Onyii Brown moved to the United States from Nigeria when she was three years old. Living in poverty in Amherst, Massachusetts, Brown and her family drove from dumpster to dumpster, foraging for food thrown away by college students. Brown and her family would get their clothing from a community center—which first sparked her interest in fashion, little did she know it would lead to a lifelong passion.
Anat is a Houston based self-taught artist, born and raised in the State of Israel. High tensions and desire to find safety and security for her family brought her to various cities in the US, but when an opportunity brought them to Houston, the city captured their hearts and they had finally found home.
A profound love for music and family drove Zeljko Pavlovic to succeed when the world was crumbling around him. See how this incredible instrumentalist created a place for musicians of all ages to develop and thrive in the Vivaldi Music Academy.
David Buehrer is bringing warmth, service and hospitality to the city of Houston with every cup of coffee and tea brewed at Blacksmith. See how this entrepreneur is dedicating his work to quality service while revitalizing Houston’s creative class.
The Suffers are a ten-piece band from Houston, TX who are redefining the sound of Gulf Coast Soul while intertwining elements of Classic American Soul with Rock & Roll. Both sonically and visually arresting, the large ensemble packs each position of the rhythm section and horn section with a level of talent and taste that provides the perfect foundation for singer Kam Franklin's massive voice.
SHAPING HOUSTON: ALBA HUERTA
POURING HOUSTON’S FIERCEST COCKTAILS
Raised in Houston, Alba Huerta’s first bartending job was in 2000 and motivated her to become more knowledgeable on different products while also gaining invaluable experience as a service professional.
SHAPING HOUSTON: DON VAUGHN
DRUMMER & NEUROSCIENTIST
DJ/Drummer combo, Don Vaughn went from playing gigs with his band in high school to headlining a SXSW showcase and touring with Blu Cantrell, seemingly overnight. Combining his passion for both music and neuroscience, Don sets the stage to be more than just another DJ.
Amir Taghi, 18, was raised in Houston, Texas, and grew up influenced by the grace and charm of southern women around him juxtaposed with the opulence of the Persian culture. From an early age, he was surrounded by high fashion. Taghi developed his sense of style while working at his Grandfather’s boutique.