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.

Hilary Childers

I served as an agent for Texas Farm Bureau until 2023, when I seized the opportunity to partner with Rollo Insurance and establish Rollo Insurance of Mont Belvieu. This partnership allowed me to build a dedicated team and foster a positive, growth-oriented office environment. Since January 2023, our business has experienced remarkable growth, now proudly comprising five incredible staff members, including my two adult children. Our mission is to serve and educate our clients, ensuring they obtain the precise coverages our client’s need. Read more>>

Chef Lex Velasco

There has absolutely been some struggles. College prepared me for a lot of the issues that came up, but there were so many more lessons that I could not be taught, and I had learn by experience. The biggest struggle has been hiring a team that is committed and dependable! I also learned that reviews can make and break a business. The cooking has been the easy part, the planning is the most difficult. Every event is different, so planning each event is a new mission. Read more>>

Angelica Ramos

High school was challenging. I struggled with my identity and my mental health. At 15, I came out as queer and found myself feeling out of place—and often misunderstood—in the Catholic school environment. One person made all the difference: my school counselor. She saw me for who I truly was and told me that I would achieve everything I wanted in life, that I would make it through the struggles I was facing. She is one of the reasons I’m here today, able to tell my story. Read more>>

Emerson Schreiner

I worked for my aunt for 9 summers on South Padre Island, and then when it was time to spread my wings a bit, moved up to Galveston to start my own branch of the business: Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services: Galveston. Moving to Galveston felt possible because of the support of the Galveston Park Board, who had already been hiring us to give sandcastle lessons in the summer. Now living in Galveston, I continue to be grateful for their support, and the support of the community here, who have made what I do possible. I remain excited and committed to bringing great sand sculpture to Galveston and to share my love of sandcastling with both locals and visitors on Galveston’s beautiful beaches. Read more>>

Shakeatha Davis

I launched SDS as a space where artistry meets strategy. We began with vocal coaching and studio recording, but quickly expanded to include photography, podcast recording, and other creative development services. The goal was to create more than just a studio—it’s a collaborative hub where creatives can refine their craft, produce high-quality content, and get the business and legal insight they need to succeed in competitive industries. Read more>>

Deanna Leong

It’s really important to me to show my kids that you can have a successful career and be a mom at the same time. I also believe in sharing parts of my personal life with my patients because it helps build trust and connection. Many parents appreciate knowing that I provide the same care and treatments for my own kids and family because it makes them feel confident that their loved ones are in good hands. Read more>>

Pedro Araujo

That vision led me to create Trein Club in 2025, a 19,000 sq. ft. wellness space in Houston that goes beyond a traditional gym. It’s a place where Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, yoga, functional training, strength & conditioning, and recovery come together under one roof. But more importantly, it’s a community built on connection—where people can train, grow, and feel at home. Alongside Trein, I also launched Caffe & Trein, bringing my Brazilian roots full circle by sharing coffee, pão de queijo, and açaí as another way to connect people. Read more>>

Dorinda Gborie

In 2010, I graduated from the University of Florida, and the goal was NYC to practice law. But I was asked by my family to relocate to Houston to assist my brother with his business and be closer to family, since I had been on my own and away from my biological family since 1996. I moved to Houston, and during that time, our economy was also in a recession, and it was difficult to find employment. I applied for a correctional officer position and was hired immediately.  Read more>>

Ervin Luka & Amber Sešek

Their journey to this point was straightforward in concept: they began with only a handful of students, but through their students’ excellent results and enthusiastic word-of-mouth from parents, the studio quickly grew. The same pattern repeated itself when they moved to Texas, at one point reaching over 60 students between them. They have since scaled back to maintain a more balanced number of students, given their rich and varied international performing careers. Still, teaching remains their central passion. Read more>>

Jenny Guinn Bosley

My first listing of my career was a $4M ranch. There were a couple listing agents in the running but these particular clients saw how hard I worked & knew the drive I had & decided to give me a chance. The following year I beat every record imaginable especially for somewhat of a rookie but I won Realtor of the Year for my brokerage at the time & ended up being #8 out of over 550+ agents in TX. Today I’m now top 1% in Harris & Montgomery County Realtors! Read more>>

