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.

Tracy Richardson

Tracy and Kevin, a dynamic brother-and-sister duo, launched their food truck with a clear and ambitious goal: to transition into a full brick-and-mortar restaurant to serve the community. Their move to Texas from Chicago was a fresh start. Read more>>

Lanora Luna

In 2016, while working for a heart doctor, I started having heart problems of my own. I didn’t know it then, but God was already shifting my path. In 2017, I received my very first camera… and that simple gift planted a seed I never imagined would grow the way it has. In 2018, I took a leap of faith and stepped into photography full-time. Read more>>

Mynika Collins

I’ve always considered myself to be a creative person. Growing up as a kid, I could always be found writing, reading, sketching, and learning ways to use technology. Fast forward to now, and guess what? Yes, I’m still engaging in those activities! I’ve always enjoyed self-expression through creative means. In 2018, I started using Yelp more frequently highlighting businesses through written reviews and photos. Read more>>

Evelyn Galvez

My name is Evelyn Galvez I’m a 36 old from Guatemala .. I’m a wife and mother of two boys, Mateo and Emiliano they are my motivation to believe in my dreams. Everything started a year ago when I began helping my best friend in her business that. How this journey began she gave me an opportunity. Read more>>

Antonya Harris

I originally went to college with aspirations to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, after being in college for 5 years I was over school. After graduation I worked in sales, and healthcare. Once Covid hit, I lost my job and went into teaching, with a little push from an older mentor. Read more>>

Caroline Le

I graduated from LSU with a degree in Elementary Education in December of 2007, and I started my first job in Spring Branch ISD in January of 2008. In June of 2011, I decided to leave teaching and see if there were other opportunities for me. I started working as an Administrative Assistant in the Fitness and Recreation Ministry at Houston’s First Baptist Church. Read more>>

Ta’Dario Woods

My journey began at Grambling State University, where I majored in Biology with dreams of becoming an Environmental Scientist. But during my junior and senior years, my path started to shift. After witnessing the effects of mental health challenges in my family and among friends. I became deeply interested in understanding the human mind and behavior. Read more>>

Dominique Elrod

Veteran deployed to Africa. Drank coffee while deployed. Brought the interest of coffee back home. Got married and opened a mobile coffee trailer Read more>>

Brittney Grayson

Even as a child, I had an entrepreneurial spirit. My sisters and I used to drag our trampoline to the front yard and charge the neighborhood kids a quarter for 20 jumps — that was my first taste of business! I come from a family of dreamers and doers. My dad had huge ideas and a big imagination. Read more>>

Steven Saenz

I started playing music when I was a Freshman in high school, way back in the 1900s. My father was a teacher at my high school in Cy-Fair ISD, but we lived outside of the district in Katy, so I didn’t get a chance to have friends over that much. I spent my time teaching myself to play drums, guitar, and bass. Read more>>

Gwen Brehm

I grew up south of Houston in a seemingly normal family with a seemingly normal life. We had all our needs met and enjoyed some really great times together. Read more>>

Danielle Martinez

Born and raised in Houston, Texas — specifically in Second Ward (or as they call it now, EaDo), I’m a proud Latina who’s taken a few detours around the world before circling back home. I spent just a bit of my life in Peru and Mexico, experiences that shaped my love for culture, resilience, and community. Read more>>

Hosanna Rull

iRull Designs started almost by accident. In 2010, I was training at Main Boxing Gym when the promoter, Lou Savarese, learned I was a graphic designer and asked if I’d create a poster for his next show. That one project turned into many more, and before long, other promoters were seeking out my work. In 2016 I launched iRull Designs, LLC. Read more>>

Tiffanny Medina

HAIII! ☆ my name is Tiffanny Medina, also known by my nicknames, tofu, or taro! I am a multifaceted artist and work in both traditional and digital mediums. I am most known for my semi realistic futurism work which I would describe as metal bodies sharing stories of melancholy from space. Read more>>

Tamari Williams

My name is Tamari Williams. I started doing hair at the age of 15 the year Covid 19 began. The month of March to be exact, I first got into making wigs. In the beginning it was a struggle, it took me about 2 days to just make one wig. Read more>>

Laquiesha McBride

Fit Mommy Mafia actually started while I was pregnant with my fourth daughter during the COVID shutdown in 2020. Like so many moms, I was juggling everything—pregnancy, homeschooling, working full-time, and trying to hold it all together while the world felt like it was falling apart. I needed an outlet, something that reminded me of who I was outside of motherhood. Read more>>

Ana Gutierrez

My name is Ana Gutiérrez. I am a Sports Nutritionist and athlete. My passion for health, wellness, and sports has shaped both my personal and professional life. I studied nutrition because I’ve always been fascinated by how food impacts our energy, performance, and overall well-being. More importantly, I wanted to help people live fuller, healthier lives. Read more>>

Jennifer Kluttz

American Design Decor LLC aka ADD Automotive began in April 2021 by Brad Whitham and Jennifer Kluttz. Brad is a Master ASE Technician/ Mechanic and has 23 years of experience in the automotive manufacturing field, including working for Toyota (Gulf States Toyota, GST). Read more>>

