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.

Austin McLeod

I was born in Jacksonville, Florida to a small family that consisted of me, my mom, and my older brother. Since early on in my childhood, I have always been an imaginative person. It started when I would constantly read books and watch movies or tv shows. I was always drawn in by unique stories and interesting characters like from Alice in Wonderland, Roald Dahl books, or Tim Burton’s movies. These things helped me escape to a different world in my mind and allowed me to play out different characters and stories.  Read more>>

Marzy Lo

My artist development has been a slow process–a majority of the battle was finding the confidence to just get started. Since I’ve released my debut EP, I’ve struggled most in supporting my dream as an independent artist, finding resources to make the art up to standard that I expect for myself, and learning new things. I’m grateful for the support that I’ve found along the way from my family, friends, and colleagues that I’ve met through music. Read more>>

Dasia Hinkle

I am where I am today because I didn’t give up on myself. Art was something I knew I wanted and I was never afraid to bet on myself. I even ended up in Houston from Chicago because of a job (that I no longer even work at lol), but because I wanted a different experience for myself – I took the leap of faith. New city, not knowing anyone – a space to really get to know yourself, and it wasn’t easy. From job loss, not suffering in silence, and now an increase of abundance. I can truly say I weathered the storm with grace and came out on the other side truly blessed. There were many challenges, but finding ways to have peace of mind really changes how you view your situation. Read more>>

Liza Rivera

It hasn’t been easy and I’m still learning new things about myself along the way. Self-image was always a struggle for me; so much so, that it took so many years before I could even look at myself in the mirror and be happy with who I saw looking back. I remember the exact moment it happened, in the Shake Shack restroom, I looked up into the mirror and for the first time in my life I could see myself the way God saw me. Created in His image; beautifully and wonderfully made. Read more>>

Tennyson & Meka Smith

Then, just as were gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But, to God be the glory, we embraced the power of the pivot. We transitioned to virtual sessions, ensuring our clients continued receiving the care they needed. To our surprise the pandemic spiked our client roster. About a year later Vital 2 Life Counseling became a hub for the National Christian Counselors Association and started welcoming students aspiring to become Licensed Pastoral Counselors. Our client roster grew steadily, as did our reputation in Katy, Brookshire, and Fulshear. Read more>>

Verlincia Prince

I’ve always worn a lot of hats-advocate, educator, performer, organizer, but every path I’ve walked has been rooted in service and community. I started out as a music educator and vocalist, pouring into young people through the arts. Over time, my work expanded into family engagement and advocacy, helping parents and schools build stronger partnerships, and supporting some of our most vulnerable students through the McKinney-Vento Act. Read more>>

Brittany White

Now, I teach students as well as other teachers. I have also been able to use these skills to help kids and teens understand the Bible as well as what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m not perfect. I didn’t make good grades all the time. I didn’t always make the best decisions. But I’m still here. I love exposing my students to what can be possible. They call me Dr. White; they are blown away that they are being taught by a professor in a regular English I class. God helped me to get this degree so that I could help them. I am honored to do that. Read more>>

Trazanna Moreno

When Evelyn was in House Band, my husband, Vince, a broadcast TV engineer by trade, first volunteered to be the band’s audio engineer. Eventually, School of Rock Katy hired him part-time. Vince had also been taking adult drum lessons at the school (inspired by my daughter). He got so good so fast, that he was invited to manage the adult band program and became a group performance instructor. Read more>>

Susan Ohalloran

Reliance on Local Government: A significant portion of its funding comes from the City of Beaumont. While this relationship has been a strong partnership, it means the organization’s financial stability can be impacted by the city’s own budget and economic health. A Texas Historical Commission document on funding for Main Street programs notes that while this local government support is essential, a multi-pronged funding approach is necessary to avoid an “all-eggs-in-one-basket” scenario. Read more>>

Jeremy Horton

Some of the struggles we’ve faced are our location and our name oddly enough. We have a great building, but unfortunately we’re tucked behind a few other business with no road signage which causes us to get overlooked. Our name “Champion Forest” may indicate that we were in a different area of Houston. We’re hoping to have our name changed to “Tomball” and host a grand re-opening in the coming years Read more>>