Hansini

Although she went in with no expectations and hoped she’d at least gain a better understanding of the foundation of music production she ended up really loving the process. Additionally, she has taken up a passion for understanding the nuances of the very many diverse EDM genres with house, tech house, and melodic dubstep being her top favorites to create in. She’s always looking to learn new techniques and skills vocally and within her DAW of choice, Ableton, to share her love for the complexity and beauty of music creation with others. Read more>>

Jonathan Jay Arauz

I started tattooing in 2009 right after high school . It started as just a hobby on friends . Becouse I always loved making art and being creative . It wasn’t something I thought about before ,I just sort of gravitated towards it after I got my first tattoo and it sparked my interest. That led to me getting into a shop and learning the ins and outs of the industry and over the years I’ve built up my reputation and clientele I know on my own studio (1/2 pint tattoo studio ) and business is good. But my story isn’t over yet. I’m still learning every day and always trying to elevate to the next level and reach the next goal. Read more>>

Moe Monroe

Not at all!! Throughout the years I’ve dealt with many bumps in the road, at one point of the year I was staying in my car and unemployed. I wasn’t getting orders and I became heavily depressed due to my circumstances through the support of friends and family I was able to start the healing process. No more depression, just progress. I’m now working 2 jobs and sewing full time to make ends meet. I’ve worked so hard this year, I feel so proud of the resilience I’ve had during the past few months. Fashion is my identity and I can’t quit on myself when things get tough. I thank God for my journey this is apart of my story. Read more>>

Rachael Patrick

Only they weren’t. Our schools there at the time didn’t have and specialized programs and weren’t partnered with any colleges and After the incredibly rich experience academically and socially in colleges. It was as if suburbia didn’t need the “help”… only we did. This was the seed that sparked the growth! How can I eventually create an avenue that allows for all scholars regardless of socio economic background to be specifically directly exposed to STEAM subject in a manner that will build confidence, then affinity while connecting them to colleges and career mentors and opportunities that feed and encourage STEAM CAREERS?! Enter Gift Education Foundation Read more>>

Cecilia Duarte Jesús Pacheco

Like everything, it takes time. We both have had our individual challenges but we have come to a time where we have build bridges with several arts organizations, and maintained relationships with colleagues that have supported us whenever we have presented ideas and embraced our artistic views. For us this is a sign that what we want to offer is not only valid, but needed. We are two busy people with our own projects, so finding the time and the energy to keep going on our quest as a team can be challenging. Read more>>

Angi Lewis

Today, Angi Lewis Studios has become Houston’s premier portrait and headshot studio, and I’ve built it with a focus on client experience. From professional hair and makeup to guided posing and wardrobe consultation, every detail is designed to take the stress off my clients and make them feel empowered in front of the camera. My goal isn’t just to deliver beautiful images—it’s to create an experience that reminds people of their value and leaves them walking away with more confidence than they arrived with. Read more>>

Ayo Shofoluwe

When I was younger, my family instilled core values in me that prioritized integrity, dignity, and honor. Through the exemplary leadership of my parents, I learned the importance of hard work and the value of community. Being born of Nigerian descent, I developed a deep appreciation of my African heritage by actively participating in rich cultural traditions and even traveling back home to Nigeria. These immersive experiences were instrumental in shaping my identity and ultimately my worldview. Read more>>

Jesse Beausoleil

Starting a business was an arduous journey filled with numerous struggles. One of the initial challenges was mastering the technical aspects of guitar construction, which required a deep understanding of materials, design, and craftsmanship. Teaching myself CAD design was another hurdle, as it involved learning complex software and applying it to create precise models and plans. Building CNC machines from scratch was a daunting task, requiring both technical expertise and patience to ensure they functioned correctly. Read more>>

