 2019, I was hit by a car while riding my bike and suffered an elbow dislocation. That injury took me out of the sport for almost 8 months. The physical recovery was hard—but the mental recovery was even harder. Read more>>

Lavanya Mugundhan

One of the biggest struggles along the way was when I first moved to the United States. Growing up in India it was a different culture and environment, moving to America was a complete change from all of that. On top of that I had moved away from all of my family and friends as well as the art community I had grown accustomed to back at home. Thankfully I was able to adjust well and have found my footing while also finding my own art community here again as well. Read more>>

Antionette Quetel

I’m the owner and photographer behind 4Kings Photography, and I specialize in capturing life’s most meaningful moments—maternity, milestone birthdays, senior portraits, glamour sessions, and branding photography. My goal is to make every person who steps in front of my camera feel confident, celebrated, and like royalty in their own story. Read more>>

Russelle Avionn

I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2010 with the founding of A Far Sight Entertainment, a boutique creative and digital media agency focused on helping brands communicate through visuals, video, and strategic content. Specializing in visual storytelling, brand strategy, and content marketing, the company served as my first platform for building narratives that resonate—whether through photography, film, or digital campaigns. While it’s been quiet in recent years, I’m currently in the process of rebranding and relaunching the agency to reflect a modern, more intentional approach to creative media, built for today’s entrepreneurs and purpose-driven brands. Read more>>

Steven Teel

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting in sales was a challenge—I learned a lot, but knew it wasn’t my long-term fit. Pivoting into finance took time, patience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. On the content side, growing while juggling a full-time job hasn’t been easy either. But staying consistent and disciplined has made it all worth it. Read more>>

Venita Graves

It is very important for Beauty Beyond Breast Cancer to obtain the funding that’s needed to maintain our headquarters where we provide beautiful wigs. Every year we receive wig donations from different organizations and people who have the heart to donate wigs for women. Putting on our annual fashion shows has made our journey in our non-profit a lot smoother and has been the catalyst in keeping our headquarters running smoothly. Read more>>

Melissa Vergenz

I’m now on my 9th year and there was a lot of struggles that came with trying to balance work life and personal life. Sometimes you feel like you miss out on a lot of important moments, but the connections and relationships that I’ve built with my clients is also something special to me. So it’s bitter sweet Read more>>

Mark Guevara

Soon, I decided to make a bold move and left WPI to focus on roofing full time. My first big break came when I secured a custom metal roof project for a large national contractor in McAllen. With no prior experience, I took a leap of faith and completed the project in a month with several trips back and forth to Houston. Thanks to the support and guidance from my contractor and project manager, the project was a success. Today, I still work with this contractor, and while we are primarily known as a roofing company, our very first project was a small concrete slab for an A/C unit. Read more>>