Latasha Bailey

I am Louisiana born and raised, and a proud alum of Southern University and A&M College, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. My journey begins with the women who came before me. My grandmother, who worked as a maid to provide for me and my sister, modeled resilience, dignity, and sacrifice. When I got to college, she even sold pies so I could afford my books because while she couldn’t support me financially on her salary, she was determined that I would have what I needed to succeed. I come from a long line of hardworking women, and their sacrifices are the foundation I continue to build on today. Read more>>

Angelle Harris

Retrospective Wellness Group (RWG) was founded in 2020—at the height of a global health crisis—with a mission rooted in resilience, compassion, and purpose. What began as a response to unprecedented challenges quickly evolved into a powerful movement to reimagine behavioral healthcare and provider support. RWG has since established itself as a trusted leader, bridging the gap between high-quality clinical services and operational excellence for provider agencies. Read more>>

Maritza Kirby

I knew I really didn’t want to specialize in hair I wanted something different to make a change for individuals appearances. That’s when I decided on Esthetics. I started my journey in 2017 completed my education in record time and in 2018 started my own mini spa. Which I loved! I loved the freedom, the beauty life and so much more. There were times where things were frustrating but nevertheless I love what I do. The ability to help others transform themselves is amazing and rewarding. Read more>>

Aisha Yishawu

I grew up in Nigeria, in an unconventional family consisting of my dad and multiple wives, and that shaped so much of who I am today. Life wasn’t always simple, but those early experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating my own path. Most of my teenage years and early adulthood were spent in Nigeria, where I explored my love for entertainment, acting, and modeling, while also building a foundation in branding, marketing and entertainment. Read more>>

Sandra Pham

What began as just me has grown into a team offering full-service planning, partial planning, day-of coordination, as well as DJ, entertainment, and photobooth services. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability—especially as the industry evolves with rising costs and a new generation of couples. Today, I’m proud that we’ve built a business known for our creativity, passion, teamwork, and ability to design celebrations that truly reflect each couple’s unique story. Read more>>

Keelan Wilson

When I came home, I co-founded Aknew Approach Inc. with my mom to empower Black and Brown system-impacted youth and families. We focus on exposure, showing young people what’s possible for their lives by connecting them to diverse opportunities, mentorship, and global travel. That work has been recognized by awards like the Youth Empowerment Champion Award and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award (the highest community service award in the U.S.), which were humbling moments of affirmation that service is not just what I do, but who I am. Read more>>

Ruben Moreno

Over the next decade, I see music increasingly shedding its traditional genre boundaries. My ‘Zydeco Re-evolution’ fits right into this moment, blending roots sounds with blues, Chicano grooves, and hip-hop to meet listeners where they are. Read more>>

Sadaf Javaid

At cognitive psychiatry, we are a firm believer that every individual is unique. It is very important to take an integrated treatment approach to designing a personalized treatment plan that incorporates the functional performance of the patient, his/her family unit and extended support network such as therapists, social workers and family to help you achieve your goals. Read more>>

Jessica Watts

I was raised in Prairie View, TX, just down the street from Prairie View A&M University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the second-oldest public institution in Texas. Owning various animals seemed like a prerequisite for rural living, and I had a plethora of cats and dogs on the almost one acre of land we lived on. In addition, it was custom to encounter livestock such as chickens, rabbits, and the occasional turtle when I visited my grandpa, who practiced small-scale homesteading. Read more>>

Sonia Tamayo

In 2022, I decided it was time to take the next step. With years of experience under my belt and a vision for something of my own, I launched my own agency. What made the journey even more special was joining forces with my daughter, Elizabeth Tamayo, who also worked with the same Farmers Insurance agent for several years. Together, we chose to build a family-owned, mother-daughter business rooted in trust, service, and shared values. Read more>>

