Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’ve lived in Houston for nearly 20 years, so it’s home, but I also lived in North Carolina and Mississippi.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Austin (14), Dylan (11)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’m a recovering TV producer who has worked on almost every type of broadcast.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
Trying new restaurants and exploring the city’s diverse flavors, browsing the farmer’s market and supporting local businesses, spending a weekend boating and floating in Galveston, shopping at local boutiques, volunteering to give back, being a tourist in my own town and exploring museums, parks, art exhibits and interesting sites like the downtown tunnel system.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
As a working mom, I spent WAY too much time trying to find the best camps and activities for my kids, especially during the summer. I envisioned a website that put everything from searching to creating a schedule to registering in ONE place and set out to create it. Then, COVID-19 struck. Everything with my company came to a halt, but when one door closes, another opens. I found ActivityHero, a one-stop-shop for finding and registering for children’s camps and activities online, and joined forces with them. Want to know what camps will be available in Houston this summer? RSVP HERE for our 2021 Virtual Camp Fair via Facebook Live on March 27 at 10 AM.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I would have NEVER imagined I could start a company, pivot during a pandemic, partner with another company and help bring a much-needed resource to parents without the amazing network of people—most of them women—whom I’ve met and become friends with over the last 20 years in Houston. The city has so much to give, but truly, its greatest gift is the people who lift each other up, offer a helping hand, and call H-town home.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
My best advice for being a mom, especially a working mom, is this: You can’t be everything to everybody every day. You might be a rock star at work one day, a superhero mom another day, and the person your partner fell in love with later that week. However, rarely can you be 100% for everyone on every day… and that’s okay!
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
There will be a time in your life for everything you want to do. Be patient and wait for it. Then, seize the opportunity when it comes.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Keep concealer, eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss in your car! When you’re rushing out of the house to get somewhere, a stoplight and your car mirror will be your new best friends.