Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I am French-Lebanese, was raised between France and Lebanon for most of my life. I moved with my husband and daughter to Houston exactly 2 years ago.
Child(ren) and Age(s)? Chloé, 3,5 years / and I am 6 months pregnant with her sister ☺
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I moved a lot and lived in different cities for most of my life due partly to my parent’s career with the French government: from Beirut – Lebanon, Grenoble – France, Casablanca – Morroco, Cairo -Egypt, Dubai – UAE, Paris – France and now I am here in the US!
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
The Museums! I love the MFAH, the Contemporary Art Museum too, I go a lot, and I am always looking for Arts, Design or Fashion events and exhibitions, I think there is a lot of potential here, it’s still a very «shy» scene though..
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
We try to explore the food and night scene here… We like Coppa in Rice Village, Toulouse in ROD, True Food Kitchen on Post Oak. What I like about the US is that everywhere you go it is family-friendly! That’s not something you will see in Europe or the Middle East.
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
Pampering: Isle Pedispa or Milk & Honey / Mom’s night out: we try to vary our outings by always trying new places, lately we went to the Tasting Room and Caracol.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I was working at Saks Fifth Avenue but just left to continue freelancing, easier with my pregnancy for now. I am a Graphic Designer and a Fashion Stylist, I hold a master in Fashion & Luxury management from Grenoble, France. You can see parts of my work on www.celineprojects.com
I also started an Instagram page called @styleinhouston focusing on people’s taste, arts, design and the city. I feel Houston has lots of hidden gems and talents ☺
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I’ve been here for only 2 years so I am still exploring possibilities, which are quite vast and varied here, I am constantly meeting new people and encountering different scenarios. However, I feel people are very encouraging and positive here!
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)? Manage your time for sure! It’s not easy to be honest, and 90% of the time it’s the women that end up sacrificing their career for the children.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Embrace the fact that you don’t have responsibilities other than yourself! Don’t even complain about being tired, you haven’t seen anything yet lol
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
We are quite “strict” when it comes to routine, so from time to time my husband and I allow ourselves some crazy night outs, it recharges our batteries!