Tamara Albury

Education has always been more than a profession for me—it is my life’s purpose and the most powerful tool we possess to create equity and opportunity. My journey in education began long before I entered my first classroom. As an undergraduate in Kenya, I worked alongside teachers in the Mathare settlement of Nairobi, serving children displaced by the Rwandan conflict and denied access to education. In those classrooms, I witnessed girls excluded not because of ability or ambition, but simply because of gender. In that moment, education revealed itself as the most radical act of justice. Read more>>

Micah Childs

My passion for tastefully designed interiors and well organized spaces in accompaniment of my interest in entrepreneurship have ushered me into this new season of growth in business. Owning Perpetually Organized allows me to incorporate aspects from both, while also creating a sense of calm and fulfilling the needs of my clients. Read more>>

Jordan Lumpkins

By immersing myself in the art community, I began to discover the networks, organizations, and individuals who give it life. Building organic relationships with artists, community organizers, arts administrators, and others in the field quickly expanded my circle and created a support system that helped me navigate unfamiliar terrain. Many of those connections later grew into artistic opportunities of their own. Read more>>

Erie Crawford

My spirituality and faith in God played a vital role in finding the courage to write “The Other Side of Midnight: A journey to healing spouses and loved ones affected by suicide.” Through my deep spiritual connection, I found strength and purpose, enabling me to transform personal grief into a source of healing for others. My faith provided the resilience needed to address this delicate topic, offering hope, understanding, and compassion to those affected by the profound loss of suicide. My work is a beacon of light, guiding readers toward acceptance and healing. Read more>>

Mandy Haskell

Not at all. When we launched, we started on one platform and quickly had to transition to a different platform and firm—an expensive, stressful process that tested our clients’ trust. Starting your own firm is full of unknowns, but those challenges strengthened us. Brandon and I joke that we’ve been through hell and back, but it brought us closer and made WPA what it is today. Read more>>

Eden Meeks

My photography journey began when my daughter was just nine months old. Like any mom, I wanted to capture every little detail, but I also wanted to elevate those everyday moments. Simply hoping to improve her pictures, I took a few photography classes. Along the way, a couple of families asked me to take their photos, and what started as a small favor quickly turned into something more. Read more>>

Carlos & Maddy

They met at an open mic where Carlos was testing out new material. Maddy was performing with a friend as a lark, but her virtuosic ability on the cello was not lost on Carlos. He engaged her at once with the proposition of collaborating on original music. Almost immediately, the two struck upon a mystifying sound, rich with natural acoustics, and laced with deeply felt sentiments regarding human struggle, safety, worth, and equality. Their captivating songs found a receptive audience in those who appreciate the art of live performance and the combination of classical and jazz instruments in a rock/folk setting. They began performing regularly around Houston, eventually touring all over Texas and the Midwest. Read more>>

Kristen Scott

My mission is to light the flame and empower as many driven, self-led individuals into having the best relationships, marriages, businesses, friendships and life overall – a positivity that is so needed in this ever-changing world. I am most proud of helping others see themselves in a new light, activating them to make positive changes in their lives as well as lighting the flame in others. What sets me apart is that I’ve studied both the arts and sciences as well as business. I believe now is the time for us to be fully-integrated, not just over-optimized in one area of our lives. It’s more than simply healing wounds, it’s living with a healthy spirit and outlook in life. Read more>>

Daniela Gutiérrez Cohen

However, I didn’t want to just teach—I wanted to do it well. I sought out resources to improve my teaching methodology, completing a diploma in Humanistic Dance Therapy and certifications in dance anatomy, cardio-dance, choreography, and more. These tools gave me a broader perspective, but experience remained my greatest teacher. Read more>>

Julia Byers

Back home, she taught herself guitar, started booking her own gigs and building her fanbase from the ground up—starting solo, then forming her own band, which now backs her on stage. From small-town bars to big-name venues like House of Blues, Discovery Green, Constellation Field, BFE Rock Club, and the Fort Bend County Fair, Julia’s reputation has only grown louder. Her sound—a whip-smart mix of sass and soul—balances tongue-in-cheek storytelling with raw, vocal-driven ballads, or Country/Rock hits that stop a room cold. Read more>>