Chan Luong

Then, in what I can only describe as an answered prayer, my life took a turn. I moved to Houston, Texas, and met my husband—a man of God, brimming with ambition, intelligence, confidence, and determination. He saw something in me that I could not yet see in myself. Where I doubted, he believed. Where I hesitated, he encouraged. Over time, his unwavering support and faith in me began to chip away at the fear that had held me back for so long. Together, we built a life and a family, raising three wonderful children. And in 2017, I finally found the courage to take a leap of faith and open my own private speech and language practice. Read more>>

Calan White

Over the last 22 years, we’ve had our share of growing pains,” I’ll admit with a smile. The home renovation industry is rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart. We’ve weathered economic ups and downs, navigated shifting housing markets, and adapted to constant changes in building codes, best practices, and design trends. Staying current means never standing still—you’re always learning, researching, and finding new ways to serve clients better. Read more>>

Susanne Cook

The hardest part of starting my organizing business was taking that very first step. Choosing faith over fear set me on the path to becoming a Professional Organizer and brought me to where I am today. Along the way, I was blessed with the encouragement of friends and family who believed in my vision. With their support and the expert guidance of our local Small Business Development Center I turned an idea into a reality, building my website, setting up my accounting system, and officially establishing my business in the state of Texas. Read more>>

Stephanie King

Hi! Thanks so much. Happy to share my story. I started my business in 2018 as a professional home organizer, not realizing that what I was truly stepping into was a much deeper calling. At first, my work focused purely on transforming physical spaces: helping clients declutter their homes, streamline their systems, and create order. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of people, and while the organized rooms were rewarding, the real magic was in witnessing my clients themselves transform. Read more>>

Jittima Williams

Like many small businesses, the journey to building Spa Time Thai Massage came with challenges. Starting fresh in a new city is not easy — we have to introduce ourselves to the community, build trust with clients, and found the right space that felt both welcoming and professional. On top of that, navigating permits, marketing, and the behind-the-scenes work of running a business was a learning curve. Read more>>

Chad & Taryn Fiebiger

The Highland Pine Company is truly a family business. We have hired our oldest son and his wife, our middle daughter, our niece and soon enough, our youngest son will be working with us as well. We also have two amazing ladies who work with us who we love like our own family. We work together as a team to bring Montgomery a truly unique shopping experience. We hope that everyone who walks through our doors knows how appreciated they are. We want every single person to leave our shop feeling a little happier than they did when they walked in. Read more>>

Marcia Smith

So, I made the decision to go into business for myself. My first priority was to create a space where I could show up fully as me, no code switching, no strict dress codes, no hiding parts of who I am. At 35, I was ready to be my authentic self, unapologetically. I also wanted to ensure that my work was client-centered, not a one size fits all approach. That meant investing in myself, getting certified in EMDR, and training in other modalities so I could meet each client exactly where they are. Read more>>

Emily Gillen

I started The Slumber Party Club when my oldest daughter was turning 8. She wanted to have her very first slumber party. We had hard wood floors and not enough beds. I wanted something cute and fun for the girls to remember. I remember seeing little teepees on Pinterest and quickly thought what a great business this would be. I worked quickly and made a magical setup for her! I was a teacher and needed the extra income so I decided to launch this business idea for our area. The closest other business was about 2 hours away so I knew this could be a hit. We are now starting our 7th year and have been able to create memories for thousands of kids across the Houston area. Read more>>

Trina Frazier

Today, I run The Rose Center, PLLC, and I am the founder of The PopPsych! Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing funding for therapy for those who cannot afford services. My mission is to continue blending therapy, education, and creative outreach to make mental health accessible for everyone. I look forward to bringing that same passion, innovation, and commitment wherever I serve — helping more people discover their capacity for healing and growth. Read more>>

Dr. Joey Davies

Every DDC family has access to our Board Certified Advocate for Special Education — free of charge. That means when a parent has a concern about services or an upcoming ARD meeting, they have an expert at their side who not only knows the law but knows their child. Even after students graduate from the DDC, our advocate continues to support families through annual school meetings, ensuring the right accommodations stay in place and that parents know they have someone for extra support when schools push back. Read more>>

