Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’m originally from Lawrence, Kansas (Rock Chalk!) and made my way to Houston seven years ago, via Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, CA
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Daughter Siri, 10
Stepdaughter Reagan, 13
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
When I was a teenager, I was a club and party promoter, but still managed to stay involved in every school activity from debate to varsity cheerleading and theatre.
Favorite local things to do in Houston?
Dining out, live music, all the various family friendly cultural and charitable activities downtown such as Via Colori.
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant in the area?
Cottonwood and FM Kitchen – loads of space and outdoor activities for the kids to enjoy while dining.
What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?
Hiatus Spa and Retreat – I’ll go there to relax and then end up staying and working in the lounge, just to enjoy the quiet and solitude. For fun, enjoying the art scene or theme dinner parties and game nights with friends.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I have an event, marketing and PR consultancy for small businesses, run a social club and work with an entertainment company.
Social Graces Social Club – Social Graces started as a group of philanthropic, civic-minded Houstonians who wanted to network with and form deeper connections and friendships with like-minded, kind, fun Houstonians. Locally, we host multiple events a month for members, including cocktail parties, business development workshops, family events and volunteer/ give back opportunities. Social Graces is inclusive of MEN & WOMEN and operates under the mantra of “You CAN sit with us”! We donate at least 10% of revenues to charity every month. Member perks include discounts and freebies at area stores, seats at charity events, an opportunity to have your business featured in our newsletters and websites as well as your blogs published on our website and much more. If you are interested in learning more about memberships, click here!
Real Beauty Real Women – RBRW is where beauty, glamour, technology and entertainment meet social responsibility. It is the platform for socially conscious fashionistas. Women who believe that the most fashionable thing in the world is the Impact you are making in it. On our website, online and upcoming television shows, you will earn what celebrities and influencers are making a difference in your community and how you can get involved.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Houston is such a welcoming city – by far my favorite place to live, from the “small town in a big city” vibe to the diversity and opportunity. Houston is in the top five cities for female entrepreneurs, and I do feel that the majority of people I meet want to help each other grow and succeed – whether it’s in business or personal development. It’s been a great place to raise my daughter and to incubate new businesses.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc.)?
It was actually a lot easier to juggle volunteering for multiple organizations when my daughter was smaller, in some ways. She now often comes with me for volunteer opportunities and to the Social Graces Clubhouse, and can entertain herself well now too, but it gets boring if she has to be there all the time. If I have evening events or meetings, she definitely notices more now. So I have started saying no and pulling back so that our girls know that they are important.
The biggest advice I would give is that it’s ok to say no, to realize your limits, and scale back when needed. It’s better to focus on doing a few things well, and on family, then spreading yourself too thin.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
To cherish every moment and every age. They are all equally special.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I put fruit and vegetable purees in almost everything I make, whether pancakes or brownies, in order to get my non-fruit and veggie loving child to eat more of them. Highly recommend!
Also, from birth I made up silly songs about brushing our teeth, taking a bath, etc., and to this day my daughter LOVES to make up songs and be creative.