Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I’m from EL Paso originally by way of Nigeria. I have lived in Houston for 6 years.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
I have a daughter named Noelle who is 4 years old.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I think people would be surprised to know that I am painfully shy. I can play the part of the outgoing social butterfly quite well but it’s actually pretty exhausting. My favorite place is home!
What are a few of your favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I absolutely love Levy Park. It’s close to home and they have some really great activities for the kids. I’m also very much into the museum district. I can’t get enough of the Museum of Fine Arts. You can typically catch me there on a Thursday evening during their happy hour.
As a boutique owner, I like to see what trends the ultra-luxury brands are into. I love to shop so The Galleria and the River Oaks District shopping areas are great for “research” :).
Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?
I have so many! Noelle and I love the Dessert Gallery for our Friday treats. Oishi is amazing for sushi. Lastly, local foods is our default when we don’t know where to go.
What local places do you go to for pampering and/or a mom’s night out?
I love going to ipic to catch a movie! River Oaks Med Spa is my favorite place for facials and their products are amazing and effective!
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
In May of 2018, I opened House Haute. The boutique is a labor of love that started because I was constantly styling my friends for events using items from my own closet. House Haute is an online women’s boutique that pulls the chic, tailored, European styles you see in magazines, and makes them wearable and affordable.
About 2 years ago, I promised myself I would do things that brought me joy. I started teaching spin classes at LA Fitness twice a week and joined my church’s choir as well. I’m also a first generation American. My parents are from Nigeria and I belong to a Nigerian young professional organization (https://umuigbounite.com)
I am also a licensed Realtor and work as an HR Consultant. In my HR role, I earned my Senior Professional of Human Resources designation (SPHR) after earning my MBA in 2011.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Houston is the most diverse place I’ve ever lived, the well of culture here is very deep. I have been able to pull inspiration from street styles, moms from school and church, and really cultivate looks that are different from what you may see on other websites. So many nations are represented in Houston, simply taking a look around helps me keep the site fresh and original.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?
The best advice I could give is to move at a pace that makes sense to you. It’s really easy to compare your success with someone else’s. Keep in mind your journey may be different, your success may not come as quickly as you would like, but quitting isn’t an option. If possible, find you mom tribe. Where you can feel safe to vent, share your successes and failures, and have some much needed wine.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Do things that scare you. Take big risks. Live outside of your comfort zone on a consistent basis.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Allow your kid to “help” when it’s safe. I recently taught Noelle how to pour juice on her own and I’ve gotten about an hour and a half back in my day. Teach a kid to fish right?!
