Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I am a native Texan! I was born in Baytown, TX and moved to Houston as soon as I could. 🙂
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have a 5-year-old daughter, Aarya and 3-year old son named Vir.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am trained in North Indian Classical dance. I trained for most of my childhood and I still have a lot of respect for all different dance forms.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
My family and I love going to the local parks in the area. Our favorite park to go to is Evelyn’s Park. We also love going shopping in the local resale and antique shops. I have also recently started falling in love with fitness again after having two babies. My new go-to place is Define: Bellaire , they even provide child care!
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
I will be honest. We eat at home a lot so we do not get out a lot with the family. However, we do love going to The ‘401 in Bellaire when we do and then we head to Menchie’s for dessert.
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?
For mom’s night out we go to Coltivare. There is always a wait at the farm-to-table restaurant so go with time to spare. This is never an issue for us since it allows us to enjoy some wine in the garden before dinner. It is very relaxing and the food is amazing.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a very busy mom! I am involved in several business ventures and non-profits. I am a partner in Hotel Ylem, Waxing The City – Bellaire & Sugarland, Oza Family Care & Wellness Center and Ferris Family Health & Wellness (coming Spring 2019). I also sit on the board of CHAT , I am an active member of NAWBO – Houston and Bellaire Business Association on the Stay Loyal to Local task force.
Hotel Ylem is a boutique hotel located near the Texas Medical Center and NRG Stadium that is changing the world through hospitality. You can make an impact by simply booking a reservation there.
Waxing the City is a full body waxing salon for men, women and trans. At Waxing the City, your goods are in good hands! Waxing is not entirely pain-free, but we make it as comfortable as possible—some clients even doze off during their service! Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, or even a bit shy, our Cerologists will make your waxing experience a positive one. Our highly trained estheticians take their time and your first service is 50% off.
At Oza Family Care and Wellness Center, the team takes the time to address the concerns of the people in their care before implementing a whole-person approach to medical treatment. The services available at Oza Family Care and Wellness Center range from general and preventive medical care to specialized and cutting-edge therapies for chronic conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure. We are located at 290 and Huffmeister right across from North Cypress Medical Center in the Cyfair area.
We are opening our second center, Ferris Family Health & Wellness in Bellaire, Texas in Spring 2019!
CHAT stands for Culture of Health Advancing Together. CHAT was formed to foster the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee communities through the education, arts, advocacy and access to care. It is truly a privilege to serve on the board of this organization.
NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide. This organization gives me a platform to network with like-minded individuals and gives me an opportunity to impact public policy and influence opinion.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The greater Houston area has a very unique market mix. There is a “support local” attitude with a global influence. We as Houstonians find working with different cultures and ideas very palatable. Did you know that there is not one part of Houston that is definable by one single residential demographic? We all live harmoniously amongst each other and that harmony is instrumental in getting me to where I am now. It gives me the confidence that I can be uniquely me and still be successful.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
Take guilt out of the equation. We have no time or energy to be guilty about how much time we are spending on our business, volunteer work and our families. EVERYTHING is important and vital to living a full and grateful life. Use that energy to focus on prioritizing what is important in that moment.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
I would tell “me” that having kids will make life whole. It will be fun, expensive, frustrating, exciting, maddening, and you will experience unconditional love. That is the best gift of all: love without any conditions.
Also, stop staring/judging parents with kids screaming at the local Target store. That will be you in a few years…LOL.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
I have always had my kids dentist on speed dial when they decide they want to skip brushing. I wonder how long I can get away with my kids thinking that the dentist on the phone is actually my brother with a funny voice. BTW, if you are looking for an excellent dentist AND staff, I highly recommend Dr. Joel Vela and his staff at Bellaire Pediatric Dentistry.