Jackie Garcia-Morales

As soon as I decided to swerve into a new lane, I applied for an internship at Penguin Random House—one of the first positions I saw. I soon found myself working in the children’s sales department with iconic imprints like Penguin Young Readers and Random House Children’s Books under two incredible supervisors. I was one of the oldest interns, the only one changing careers, and the only one without a degree or experience related to publishing. What I brought instead was curiosity and potential, and PRH saw value in that. Read more>>

Ashley Lewis

I joined Racheal’s wedding planning company, Inspired Weddings and Events Co., where I grew into the role of event coordinator and now full-fledged event planner. Through every experience, I realized my true passion lies in creating meaningful, intimate events and taking the stress off my clients’ shoulders so they can enjoy every moment of their special day. And that’s how Events Made by Ashley came to life – rooted in experience, driven by passion, and built to celebrate life’s most unforgettable moments. Read more>>

Haiven Harvey

I made everything under the sun. From vests, to barbie clothes, to Dorthy’s iconic dress from The Wizard of Oz. This followed me well into high school where I even made my own prom dress. After high school, I took courses through Houston Community College’s Fashion Design program. This is where I was really able to hone in on specific skills and figure out where I wanted to land in the fashion world. They gave me the confidence I needed to start my professional career as a Houston based fashion stylist and the skills to start my own fashion brand named Forte Designs, with my first collection “Wanderlust” debuting this September. Read more>>

Peace Okwololo

America’s Next Top Model was one of my favorite shows growing up, so modeling was always something I dreamed about, but I never really saw as something I could pursue realistically. Then in 2022, I was hanging out with my cousin, Rivwe, and he encouraged me to give it a real shot. I had joked about modeling with him before, but this time he told me I should take it seriously and that he truly thought I could do well as a model. So that March, I booked my very first photoshoot, and to my surprise, I hated the pictures. The photographer was amazing, but I just wasn’t comfortable in front of the camera yet. After that, I decided to put modeling on hold and focus on finishing school. Read more>>

Brogan Ross

COVID was definitely a huge obstacle, but it also gave me clarity. Working alongside so many talented small business owners made me realize that I could do this too. Looking back, I actually feel like I did it the right way around—I gained invaluable experience first, and it’s shaped everything I’ve learned on this journey. Read more>>

Alba Munoz

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been learning the business side of running a medspa. While I’m confident in delivering treatments and ensuring client satisfaction, managing the marketing, finances, scheduling, and compliance side was a whole new world. At first, balancing all those moving parts felt overwhelming. But over time, I’ve learned to wear multiple hats, build better systems, and grow both personally and professionally from the experience. Read more>>

Tony Phan

My name is Tony Phan, and I am a licensed chiropractor with a passion for helping people improve their health and quality of life. My interest in chiropractic care began during my undergraduate years after I was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. The prescribed medications I was given provided little relief and I struggled to focus on school, restricted range of motion and just feeling miserable. Read more>>

Naka Alexander

After overcoming personal and health challenges, she launched MultiDimensional Gal Luxury Designs, a brand that’s created for the dynamic yet fashion-forward women who balance numerous roles, from entrepreneurs, executives, to the stay-at-home moms. Naka is committed to helping women from all walks of life look and feel their best in every setting; as highlighted in our slogan, “In style from the Boardroom to the Boardwalk.” Read more>>

Isaiah Curtis

I was just a young boy from Alief Texas. Right there between South Dairyashford and Bissonet. I moved to the Northside of Houston around 1st grade to Bluebell off of Veterans Memorial and 249. I started doing music when I was in high school. I was 17. This was in 2012. I would play with looping and sampling beats on audacity. That’s all I would do. I later would start freestyling ova the beats I would loop and sample. Not too long after I picked up a pen and pad and started writing to those beats as well as other beats. Read more>>

