At Dress for Success and Women of Wardrobe's annual Summer Soiree, generously hosted by Tootises, fashion-forward attendees dressed in pretty pastels, bold patterns and lots of ruffles — many designed by Houston's Hunter Bell, who showed off her fall line alongside jewelry by Claudia Lobao. Chairs Karishma Asrani, Courtney Campo, Allie Danziger and Melissa Sugulas welcomed guests to the event, which toasted the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success, and raised more than $20,000 for the org.
Ex-Tomboy Jentry Kelley Has Become a Beauty-Biz Titan, Believes in Taking ‘Leaps of Faith’
Jun. 24, 2022
For someone who has never heard of Jentry Kelley or Jentry Kelley Cosmetics, what is your elevator pitch? Simple, clean, no fuss skincare and makeup. If you want clean, yet easy to use, and you are not a self-proclaimed makeup artist, this brand is for you. We are education-focused. When you have the confidence to do it on your own and tools to make it look right, you can look and feel your best every day when you head out to take over the world.
How did you land in the world of cosmetics? Was the world of beauty always your passion? Actually, I climbed trees and caught frogs as a child! When I was 14, my mom sent me to Page Parkes modeling school and I learned the art of makeup application. I had always been an artist with a canvas, but this time the canvas was my face — and I felt pretty for the first time in my life. Fast foward, I started working at a makeup counter at Neiman Marcus during college and over the course of 11 years I met some amazingly supportive people, and Jentry Kelley Cosmetics was born.
How did you go from working behind the counter at a department store to having a self-titled cosmetics line in branded brick-and-mortar retail locations? A quick mention from a friend that I should create my own line, an American Express Card, and an appetite for success. All the way back to when I was a child, I knew I would own a business one day. In 2011, I charged $35,000 my AMEX card. It was a huge leap, but I knew if I gave every ounce of me, it would be a success. Eight months later, I landed my first retail store, and three years later I was selling to 17 retail locations. Today, I have two brick-and-mortar stores, and just expanded our flagship location by another 5,000 square feet.
Who inspires you? Over the 11 years I spent at Neiman’s I worked for both Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier. Hearing the story of how Bobbi was an artist just like I was, was inspiration and motivation. Later, I landed a counter manager position at Laura Mercier. I started just a few years after Janet Gurwitch sold had to Alticor. Janet would pop in and buy gifts for her friends, and I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting during her visits. Over the years, we have stayed in contact, and it absolutely amazes me to watch the brands she acquires and builds to become strong, well-established household names.
What is next for the brand? Any new ventures? For the first time ever, I am dabbling in fragrance and body products. This is an extremely competitive market, but always something I’ve wanted to do. Again, another leap of faith and an accidental meeting started it all. Our fragrances will have notes of leather and citrus, but also a very clean aroma. I was inspired by Le Labo and Acqua di Parma. We are nearing formulation completeness and so close to the next big move for the company and I cannot wait.
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Texas’ Mural Capital: BIPOC Arts Group Propels Houston’s Street-Art Scene Brilliantly Forward
Aug. 5, 2024
WITH AN AESTHETIC that reads as something between stained-glass and graffiti, Daniel Anguilu is arguably one of the best-known street artists in Houston. The vibrant, abstracted and large-scale pieces often feature motifs inspired by his Mexican heritage, and also address injustice and political issues like immigration.
In a city where artists of all ethnicities, disciplines and career stages thrive, Anguilu is one of many who have enjoyed its collaborative and community-driven nature; in fact, HoustonMuralMap.com estimates the city has nearly 1,000 murals in public spaces. As Houston commemorates its 188th birthday, local organizations Culture of Health-Advancing Together (CHAT) and BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) continue to enhance neighborhoods and build networks of support via street art.
BANF, with a mission to build a “revolutionary arts ecosystem,” has long supported artists like Anguilu, helping source both materials and inspiration. "This support has been transformative, helping me reach out to a different audience and achieve community empowerment through my murals," says Anguilu, whose latest project at Box13 addresses the idea that colonization is a myth.
For its part, CHAT created 17 murals in the Gulfton area via a project dubbed Gulfton Story Trail. The beautifying works of art have transformed schools, community centers, businesses and public buildings, and have fostered a sense of identity among residents.
The murals “symbolize hope, resilience, the potential for a brighter future for immigrants and refugees, and the cultural diversity that defines Houston," says CHAT’s executive director Aisha Siddiqui. The nonprofit received an inaugural grant from BANF, and those funds have enabled CHAT to expand its programming and impact among the immigrant and refugee community it serves.
If street art is a tool for building community and culture, then Houston is undoubtedly the ultimate craftsman.
CHAT's 'For a Better Future'
CHAT's 'Celebration of Diversity'
Street art by Daniel Anguilu
More art by Anguilu
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IT’S THAT TIME of year again — already! — and The Union Kitchen is honoring teachers and educators with a gratis brunch this weekend at all locations.
On Aug. 10 and 11, teachers and educators would be smart to show up from 9am until 2pm to enjoy a leisurely brunch before school begins the following week. This promotion falls hot on the heels of the concept's generous Kids Eat Free promotion that ran throughout June and July.
As a matter of fact, a total of 7,760 kids' meals were gifted this summer — including 1,250 kids' pizzas, 1,000 chicken tenders, and 1,500 of Houston’s best pancakes — saving parents in Houston $62,080. Led by restaurateur Paul Miller and his wife, Doris Miller, Gr8 Plate Hospitality runs The Union Kitchen's five Houston-area restaurants. The hospitality group also owns and operates local favorites Jax Grill, Passerella and Vine Memorial, a wine-bar-slash-café.
“As parents, we are deeply indebted to the tireless efforts of the teachers and educational support staff who have sparked inspiration in our children throughout their school years,” said Paul. “This is our way of paying it forward to these passionate people who selflessly shape young minds daily.”
It will be worth getting up early for a scratch-made spread of classics like biscuits and gravy, a pancake plate and The Union Kitchen Bowl. The latter is a hearty signature favorite comprised of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes and veggies topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The Union Kitchen’s expansive “locally famous” weekend brunch and cocktail menu also are on offer, along with $1 espresso martini shots, $6 espresso martinis and the popular $19 Build-Your-Own-Bubbles deal.
The exclusive deal applies to teachers and staff with a current, valid school identification card. (And the offer is not available to-go, sorry!) All five of The Union Kitchen locations in Greater Houston will be participating including Memorial (77024), Oak Forest (77018), Cypress (77433), Katy (77494), and Kingwood (77339).
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