Rebecca Bacon

In 2022, I met Owen, who later became my husband and adopted my daughter. Together we welcomed our son in 2023, and building a family also planted the seed to build a business that mattered. Owen had been performing home inspections for years, but we wanted to create something that went beyond “checking boxes.” For me, it was about protecting families and helping realtors guide their clients through one of life’s biggest decisions. Read more>>

Angelica Small

I find myself always listening to others, like complete strangers, no matter where I go. So why not become my own boss, while providing for not only my clients/customers but also my family. Finally, nearly 40 years old running a successful business that makes others feel beautiful about themselves! Why wouldn’t I not want to provide a little something whether it’s a small, tiny tattoo, facial or create you a shirt design that puts a smile on your face. All in the comfort of my small business. That right there is what makes me feel like I have finally made my dream come true. Read more>>

Tiffani Davis

Yet, in the middle of the turmoil, neither of us truly wanted to destroy our family. Somehow, in all the chaos, we shifted from fighting each other to fighting for our marriage. Through much prayer and the support of a wonderful counselor, we reconciled. That counselor helped us heal, grow, and remember that with God’s grace, restoration is possible. It was in that season of pain that God gave me the vision for Kingdom Family Ministry (KFM). Wil was immediately on board and ready to embrace the mission. Read more>>

Flori Meeks Hatchett

From the beginning, we knew we wanted to focus on serving businesses and nonprofits, with nonfiction ghostwriting as our specialty. Ghostwriting is one of my favorite things to do — it combines my background as a newspaper features writer with a deeper kind of storytelling. Helping people share their stories in their own voices is so rewarding. Read more>>

Jonathan Caesar

That experience made me realize I wanted to do more than teach multiplication and place value. I wanted to understand the root of why kids struggle and be part of the reason they could grow, both academically and personally. Over time, it became clear that the impact I could make inside the classroom was limited. What I really wanted was to help strengthen the entire family dynamic. I decided to go back to school for counseling psychology with the intent of making a greater impact on my community beyond the classroom. Read more>>

Briana Mills

From that day forward i vowed to unapologetically devote my life to God and lead my sons in God’s word. In the year of 2025 God gave me and my babies back everything the enemy stole from us, and placed it on my heart to create a safe, non judgemental space for women who may be going through a dark season and may not see a way out. In August of 2025 HER Exodus has started and is thriving with the support of my dedicated members: Shanitra, Ta’Rori, Etyra, Tiara and my motivation behind it all, J’uan and Jo’Siah, Her Exodus is continuously growing and eagerly spreading the encouragement, and continuous Faith in God’s word. Read more>>

Victoria Schlain

There were a lot of questions and unknowns for the rest of my pregnancy that we had to wrestle with. When our 2nd daughter was born, we made a huge leap of faith and sold our house and most everything we owned, renovated and moved into an RV and started traveling around America with our then two-year-old and six-month-old. We saw amazing sights traveling America’s highways and backroads but the best part of it all was how much quality family time we got to have with our young kids. Read more>>

Young Lyric

We started making songs, uploading them to YouTube and everything else was history. Everybody started catching on to the wave, I started being on the news for rapping, and gaining a lot of traction on YouTube just for being known as the little girl who raps. There wasn’t many of us rapping at that age and making music videos, so the ones that did, everybody knew. Fast forward to age 14, I secured a spot on Jermaine Dupree’s show “The Rap Game” on Lifetime and that took my career to the next level. We’ve come a long way from that little girl in 2007. Fast forward, eighteen years later and I’m still going hard like it’s my first day. Read more>>

Mi Nguyen

After graduating from undergraduate, I took a semester off to get work experience with the intention of finding my passion and purpose. In doing so, I met a lot of people who really inspired me to chase something that I could see myself doing for the rest of my life; to no surprise, that ended up in the field of psychology and counseling. Mental health was something that always intrigued me, but I never thought I would be in the shoes of someone giving the counseling. I am a strong believer in things happening for a reason, and once I was able to find my reason, everything started piecing itself together. Read more>>

