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.

Angela Hoover

16 Hands of Love was created out of my calling/desire to help the children I served as a public school teacher in a different way. When I was guided to leave teaching, I asked “what’s next?” and was reminded of my desire to help others through the sacredness of healing with horses. Read more>>

Terry Weaver

Another resource we stumbled upon was a book by Texas Filmmaker, Robert Rodriguez, called Rebel Without A Crew. In it, he writes about making his first film for $7,000 and selling it in Hollywood for $250,000. Rodriguez blazed a trail. He did everything himself: wrote, filmed, edited, did sound, and more. He just figured it out. That inspired us with unwarranted confidence. Read more>>

Chad Brawley

Over the years, I began formal training through piano and organ lessons, which deepened my passion for sacred music. That passion led me to study music at Prairie View A&M University and the University of North Texas, where I gained a strong academic and creative foundation. Eager to further my understanding of worship and leadership, I earned a Master of Arts in Worship from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, followed by a Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Boston University School of Theology. Read more>>

Camila Trevino

I loved my work, but I knew they needed more individualized care, more collaboration, and more support than the system allowed. During that time, my passion for helping children and supporting their families led me to meet Amber. Through her, I was introduced to Nafisa. Together, we realized we shared the same vision: children should receive coordinated, compassionate care, not fragmented services. Read more>>

Derwin Graham

Over time, I carved out a niche in the industry as the go-to sports “archival guru” for documentaries, eventually becoming an Archival Producer with over 100 credits to my name at this point and earning multiple Telly, Webby and Clio Awards along with an Emmy. Overall, I’d say I got here, and stayed here in this ever shifting industry, through faith. My faith in God, faith in my abilities, and my faith that good things come to those who stay true to themselves. Read more>>

Denise Einkauf

Waggin’ Tails and The Ballard House have a unique partnership where either location of Waggin’ Tails will board pets of the guests staying at the Ballard House at no charge for the past 12 years. Denise also serves as Vice-Chair of The Ballard House, Past Chair of the Katy Chamber and as a board member for PAWS. Waggin’ Tails has won US Chamber of Commerce top 7 America’s Small Businesses in the US, Business of the Year for Katy Chamber, Fulshear Business of Year, the BBB Pinnacle Award and many other “Best of” Katy, Fulshear and Houston awards. Read more>>

Monique Clemons

My passion for skincare started in my teen years while watching Dr. Pimple Popper videos. Something that might have seemed unusual to others, but genuinely fascinated and calmed me. That early curiosity turned into a love for understanding skin health, which led me to earn a B.S. in Health and continue my education at Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails. Read more>>

Kathy Zhang

My story really began during the pandemic, when I unexpectedly had to cook every day for my family. What started as routine slowly became something I genuinely enjoyed. Cooking turned into a creative outlet, and because photography had always been my hobby, I began taking photos of the dishes I made. That’s when everything clicked—I realized how fun it was to blend food with creativity. Read more>>

Kiya Green

I started acting when I was in the sixth grade. Back then, I wasn’t really into acting, I just took it as an elective. But my theatre teacher was determined to get all of us engaged. Read more>>

Rami Hamed

I come from a pretty diverse background. I actually started selling cars as a teenager alongside my dad, and he bought me a camera so I could photograph the cars. That’s where I first fell in love with photography, even though I had a ton of other interests at the time. Read more>>

Dianna Williams

I began my journey as a criminal justice advocate in 2008 after the arrest in Harris County of a family member, my son Christopher. Chris was arrested several times for possession of drugs. Not selling or manufacturing. Personal use. Not much in the way of rehabilitation was offered or accepted by him back then. His last case really moved me to action. Read more>>

Tony Tran

My journey into entrepreneurship began long before I ever opened a business. It started back in high school, with a simple but fearless idea: I wanted to “retire” by 45. Retirement, for me, never meant yachts or mansion living, it meant freedom. Read more>>

Juan Carlos Zermeño

I didn’t start in film. I started at sea … offshore rigs, high-stakes logistics, oil and gas operations in Singapore. Life as an expat sounds glamorous until you realize one deep truth: You can climb someone else’s ladder for years… and they can still pull it out from under you. Read more>>

