Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was born in raised in Jackson, MS and after graduating from high school I lived in various cities on the east coast for school and work. 10 years ago I moved to Houston and I have never looked back. I didn’t know anyone here before I accepted a job offer here. Houston was and continues to embrace newcomers and I fell in love with Houstonians and Houston immediately. It has been amazing to witness Houston’s growth firsthand over the past decade.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I am the proud mother of a talkative and considerate 2-year-old, Christopher Jr and a sweet and energetic 3.5-year-old named Avery! They keep me on my toes!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
That I am a total math nerd – it was my favorite subject from the age of 5 and I majored in Math in college and graduated with Honors! I still love numbers, but in a different way now. I am the Treasurer of several organizations and I love budgets, spreadsheets and following the markets.
Favorite local things to do in Houston?
We love going for long walks in my neighborhood with the Kiddos – North Boulevard is such a beautiful street! We also enjoy going to all the fabulous restaurants in Houston for date nights.
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
The kids love Mia’s in Upper Kirby – particularly the soft serve ice cream after dinner.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
I love love love Isle Pedi Spa for regular pedicures and twice a year I make it to the Houstonian (Trellis Spa) for a facial and massage – my mini-get-away!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
My full-time job is serving as the owner/operator/manager of Apex Leadership Co. Apex is an amazing franchise that provides schools a 100% “hassle-free” fundraising programs through student-centered activities (think Fun Runs, Service Projects, Dance Parties and Obstacle Courses). I love that Apex has such a diverse portfolio of activities, takes all the work out of the fundraiser for the PTO and parents so that they can sit back and enjoy while their children get physically fit, get amazing character and leadership lessons and raise more money than they ever thought possible! Additionally, Apex can work with club teams, organization and even non-profits to raise money without the work or managing inventory. Our platform is so simple and it allows organizations to have fun and do minimal work!
Look for Apex at The Rice School in October where we will be hosting a Fun Run and a Middle School Color Battle and this summer I had the honor of helping a local non-profit raise over $20,000 in just two weeks by completing summer enrichment activities, such as reading books, writing college essays and sending thoughtful notes to their favorite teachers!
When I am not working with Apex I am the PTO treasurer at Cathedral House Episcopal School where my kid’s go to school and the Treasurer in the Spouses of Houston Barristers, a great organization that raises money for law school scholarships and participates in various community service related activities around Houston. I also serve on the Finance committee of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I love how the Houston community embraces newcomers and natives alike. Everyone is so nice and supportive of what you are trying to accomplish as long as you play by the rules and work hard! I also love the diversity of this city – the fact that we are the most diverse city in the nation is truly something to be proud of!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Organization is key! I use a ton of lists, from day planners to Aps (thank you Wunderlist) to make sure I don’t drop the ball on anything I do, from kid activities, PTO commitments, family, personal care and social outings!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Slow down and enjoy your current stage of life! The older you get the faster life seems to move!!
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I learned early on to make family-friendly meals that the whole family can eat! Obviously my 2 and 3-year-old are picky eaters, but they have a surprisingly adventurous pallet because I don’t have time to make multiple meals for them every night.