Henry

We’ve learned so much, and seeing support from others has made it even more enjoyable. Even though I am going to school at UT Austin, and Jameson is going to NYU with his first year being in London, we have no intention of stopping Boyoyoyz. We want to make music for as long as we can because it’s such a good outlet to say what you want to, and an incredible process to make art you can look back on. We thank everyone for their support in our journey, Boyoyoyz forever! Read more>>

Corinthian Jefferson

One of the most important lessons has been embracing flexibility without compromising our vision. Every challenge whether operational or interpersonal has been an invitation to lead with more clarity, build stronger systems, and refine how we show up as partners. We’re learning that growth isn’t always loud or immediate, it’s often in the subtle shifts: better boundaries, clearer processes, and a deeper commitment to alignment. Read more>>

Ashley Paris-Alderson

When my family and I moved to Texas, I felt like God had placed me exactly where I was meant to be. Everything fell into place so seamlessly. With the business skills I had developed in my career, and with the guidance of the SBDC, I finally gained the courage to chase my dream. Slowly, the vision of a candle bar began to take shape—a beautiful space where people could gather, choose their favorite scents, and create something uniquely meaningful. Read more>>

Olena Budak

After the beginning of the war, life as I knew it was shaken. I had to leave behind not just my home, but the world where my roots were — my students, my concerts, my everyday life. It was a time of uncertainty and pain, but also of searching. Searching for a place where my family could feel safe, where my music could still live, and where my voice would not be silenced. Read more>>

Jennifer San Miguel

I opened MoveNation Dance Academy in 2018. This was the realization of a lifelong aspiration. I have since opened Houston Dance Consortium and Dance Life, Better Life, LLC fully embodying the persona of a Dance Entrepreneur. I truly believe that Dance is the best way to learn who you are as a person and gives you the tools to pursue success in any endeavor. I am living the life I wanted and raising my children to do the same. My story obviously begins before 2018, and I am happy to share my journey to becoming myself, but I feel that this information is already available via many other interviews and in my blog on www.DanceLifeBetterLife.com. I am happy to meet new students, new friends, and new business partners any time. Read more>>

Poncho Moguel and Carolina Simon

The idea was born over countless conversations about health, longevity, and community, but it became real once we decided to leave the ‘someday’ mindset behind and take action. From finding the perfect space in the Houston Heights, to designing every detail — from the infrared heating panels to the shake bar — we built Obsidian Flow to be more than a studio. It’s an experience where members can grow stronger, recover smarter, and feel supported every step of the way. Read more>>

Anthony Marquez

My story starts with service. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where I served honorably for four years as a Motor Transport Operator. That experience shaped the way I approach leadership, discipline, and responsibility. After the Marines, I continued serving my community by becoming a police officer. I currently work with the Texas Medical Center Police Department, assigned to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, where my role allows me to combine professionalism with compassion in protecting families and staff. Read more>>

Dayo Soola

I came across a gelato shop and tasted gelato for the first time and fell in love with it. I decided the gelato business would be more suitable for my vision of a small business that can grow into multiple locations. I opened the first Ogi Gelato, Coffee & Bakeshop in December 2021. I learnt a lot about how to run a business over the next three years at the first location and decided to relocate to a much better location with a drive thru which was opened February of this year. I decided to now brand the shop as more of a coffee shop with offerings of gelato and baked goods. Read more>>

Nida Jalal

Helloo there !! My name is nida and I am so greatful to be on this page and be able to interview such great platform I am so blessed to achieve so much in such less time the biggest motivation for me in my life was my passion towers glam life .the love for makeup fashion I was always a baby model my mom would always dress me up into a doll with matching outfits shoes jewlery and that led me to the amazing content creator and a fashionista so thankyou mother Read more>>

Shelly Castle

They lie on us and didn’t realize how it would affect us. I work very hard and took passion in what I did and took it to a whole different level! I differentiated myself from the rest and made it a whole party on wheels .
So told God to take me out of this world, or give me a reason to live. He gave me a reason to live and said Shelly Castle, I am not done with you yet! So I did it and started my own company with literally nothing and not even knowing what to do or how to run a business or what all I would need to be a success! Read more>>