Julia Cruz

My name is Julia “Jules” Cruz- licensed esthetician and founder of Luminous Skin Lounge in Conroe, Texas. My journey into esthetics wasn’t the obvious one. I began in the medical field because I’ve always been drawn to caring for people. Then life shifted- my husband and I built a business together, and I stepped proudly into the role of full-time mom and partner. Read more>>

Joseph Dunham

Where does the story of Joe D… Joseph Dunham start and how did we get here. Of course with God so perfectly having my story written and being chosen, the alpha and omega. My story and its origin has several nexus points, I’d say it all started back in Dayton Ohio where I’m from. Read more>>

Zach Tate

A little over 10 years ago, my wife decided she wanted honeybees. I was skeptical at first, but after reading a few books and watching a ton of YouTube videos, we bought a starter kit. My wife spearheaded the endeavor, and I was there as her assistant. The first year was a learning experience; we didn’t get any honey, but we had fun. Read more>>

Ann Wallace

I didn’t grow up imagining I’d be a real estate agent, but looking back, it makes perfect sense. I’ve always loved people, storytelling, and the feeling of “home.” What started as a simple interest eventually turned into a passion and a career that has shaped the last 20+ years of my life. Read more>>

Jessica Mendoza

I have always been fascinated by skin care and aesthetics. My curiosity has taken me everywhere, to see the wood therapy techniques of latin America, to the high tech clinics in Seoul and even through the spa retreats of Bali. My travels have allowed me to collect techniques, treatments and beauty secrets from all around the world. Read more>>

Christopher Thomas

My love for music started in my early teens. I started writing songs and learned every thing I could at the time. I joined marching band to learn how to read and write music. Being in the band gave me a more appreciation for the process of making music like a chef in the kitchen cooking something from scratch. Read more>>

marisa zamarripa

Phil’s Roadhouse was established in 2005 by the late Phil Philipello. Cooking was Phil’s passion, and he wanted to build a family restaurant where anyone could come for great food and great service. From mouth-watering BBQ that falls off the bone, to hand cut meats and delectable chicken and shrimp dishes, Phil prided himself on all his fresh made-from-scratch recipes. Read more>>

Mercedes Barker

Your Divorce™ was founded on the premise that there’s a better way than the traditional approach to divorce. Most couples actually want a smoother transition. Despite the emotional turmoil, the anger, or resentments they may be carrying, they really do want what’s best for them and their family. Read more>>

Diana Garcia

My name is Diana Garcia, and I am a licensed massage therapist specializing in sports massage, therapeutic bodywork, Table Thai techniques, vacuum cupping, Graston Technique and myofascial release. My passion for massage therapy began with the athletes closest to me family and friends who train and compete in mixed martial arts. Read more>>

Maggie Trendell

I am a lifelong educator in Houston ISD and have proudly served in nearly every role across the system elementary teacher, middle school teacher, school-based administrator, district administrator, and high school college and career counselor. The one consistent thread through every chapter of my career is my deep love for serving students. Read more>>

Steven Briskman

We started as a sauce and seasoning manufacturer back in 2010. We sold our 20 year old family recipe which we named Bigga’s Bad Ass BBQ Sauce. We also started to develop a line of rubs with one very special creation called Seven Seas Steak Seasoning. 7 salts, 7 peppercorns and Black Garlic. Read more>>

AJ and Annie Saenz

AJ and Annie Saenz both started Martial Arts training when they were 10 years old. AJ in Beaumont and Annie in Kingwood. They met when they were apprenticing to open their own schools at the Tiger-Rock Martial Arts Sugar Land location from 2005-2009. Then, their life took them all over the US as AJ joined the Marine Corps and served from 2009-2018. Read more>>

Yasmin Maldonado

Hailey’s Italian Restaurant began long before we opened our doors in 2018. It started as a shared dream – years of late-night conversations about building something of our own, even before we knew exactly what that business would be. Over time, that dream grew stronger, and so did our desire to create something meaningful together. Read more>>

Nani ( Nhan ) Zhou

My name is Nani Zhou — a Vietnamese woman of Chinese heritage who followed her husband and built a new life in Sugar Land. I didn’t arrive with a grand business plan — only a quiet dream I had carried for years: to create a beauty space where women feel seen, heard, and respected. Read more>>

