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Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Malika Hutchinson

I believe I’m called to be a full time entrepreneur that will be a force in the industry of hair, influencing and so much more. For many years, Fear crippled me into staying in the norm of a “career” . But, truly FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. Then, the security I had in a job was removed twice in less than 12 months. Read more>>

Jimmy Houston

That’s a deep question, and it really hits something beyond just my art career—it gets to the root of how I operate as a person. Fear can be a real beast. Making a living as an artist is like walking a tightrope, and the fear that’s tripped me up the most is people-pleasing. Read more>>

Brandi Michelle

Caring too much about what other people thought. I let other people’s opinions shape the choices I made in my life, not theirs. For a long time, I played the background, following directions from people who never had to live with the consequences of those choices. But eventually, I got tired. Read more>>

Sia Moiwa

The defining wounds of my life have come from deep betrayal, loss, and the experience of being silenced in spaces where I expected safety. Read more>>

SANDRA VILLEGAS

Over the years I realized how important it is to always keep dreaming and believe that your dreams can be achieved, Life is not easy but I believe with love and dedication, persistence, responsibility, anything is possible. Read more>>

Brandon Hoge

Mountain climbing. Unfortunately, we don’t have any of those in Houston, but I have managed to get away five times over the last seven years to do so. I’ve summited four of the five highest peaks in the lower 48 and I’m hoping to summit the tallest in the next year. After that, who knows? Read more>>

Alberto Medellin

My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is family, personal growth, and making a difference in people’s lives. I care deeply about creating something lasting that my kids and future generations can be proud of. I’m big on helping others see what’s possible for them, whether it’s through real estate, mentorship, or just being there when they need support. Read more>>

Shazia Ahmad

I find peace through prayer and by spending time in nature, especially near the water. Those quiet moments give me space to reflect, recharge, and stay centered. I’m happiest when I’m with my husband and daughter, and I truly cherish the time I spend with my friends and family — their love and laughter bring so much joy and balance to my life. <br> Read more>>

Roy L. Jackson Sr.

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply a soul searching for significance—a young man with an unrefined gift and an unguarded heart. I was not yet burdened by expectation or confined by the titles that now trail behind my name. I was merely becoming. I had passion without process, zeal without wisdom, and talent without temperance. Read more>>

Mon’ro

Mannn I was just a quite laid back ladies man that went with the flow and loved playing basketball Read more>>

Aesha Egbuna

I am currently tap dancing to work! I love what I do! My Fall Sip N’ Shop is coming up on November 29, 2025. Not only am I planning the whole thing, I am also selling my jewelry there. This will be my first time showing my work at my own event and I am really planning the event of my dreams! Read more>>

Ginger Maclay

Yes! I absolutely enjoy what I do. I love the creative aspect and I love helping small businesses become successful through the services I provide. Read more>>

Heidi Aghajani

es, I have. I stood up for one of my clients when another client sat in my waiting area and spoke negatively about her appearance…judging and gossiping. I made the difficult decision to let that client go. I knew it would cost me financially and socially because she was considered an influencer with a large following, but protecting the integrity of my business mattered more. Read more>>

Quin Levy-Flemings

Yes, I stood up for my daughter, Maylaysia Ariel Levy, after her life was taken by domestic violence. It cost me everything. What made it even harder was learning five years later that the detective who interrogated her killer had given him a story. Though he was found guilty, he only received seven years, a sentence that felt like another injustice. Read more>>

Payton Riley

I would stop caring what people think of me. In this industry, it’s easy to let those thoughts creep in—“Do they like my music? My outfit? The real me?” But if I only had ten years left, none of that would matter. I’d focus completely on using my voice and my platform for something that truly makes a difference. Read more>>

Zeaky Bobby

if i knew i had 10 years left, immediately I would stop wasting time. time is the most precious thing that we can’t get back. a quote that always resonated with me is a man who does not respect time does not respect life. we waste so much time and energy on unnecessary drama that we’re missing out as a people. Read more>>

Danielle Cowdrey

If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is curiosity, empathy, and color. Those are the constants in my life—no matter the chapter or title. I’ve worn many labels: soldier, consultant, student, artist. Each one shaped me, but none of them define me. Read more>>

Ashley Newman

If I laid down my name, my role, and everything I own, I hope what would remain are the memories I helped create for others. I hope the families I’ve photographed still have those moments to hold onto — the laughter, the soft touches, the reminders of how deeply they were loved in that season of their lives. Read more>>

Wintress Odom

At my core, I’m a person who needs to build things. I notice what can be improved, and the next step is to improve it. It’s not about choice or even desire — it’s just something that has to be done. Read more>>

Norma Garza

If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe my clients would most miss my hands, my knowledge, and my touch. Norma’s Touch has always been more than a skincare SPA—it’s a safe and nurturing space where women, men, and teens can openly share their personal skin concerns without judgment. Read more>>

KIMBERLY POWELL

If I retired tomorrow, I believe my clients and students would miss the experiences I’ve created and the meaningful connections we’ve built over the years. I’ve been blessed to play a part in so many of life’s most special moments celebrations, milestones, and memories that go far beyond decor. Read more>>

Doug Corrigan

Service before, during and especially after the sale. We work in The Woodlands and surrounding area. That allows us to provide a family/friend type of service. Always driving by to at least put eyes on the property. Read more>>

Elizabeth Balint

I always joke with my husband about all the things we’d invest in the studio if we ever hit the lottery. Truthfully, money isn’t what will make me retire—and hopefully, that day is still far off. When that time does come, I think what our families will miss most is how their voices are truly heard, and how compassion is woven into everything we do. Read more>>

Traci Richard

I’m chasing a successful business, not just for financial gain,but to create impact, confidence, and freedom. If I stopped, I’d miss out on a chance to turn my passion into something lasting. But more importantly, I’d lose the opportunity to grow into the person I’m meant to become. Read more>>

Caleb D. Gordon

I’m chasing peace, purpose, and authenticity the alignment between who I am, what I believe, and how I live each day. I want to build a life centered on faith, strong relationships, and self-growth. I stopped chasing that alignment, I might start living on autopilot reacting instead of being intentional. I could lose connection with my spiritual and emotional grounding. Read more>>

Jessica Lusk King

Building the 2nd location (that opened a year ago). Building a restaurant is expensive! I own the property and building so it was a huge investment and it won’t see a return for quite some time. But it will, I know it! Read more>>

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