Erica King

There were many times I had to take my son to business meetings alongside with me. I didn’t want to pay a nanny and I loved the thought of my son seeing his mommy in business mode. Sometimes it felt unprofessional, but he would let me do my thing and my teams understood and grew to love him. Thanks to my incredible teams, juggling motherhood and full-time entrepreneurship felt a lot less overwhelming. While I was opening the retail shop, my son was right by my side — helping me paint, put up wallpaper and cleaning. He genuinely loved helping me and being a part of the process. I’m so grateful God blessed me with a son like him. Read more>>

Monique Joseph

I left my career in the medical field to join the local fight to end mass incarceration. I knew that I had to do all I could to ensure my children could not be victimized by Harris County’s legal system any further. I want my children to say, “My momma fought for and believed mass incarceration would end”. Now I find myself serving in grassroots coalitions, on the board of a Christian non-profit, working in community engagement at UH, finishing my Master’s, and raising three beautiful children in one of the most systemically racist states in the US. And still I rise! Read more>>

Twyling (Chelle) Baugh

As my clientele grew, God led me to relocate to Angleton. My reputation began to spread, and people started to recognize me as one of the greats in the area. Still, the journey was not without trials. I faced racism and had to protect my image and character while still growing. When I found myself back at home, I turned that setback into an opportunity—transforming my living space into a full salon. There, I hired my first set of stylists and barbers, expanding my vision beyond myself. That home-based business grew so quickly that I eventually moved into a storefront, where I remained for 12 years. Read more>>

Christa McCourt

There was a season of my life when I was a single mom of three, trying to build a business, raise my children, and hold myself together at the same time. I remember nights when I’d put the kids to bed, sit down at the kitchen table exhausted, and wonder how I was going to keep all the plates spinning. I was struggling with my own mental health, but I didn’t feel like I had the luxury of slowing down. Read more>>

Geetinder Goyal

One key lesson? You can’t fix healthcare for patients without also fixing the health plan behind it. That’s why we created WOOP Care—our innovative health plan that removes financial barriers by aligning world-class primary care with affordable access to labs, imaging, specialists, and even surgeries, all coordinated through First Primary Care (FPC). Read more>>

Anna Foster

Being a veterinarian is one of the most fulfilling careers in existence. However, burn out and suicide rates are high. I co-founded The Evolved Vets, a virtual business, to provide Life Coaching for veterinarians. We use a proven method grounded in neuroplasticity and values-based living to help veterinarians live their unique version of a successful life. Me and my business partner, Dr. Bethany Weinheimer, co-host The Evolved Vets Podcast. Read more>>

James Bishop

In October of 2000, he founded Humble Lamb Ministries as a personal outreach ministry. He continued to serve under Supt. L. V. Whitaker at Toliver Memorial Church of God In Christ as the Adult Sunday School teacher and Associate Minister. On February 17, 2007 The Lord called Supt. L. V. Whitaker from labor to reward. After the death of Pastor Whitaker, Elder Bishop continued to serve under the Bishop C. L. Bryant for eighteen months. In March 2008, he decided to follow his God-given destiny and begin his Pastorate at Kingdom Harvest. Read more>>

Dana Pritchard

With over two decades of trailblazing experience in the automotive industry, Dana Leigh Pritchard is known for her role in building more than building a custom auto shop. As one of the founding members of The Woodlands Car Club and the visionary behind The Woodlands Cars & Coffee for a Cause, charity car display at Market Street, Dana has combined her love for all things automotive with her heart for service, raising awareness and funds for countless local charities. Read more>>

Lanora (Onney the CEO) Laws

Born Lanora Laws, and carrying the legacy of the celebrated Laws family (Ronnie, Hubert, Eloise, and Debra Laws), Onney knew early on that her gifts could not be confined to a single lane. Though her first love has always been poetry, the Houston-bred creative expanded her artistry into acting, modeling, playwriting, directing, publishing, producing and authorship—refusing to let the world limit her expression. Read more>>