Katie Weaver

Getting into this industry has truly been a journey — one I never imagined for myself as a little girl. Growing up, I always thought I’d become a school teacher. I even earned my associate’s degree in 2020, but because of COVID, I never got the chance to walk the stage. Read more>>

Abbi Pruitt

Believe it or not, I’m just a country girl at my core. I was born and raised in a small town outside of Monroe, Louisiana, in a non-traditional home filled with love even in the midst of change. My parents divorced when I was about five, but my siblings and I never lacked security or affection. Read more>>

Kiani Komeizi

I came to the U.S. as an immigrant to study, graduated as a architect, and worked extremely hard to build my career. I finally reached a place where I was working for one of the top firms while also teaching architecture on the side, and then within one week I lost both jobs. Read more>>

Huy Nguyen

I started my real estate career as an investor, not an agent, buying home and leasing them out. The 1st investment home I bought is a $75,000 3 bedroom 2 bath in 288 and beltway area. I was able to afford the downpayment with just my $35,000 per year income from UH. Read more>>

Elisabet Iparrea

My name is Elisabet Iparrea, and if there is one driving theme in my life, it is service, service to families, to community, and to every person who finds themselves navigating seasons they never expected to face. My professional journey has taken me through leadership roles, relationship-building, nonprofit service, and organizational development. Read more>>

Tabitha Howard

I usually say my story didn’t unfold in a straight line — it unfolded in chapters, each one teaching me something I didn’t know I needed. I grew up in Houston and spent my early adult years juggling school, work, and a whole lot of figuring things out. Read more>>

Lesley Christmas

My journey with the steelpan art form started at birth. The steelpan musical instrument is also known as the “steeldrum” and “pan”. It’s the only acoustic instrument that was created in the 20th century originating in Trinidad and Tobago. I was born into steelpan culture by inheritance, to Trinbagonian parents who brought it here. Read more>>

Electra Solis

My story begins with vision and faith two things that have carried me through every season of my life. I started Glamour House Studios not just as a beauty space, but as a sanctuary where style, healing, and entrepreneurship could co-exist. What started with a passion for lashes and luxury aesthetics has evolved into a full-scale salon that reflects divine alignment, resilience, and community. Read more>>

Chef Briy

It all started in 2020 when I moved into my very first apartment. As a young adult on a strict budget, eating takeout every day wasn’t an option, so I turned to the meals I grew up watching my mom and grandmothers make. Re-creating those dishes quickly taught me the joy of homemade food. Read more>>

Luis Machado

Much of my story begins with being a first-generation American. My parents immigrated from Cuba in search of opportunity and a better life. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the grit, determination, and courage it takes to start over and build something meaningful from the ground up. Those lessons became the foundation of my own entrepreneurial journey. Read more>>

Jason Highsmith

Family business started in 1976 I am the 3rd generation to run the business. Read more>>

Lauren Christlieb

Red Bird Press really began when The Printing Museum closed its doors. I met with the museum’s Studio Manager, Jessica Snow, to discuss potentially acquiring the equipment. Read more>>

CHELSEY ROSIER

I started The Pit Center out of a real passion for basketball and for helping young athletes grow. After playing at the collegiate level and then coaching for years, I saw a gap in our community for a consistent, structured, and supportive training environment. Read more>>

Suzanne Juel IBCLC

I started working in lactation support in 2003 because I felt deeply called to help parents through a season that can be both beautiful and overwhelming. Early in my career, I realized how often families were struggling with pain, confusion, and mixed messages about breastfeeding. My own experience made this personal. With my first baby, I struggled far more than I expected. Read more>>

Samuel Said

Our Story from Vision to Reality Vision Reborn was birthed from the heart of Dr. Samuel Said, a man who knows firsthand what it means to be restored by God. Born in Nazareth, Israel, and raised in the hills of Galilee where Jesus once walked, Dr. Samuel’s life has been marked by trials, miracles, and triumphs. Read more>>

Elaine Edmonds

I started making skin care products in 2019 as a hobby, long before the storefront you know today. What started as a simple hobby making natural plant based products for my family and friends started to grow into something bigger. I have always had a passion for creating. Read more>>