Hernan Martinez

I was born into a family of immigrants, both of my parents are from Mexico. There was always a lot of music through out the regular day by day in the house, so it was inevitable to not be caught by the rythm of latin music. That being said the curiosity of how music was created roamed in me since I was a child. Read more>>

Alexia

I started with a simple goal — to create products that feel good, do good, and are made with love for both people and the planet. What began as a personal passion for clean, eco-friendly living soon grew into Hello Sweet & Gentle, my small business built around sustainability, self-care, and community. Honestly, a lot of my inspiration came from scrolling on Pinterest and TikTok. Read more>>

Megan Dickerson

I grew up in a small Texas town where the smell of sugar and cinnamon always meant something special was happening in our kitchen. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my mom and grandmother bake for our family and the local community. Read more>>

Dustin Nitz

I moved to Texas in 2012 after graduating with my Masters in Community Nutrition and Health Promotion from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Since I have moved here I have worked for myself as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry, looking to change people’s lives by teaching them about the importance of cardio and strength training, nutrition and making healthy lifestyle changes. Read more>>

Michelle Figueroa

I have loved baking all my life. My mom showed me simple recipes and from there I went kinda crazy trying new things and making my own recipes. I was working as a general manager and after 12 there, I was pregnant and covid hit. I was without a job and I was encouraged by family to take the leap and start a business. Read more>>

Kathryn Smyth

I’m a Houston native who went west for my education, receiving my Bachelor’s in International Studies and Spanish at Pepperdine University, and completing my Master’s in Social Work at University of Southern California with an emphasis in Children, Youth and Families. I’ve lived and traveled throughout Latin America and am passionate about providing services in Spanish as a bilingual clinician. Read more>>

David Friend

I had some ambition as a teenager to run my own business, but it wasn’t necessarily something I thought I would really do until after working my first few ‘real’ jobs. During that time, when I was employed by some big retail chains, a few things I had always thought were strongly reinforced. Read more>>

Kimberlene Lanier

Queen Kimberlene Lanier, known by her Enstooled name Queen Uhuru Wingi, is an Enstooled Queen in Uganda, Africa, an ordained Pastor, licensed Crisis Chaplain, and award-winning grant writer whose work spans faith, leadership, and global community transformation. Read more>>

Cesar Seveso

Before I became a psychotherapist, I spent years as a journalist and historian, diving deep into political trauma and memory for my PhD—an experience that continues to shape how I understand people’s stories today. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Houston. Read more>>

Linsey Bibler

Ten years ago, something extraordinary happened. In the middle of the night, at different times, my husband, Ryan, and I both woke up with an overwhelming, unmistakable mission on our hearts. The message was so clear and so specific that we each wrote it down separately. I still have those handwritten notes. It had never happened before, and it hasn’t happened since. Read more>>

Tim, Ronny Garner, Gallagher

We started Slo Moe Sodas to bring back that classic ‘Purple Drank’ H-Town flavor. We wanted a drug-free alternative that was built to last. We’ve always respected the culture- the cars, the music, the whole slowed down vibe. Houston’s energy just hits different. Sippin’ ain’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle and If you know, you know. Read more>>

Amy Ting

I first picked up a crochet hook in 2018—hard to believe it’s been seven years! What started as a relaxing hobby quickly grew into my lifelong passion and full-time business. I tried many crafts before discovering crochet. Read more>>

Wyatt Little

I went to school for product design, but my heart always leaned more toward art and sculpture. I loved creating and problem-solving through design, but I missed the tactile, hands-on part of making. So I decided to commit myself to ceramics. My great aunt gave me her kiln, and about a year later, I was sending my ceramics to people all over the world. Read more>>

Veonce Dasilva

How It All Started” I was 19 when I lost my job during the pandemic. It was a really tough time — I was struggling just to keep up with rent. One day I heard about Airbnb, and honestly, I didn’t know much about it. I thought you had to own property to host, but I figured I’d give it a try anyway. Read more>>

Sandy Pather

I spent over 20 years leading procurement and transformation at Honeywell, Barclays, Thomson Reuters, and American Express. I built high-performing teams and turned strategy into results. But I discovered my real passion was developing people—mentoring professionals and watching their careers flourish. That became my purpose. Now I coach executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals in transition. Read more>>

Jerie Walker

Several years ago, while planning my wedding I started making purchases for the wedding. I realized I had so many things that others could use. Those purchases became my first venture, Alpha Stylez Event Rentals. When I started renting I was asked numerous times could I refer a caterer. I use to cater with my aunt who had a wedding business. Read more>>

Kaylee Humes

My name is Kaylee Humes, and I’m a Wedding Coordinator serving the greater Houston area. I actually began my career as an elementary teacher, where I learned how to manage large groups, stay on schedule, communicate clearly, and keep all the moving pieces organized which, as it turns out, translates beautifully into wedding coordination. Read more>>

