Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ruiz.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was driving around my neighborhood in 2015 with the intention of buying and flip houses. I came across the Louis White Grocery and decided to buy the building. However, motherhood was a phase in my life that would also be a new development on its way. I found myself pregnant and in a position of wondering if I could be a mom while still pursuing my dream of being a businesswoman. I decided I could, so I kept my head down and continued working hard and, by the time I looked up, within six years, the building was paid off.
Not long after that, I was approached by the Houston Perseveration and informed that the building had historical significance and can be designated as a protected landmark, if I agreed. The acknowledgment of history is important and should not be buried. Along with that truth, I resonate well with Elnora White, so I agreed to designate the building historical with the City Of Houston. We are both double minorities – she is a Black female, and I am a Hispanic female and we are both entrepreneurs. She cared about her community and I care about mine.
The Louis White Grocery Store, which was founded in 1925 and operated for more than 50 years by Louis and his wife, Elnora, quickly became a haven in the community, providing credit, counseling, and medical assistance. The couple had several other businesses, including apartment homes, and always provided a helping hand to those who fell on hard times. Mrs. White, a Louisiana native who studied nursing after graduating from Houston’s Wheatley High School, often treated the illnesses of people who could not afford to go to the hospital. She was no pushover, either. Historians note that she was an advocate for the community in the dawn of Houston’s civil rights movement and was arrested in the 1940s at her own store for “talking back” to a white man. This event is what encouraged the historical designation of the building.
Even though I know I can sell the building and it can change my whole life right now, I realize that I have a piece of property that is way bigger than who I am, and I’m determined to bring it back to life. I am the owner of Urban Engaged HTX, LLC., which is a 100% female urban property developer, in addition to Urban Healing HTX, a nonprofit. Keeping the outer structure of the historic landmark as is and working to revitalize the inside, The building will operate as free community workshop space from Monday through Thursday, and event space rentals from Friday through Sunday. I will be partnering with various agencies and businesses to bring educational programs for the youth, including NASA workshops, arts, and STEM, in addition to “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” wealth-building, self-help and enrichment seminars for adults who can benefit.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth by far but full of purpose. Deciding I can have it all, I entered first time single motherhood and entrepreneurship at the same time. After fully excepting my decision my next move was to sell my house and use the equity to pay off the majority of the building’s mortgage. I moved back into my family house in Denver Harbor, made my payments towards the building, and figured out how to become a mother. By the time I knew it the building was paid off and I needed to make my next move. I formulated my business plan, obtained my LLC. NONPROFIT 501(c)3, and got my minority certification. At the moment I would consider myself at the top of the mountain but not quite over it yet. I’m currently working as a 911 dispatcher for Harris County Emergency Corp. and I’m in the process of obtaining capital to restore my building so I can start operations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Urban Engaged HTX, LLC is a 100% Latina owned urban property developer targeting the 5thward and Denver Harbor area of Houston, TX. As a socially responsible business, the Company will combine the mission and heart of a nonprofit with the productivity and efficiency of a for-profit business structure, maximizing impact and growth. Urban Engaged will engage in what Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas calls Impact Entrepreneurship. “Impact entrepreneurs help communities figure out how to solve problems by conducting gap analyses – looking to address needs and build on strengths. They strive to seize an idea that fills a unique niche and has potential for scalability.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Gentrification is going to show more that just her face over the next 5-10 years in the 5thward and Denver Harbor area. Urban Engaged HTX, LLC and Urban Healing HTX, NPO will stand tall and continue to develop for the community and not against it. While my first project the Louis White Grocery store is proceeding, ideas of a sports camp and box park are evolving and will be in play in the next 5-10 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://urbanengagedhtx.social/
- Instagram: @urban.engagedhtx
- Facebook: Urban Engaged/Healing HTX
Image Credits
Tye Remone