Fanta Ballo

I started as a storyteller before I ever knew the word for it. Growing up, I was always writing poems, observations, and small truths that did not have a home yet. That quiet love for language carried me far. I earned my bachelor’s degree at just 19, stepped into performance poetry, and slowly built a path that felt uniquely mine. Read more>>

Ryan Kudlacek

Born southeast of Houston in Pasadena and raised in Deer Park, I spent countless weekends with my parents in the Sealy, New Ulm, and Bellville areas—where they themselves had grown up. Those experiences instilled in me, from an early age, both the freedom and the responsibility that come with rural living. Read more>>

Tiffany Henderson

First, I just want to say how truly honored I am to be featured in this magazine. My journey hasn’t been the easiest, but it has absolutely been purpose-driven. I was raised on the West Side of Chicago. I became a teen mom early, got married early, and life moved fast. Then everything changed. Read more>>

Tolulope Kuteyi

I am a Nigerian American attorney. I have been a practicing attorney in the field of immigration and family law for over 14 years. Transitioned to my solo firm in 2022, after leaving a joint partnership of 10 years. I have always wanted to be an attorney but not quite sure which field. Read more>>

Raymond Peña

Our founder, Raymond Peña, got started in the donut business as a teenager in 1978 when he worked for his mother at her local donut shop. During those years, Ray knew he wanted to start his own restaurant one day. After being a Houston fire fighter for 20 years, Ray opened his first restaurant in 1996 in southeast Houston. Read more>>

Chris Lewis

Tomball Aces Basketball was never supposed to be a program. Honestly, it started completely by accident. A friend and I both had daughters playing in a co-ed recreational league at Alodia, and because of that we always coached their teams. Since it was co-ed, we made it a point to draft as many girls as possible each season. Read more>>

Richard Yeppez

I started in the mortgage industry the same way a lot of people discover their calling by realizing firsthand how life changing homeownership can be and wanting to be the guy who makes that happen for others. Read more>>

Jessica Palm

I started my hair stylist career working for a really great salon company. I was part of that team for 13 years. During my time there I had the opportunity to grow in my craft and build a really great clientele. To be honest, I never really gave running my own business a whole lot of thought. Read more>>

Victoria Mosher

I’m a single mom who wanted more out of life—not just for myself, but for my child. For years, I worked as an Operations Manager for the Port of Houston. The job was demanding, the hours were long, and while I was grateful for the experience, I knew I wanted more time, more purpose, and more connection. So I made a choice. Read more>>

Audia Jones

I started my journey on the basketball court. I attended the University of Rhode Island on a full Division I scholarship and earned my degree in Business Management. Before college, I spent a year working at a personal-injury law firm and interning for a Connecticut state judge—experiences that opened my eyes to the impact the legal system has on everyday people. Read more>>

Shifa Allana

I grew up in Houston, studied at the University of Houston, and earned my MBA from Duke University. I started my career in healthcare and later moved in industrials and chemicals, but I always felt that healthcare is my true calling. Read more>>

Christine Beaulac

When I moved from Canada to Texas, my focus was on raising my children and giving them every opportunity I could. I had no idea that the move would also lead me to a career that would shape my life in ways I never expected. Real estate was not part of my original plan, but once I stepped into the industry, something clicked. Read more>>

Berverley Chengetai

My journey with Rising Queens Foundation began from a very personal place. Growing up, I saw firsthand how a lack of mentorship, confidence, and access to opportunities can limit a girl’s potential. As I got older, I found myself naturally supporting young girls in my community, helping with school, offering guidance, and encouraging them to dream bigger. Read more>>

Mark Lee

I started my career as a pharmacist, and while I enjoyed helping people, I was always curious about investing and financial freedom. When I began learning about different types of investments, real estate stood out because it offered strategy, hands-on impact, and the opportunity to genuinely help others. Early on, I learned from mentors and masterminds, slowly taking on my own projects. Read more>>

Richard Scully

Richard Scully ‘From building tree forts to building communities for commerce.’ That is how Richard Scully describes his professional journey from an 8 year old tree fort builder to Chamber Nation CEO. Fourty years after building his first tree fort Scully returned to the old tree and found that the boards were still nailed to the tree just as he left them. Read more>>

