Hi Erin, thank you for your interview!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
My husband and I are originally from Wichita, Kansas, but we moved here in 2010. So, Houston is home now! We actually lived in Sugar Land for about 10 years, and moved to West U in 2020.
Child(ren)?
Kollin
Charlotte
Chocolate Chip – our Corgi Pup
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
OMG there are so many things to do! Our favorite is stopping by Tiny Milk & Cookies for ice cream or coffee and then heading to the park to play. Some other big favorites are the zoo and Hermann Park Train, and we love taking friends and family to The Natural Science Museum and checking out the dinosaurs – it’s good for kids and gives adults that sense of childlike curiosity. Also, happy hour at State of Grace or Montrose Cheese and Wine are always a good time, and we always love trying the new menu at Le Jardinier.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I’m so excited to introduce Armine + Ambrose, my new semi-fine jewelry brand that blends style with deep personal meaning. Inspired by my love for fashion and the power of intention, I designed each piece to be more than just an accessory—it’s a wearable reminder of courage, authenticity, and resilience. Named after my children’s middle names, this brand represents legacy, boldness, and self-expression. From the *Big Dreams Hoops*, symbolizing ambition, to the *Pinky Promise Ring*, a commitment to self-care, every piece is meant to inspire and empower. I want those who wear my jewelry to “Search Your Intention“, to choose pieces that resonate with their journey and values. As an entrepreneur and founder of Built on YES, I believe in creating with purpose, and I hope Armine + Ambrose becomes a reflection of the strength and beauty within each of us. The collection is now available online, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
The Possiblity Project, a guided journal for creating what’s possible through productivity, creativity, movement, and purpose, launched last month with The Collective Book Studio. It’s currently in lots of indie bookstores and Barnes and Noble nationwide, as well as Amazon!
My alma mater, Wichita State University (WSU), is also a passion of mine through a few councils that I am on, including being President of WSU’s F. Barton School of Business Alumni Council. Through WSU, my husband and I have set up two different funds to help impact students and future business owners and leaders.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Your time is the most valuable resource you have, so outsource what you can. You cannot have it all, it’s impossible. That whole work-life balance thing is total bullsh*t. However, what’s possible is focusing on what works for you and pouring your time into that.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I would tell myself to stop trying so hard to impress people who won’t ever actually care, and just do what works for you and your family!
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Ha! This one is a good one. I’ve gotten my family to start eating out at the restaurants that I don’t like on the days that I work late. They still get to eat those meals, and I get to now avoid them completely. I feel like that’s a pretty good setup for myself.