Amada Mireles

Growing up, my parents would go to a sobador/bodywork healer whenever they needed to release any tension, body aches, or pains. I was always drawn to and curious about how the sobador worked his way around their bodies and would know what areas to address and how to help what they were feeling. Read more>>

Trayveon Greenberry

Born and raised in California, Trayveon Greenberry emerged from a community shadowed by drugs and violence—transforming pain into purpose. His personal journey began with a commute to Houston in 2014 that led to a deep detox of his own body and mind, an awakening that shifted how he thought, felt, and lived. Through that transformation, he discovered the ultimate truth: health is wealth. Read more>>

Janet Banjoko

Janet Banjoko: Transitioning from Healthcare to Wealthcare Janet Banjoko’s journey is one of purpose, passion, and transformation. For years, she served in healthcare—caring for patients, leading teams, and ensuring lives were saved. But over time, she realized that while she was helping people stay physically healthy, many were still financially unwell. Read more>>

Joshua Austin

I was born in Atlanta Georgia, May 4th 1997, but I moved to Houston with my family when I was 2. At heart I consider myself a Houstonian. I spent most of my years growing up off 249 and Antoine, and the majority of my schooling took place at the Aldine ISD schools in Acres Homes. Read more>>

Jared Moossy

After finishing high school, I spent nearly a decade working as a carpenter, constructing homes and exploring various corners of the globe. I often found myself sleeping in garages or backyards, building houses to fund my travels until my money ran out. Read more>>

Dr Sunanda Nair

My Journey in Dance My journey with dance began in Mumbai, a city that has always nurtured dreams and creativity. From a very young age, I found myself drawn to the rhythm and grace of Bharatanatyam. Dance soon became my language — a way to express emotions that words could never quite capture. Read more>>

Gloria Villa

I began offering Reiki treatments in 2008. As word spread, clients began requesting Deep Tissue Massage, which inspired me to study massage therapy in 2010 and become a Massage Instructor in 2015. I worked in spa environments for several years until my beloved 14 years old dog required around-the-clock care. Read more>>

Ellysse Lewis

My journey into the world of events really began out of a genuine love for creativity and storytelling through experiences. Back in 2015, I had the opportunity to work alongside a mentor who opened my eyes to how powerful an event could be when designed with intention. Read more>>

Lexi (Alexis) Paterno

I have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona since 2018, I have also worked in the service industry since 2009. My first Internship at Cal Poly Pomona was at a high end country club called Shady Canyon in Irvine Ca, as their event manager intern. Read more>>

Lisa Graham-Garza

My husband Rick and I met in college and then went to dental school together so we are both dentists. We have two beautiful boys. Our younger son was diagnosed with severe autism in 2004 and our world changed forever. I had to alter my career to take care of my son who now had a lifelong disability. Read more>>

Jai Duque-Zapata

Born from the heart of a Filipino kitchen and the hands of a self-taught baker, dessert enthusiast, and now a newly devoted mother, Ube Co. HTX celebrates tradition with a modern twist. My baking journey began in college, inspired by my grandma and the many women entrepreneurs in our family, and truly took shape during the challenges of COVID. Read more>>

Marcus/Adrian Williams/Barrett Jr

Show Style Talk was established in July 2017 starting off as a band radio station on All Real Radio located in the heart of 3rd Ward at the time. The idea of creating the podcast was to create something on the level of a sports broadcasting stage. Adrian and Marcus marched in the world famous Texas Southern University ‘Ocean of Soul’ Marching Band. Read more>>

Victoria Kauam

I started my journey in the artistic world when I was 14, as an actress, model, and broadcaster. Over time, I discovered that my true calling was to help others believe in themselves. That’s how Expo Photo Book was born: a space for people to discover their best version through the lens. But this project is more than art. it’s purpose. Read more>>

Amy Henry

GuideU started in October 2019 as a small-scare business primarily for family and friends, but in August 2021 I expanded the business to anyone who wanted assistance with the college readiness process. During my time as a counselor I saw an increase in the stress families were feeling when preparing for college admissions. Read more>>

Ranjit Makhija

I was working in Oil and Gas as a inventory accountant. I’m also a single dad. My boss at the time was pushing me to work later while I needed to go pick up my kid. It was a healthy situation. So I decided to start my own company. I started with no clients and worked TurboTax parttime. Read more>>

Lea Marie

I even lettered in choir my freshmen year and got to be apart of chamber choir sophomore year, exclusive to only juniors and seniors. Music has always been in my life. It keeps me sane. Gives me peace. When I feel down, I sing. I got confirmed into the Catholic faith at 16 years old with my saint being St. Cecilia. (Patroness of Musicians) Music is a reminder that God gave me a gift for a reason, it’s important I use it for Good. Read more>>

Eujon Hughes

I quickly realized that her passion and true purpose extended beyond traditional counseling. A graduate of the Udemy-Transformation Academy (Class of 2021) as an Accredited and Certified Life Coach, I continue to expand my leadership and coaching expertise to better serve her clients and community. It was here that the seeds of her Life Coaching career were planted. Read more>>