Dr. Ashley Ward, LPC-S

I’m originally from Chicago, IL, and moved to the Houston area about ten years ago. My career in mental health spans more than 18 years, during which I’ve worked in a wide range of settings — from group homes to community agencies to private practice. Each role shaped my clinical lens and strengthened my passion for helping individuals heal and evolve. Read more>>

LAURA CINTRON

My journey toward becoming a therapist began right after earning my bachelor’s degree. I immediately had to pursue a master’s—mostly because my dad had high expectations for me. So, I enrolled in a master’s program in Psychology. Very quickly, I realized the program’s research focus didn’t align with what I truly wanted. Read more>>

Delonza Jeme’

My journey into the beauty industry began long before I ever imagined it would become my life’s calling. For years, doing hair was simply something I loved — something that came naturally. I didn’t see it as a divine gift until one day my grandmother looked at me and said, “Baby, this is from God. Read more>>

MARIA Colon-Gonzalez

I’m Dr. María del C. Colón-González, founder of Salud Revisited, an integrative and whole-person primary-care practice in Houston. My story really begins with my own health journey. As a child, I struggled with asthma, chronic pain, obesity, and early metabolic issues. Those experiences shaped the way I viewed health and taught me how transformative mindful habits, nutrition, and lifestyle can be. Read more>>

Blanca Orellana

My story really starts long before I became a therapist. It begins with being the first-generation daughter of two parents who immigrated from El Salvador. They worked incredibly labor-intensive jobs and sacrificed so much so I could have opportunities they never had. My dad passed away when I was young, and after that my mom carried everything on her shoulders. Read more>>

Ericka English

I’m a proud Beaumont, Texas native — a city about 80 miles east of Houston — and my career has always been rooted in a love for storytelling. After earning my Bachelor of Arts degree from Sam Houston State University, I began my television career as a production assistant at KTRK-13 in Houston. Read more>>

Cheryl Russell

I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly drawing and painting, and by my teens I’d moved into layout and photography while helping with my parents’ weekly newspaper. Anything creative — I was in. Even while I built a long career in marketing, web design, and graphic design, I never stopped making art. Read more>>

Cindy alejos

Alejos Aesthetics was created from something deeply personal — my dad’s last name. After he passed away, I knew I wanted to keep his name and legacy alive in a way that truly reflected who we were as a family. Read more>>

Jennifer Blandon

Hi, my name is Jennifer Blandon, LMFT-A. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, proudly of Colombian descent, and a first-generation college graduate. My story really starts with the parts of my life that weren’t easy—growing up with trauma, trying to figure out my identity, and learning how to navigate adulthood without the support or guidance I desperately needed. Read more>>

Sue Ellen Burch

My story really began long before I launched Brydge Advisors. I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, my parents built an HVAC company over 31 years and I learned early what it really takes to run a business, the sacrifices owners make, and how isolating leadership can feel. Read more>>

Mary Cummings

After nearly 40 years in the retail nursery world, and as a Certified Horticulturist, I opened the doors to my lifelong dream — Gardenwright. My love of gardens began as a child, helping my parents tend their home garden. That early spark grew into a lifelong passion, leading me to work in and manage retail nurseries across the Houston and Conroe area. Read more>>

Amy Sample

I first became interested in photography in 2012 while researching wedding photographers for my own wedding. I’ve always been artistic, and I realized photography was a way to capture a moment and transform it into a piece of art. After purchasing my first camera that same year, I began photographing couples and weddings, and quickly fell in love with the process of storytelling through images. Read more>>

Patricia Windon

My start begins with my Dream of Modeling which was born in the 80’s. I was 12 yo, during a time when the word “super model” became mainstream in fashion magazines & runways. I read and studied everything I could get my hands on, on the subject. Read more>>

Whitley Kelley

“This is always a loaded question,” is usually how I begin—because my story isn’t just about sports or education. It’s about purpose, resilience, and how God redirected my life in ways I never could have planned. I’ve been an athlete for as long as I can remember—competitive cheerleading, powerlifting, track… and one very short-lived tennis season that we don’t really mention. Read more>>

Naomi Tran

We came to America with hope, memories of home, and the simple, comforting flavors of everyday Vietnamese meals. When Teo and I opened Pho and More — after a year-long delay from the pandemic — we built it through perseverance, working day after day and night after night, trusting that our heart and hard work would be tasted in every bite. Read more>>