South Loop’s Rising Stars

The heart of our mission at VoyageHouston is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our city. In the recent weeks we’ve had the privilege to connect with some of the Houston’s finest artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with our city’s incredibly deep talent pool. Check out South Loop’s rising stars below.

Kira and Chris Bailey

Chris and I (Kira) met in the fall of 2013. I was in college, and Chris was Fire performing. I always joke that I fell in love with a clown, quit college, and ran away to the circus, but if you look at how it happened, it kinda fits our story. I started performing with him. I had a background in dance and gymnastics, so picking up fire props after quitting college felt natural.  Read More>>

Soul Sorceress

I was attuned to the metaphysical aspects of life since I was a child. Due to family expectations and religious dogma, I found myself disconnected from my authentic self for many years, which was detrimental to not allow my traumas to be healed. After deciding to live in my truth to my personal beliefs and experiences, I have connected to myself, to Spirit, and to the power of healing and Love. It’s been a difficult but beautiful journey. Read More>>

 

Akela Woodard-Mardis

My journey from the “hood” to success is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of mentorship. Growing up in South Park, Houston, shaped my identity and ambition. Despite the challenges of my environment, it instilled in me the drive to defy expectations and pursue my dreams. Read More>>

Shanice Jones

I was born and raised in Houston, and I always loved watching sports. As I got older, I knew that I wanted to work in sports and entertainment, but finding a role in those industries is not always the easiest. So, I created The Blitz Goddess which actually started off as an apparel line. After some thought, and with disappointing sales, I decided to pivot and create a podcast in which I discuss hot topics in sports and also bring on women in the industry to share their story and to give insight about certain topics. Read More>>

Jennifer Ekeoba

My story to becoming a therapist is a long quest. Mental health therapy is my second career. I’m Houston, born and raised, and grew up in East End in the neighborhood of Pleasantville. I’m the second oldest of five and had a unique upbringing that combined my late father’s Nigerian culture and my mother’s African American culture. I grew up shy and nerdy with great interest in reading and writing stories. Read More>>

 

Mya Jazalyn

I attended Prairie View A&M University, where I studied Communications and Marketing. I had no clue what I wanted to do with my degree. However, I knew that I wanted to be in a field that would allow me to be creative and free. During the covid lockdown, I was a junior in college. I knew graduation was slowly approaching, and it was time that I figured out what I wanted to do with my degree. After long nights of researching and self-reflection, I decided that digital marketing was something I was interested in. Read More>>

Chotsani Gordon

I started posting inspirational content for women on social media in 2019 during one of the most challenging times in my life. I was broken and broke lol. I started to document my journey and share my life lessons, motivational quotes, and actionable steps with my audience. During the pandemic, I not only lost my hair business, but I lost myself. Read More>>

Dulce Chavez

I was born in the small town of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. When I was 9 years old, my parents made the brave decision to immigrate to Houston, Texas, in search of better opportunities for our family. Being an immigrant was definitely a challenge, but it taught me the importance of resilience and perseverance. Read More>>

Ana Herrera

My husband is a hat fan and always wears one, but he likes a specific style that was difficult for him to find one with the designs that he liked so decided, why not make them for him. When we got our first laser, one of the first things I made was a leather patch hat for him. That opened up opportunities for our business and started making custom hats for a few friends and even started making company hats for local business. Read More>>

Maria Ramirez

Coming from an immigrant family, I was always taught to dream big & work hard towards my goals. Growing up, I loved expressing myself through art & creativity. I was also very passionate & connected to Earth, plants, and all living things.  Read More>>

Zen Forbes

My tattoo career started unexpectedly in 2009. I was going to get a tattoo by a local artist by the name of Kevo Aregbe. After seeing some of my drawings, he asked had I ever thought about being a tattoo artist. After explaining that I hadn’t, but I’d always love to draw, he offered to buy me a tattoo starter kit if I gave him the money. He showed me some lining and shading techniques where I was able to practice on myself, my friends and family.  Read More>>

Mike Gueary

Growing up in Houston, my passion for fashion, sports, and fitness was cultivated amidst the vibrant energy of the city. Surrounded by diverse cultures and influences, I found myself drawn to the dynamic intersection of style, athleticism, and health. From exploring the latest trends in clothing to immersing myself in the world of sports, Houston provided a rich tapestry for my interests to flourish.  Read More>>

 

Damarcus Johnson

Well, my name is Damarcus Johnson, known as Chef Dae. I started cooking well by watching my grandmothers in the kitchen day & night, but when I lost one of them, I knew cooking was my calling as soon as I graduated high school. Evan E worthing I took it straight to the Art Institute of Houston, where I got a diploma in culinary arts.  Read More>>

Symphony Webb

My name is Symphony Webb, but I’m known to many as Symphony Speaks. My entrepreneurial journey began after I graduated from Prairie View A&M University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. My post-graduate journey was a bit challenging because I wasn’t able to find a job. Read More>>

 

Herbert Shells

I started my Instagram food journey in late October 2023. I’ve always had a love for food. Once I figured out how to become consistent with putting out content it took on a life of its own. I try to add some personality to my videos to stand out more. If I don’t lick my fingers. It ain’t good! Read More>>

Alex Gonzalez

I started collecting Astros fitted ball caps in late 2021. I was buying & got hooked to the fitted ball caps & could not stop buying. I started to really meet people with the same common interest as me & decided to bring all of us together as one & that’s how the Idea of BYOF started. I wanted to put a face to the people I was buying from/selling to also. The first event was a complete success & we are blessed to be going into our 6th event to celebrate our 1-year anniversary of the BYOF brand. Read More>>

 

Rachael Musser

I grew up in a small, rural town in the Midwest. There was not much to do there. From a very young age, I loved style, fashion, clothes, and makeup. But with the closest mall almost 45 minutes away, it wasn’t something I got to experiment with much. So, I read magazines and looked at clothing catalogs, learning as much as I could about fashion from those.  Read More>>