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.
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’
Dec. 5, 2024
AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.
What are you hopeful for right now in this world?
More love from humanity, absolutely! Especially with the holidays upon us, I'm hopeful that we can all tap into that spirit of generosity and compassion. We've been through a lot, especially since the pandemic and its aftermath, and I think people are craving connection and kindness. I'm hopeful that we’ll take the time to truly appreciate each other and spread a little extra love this season.
What does love look like to you?
Love is about showing up for the people you care about, no matter what. It's about being present, offering support, celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Love is about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued.
LeBrina, how do you incorporate the concept of gratitude into your daily life?
Gratitude is my secret weapon! Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I start my day by listing a few things I'm grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the sound of my daughter laughing. Maybe it was my horse’s whinny of joy when I came to saddle him up and he knows a great ride is ahead. Or noticing my son working as hard on his homework as he does on the football field. Thinking of blessings like those helps me set a positive tone for the day and appreciate all the good in my life.
Why is that important to you? What do you get out of it?
Gratitude is like a reset button for my mind. It helps me shift my perspective from what's missing to what I already have. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. And honestly, it just makes me feel happier and more content.
How can you encourage younger generations, kids to embrace this idea?
I think it starts with instilling an attitude of appreciation from an early age. Leading by example is key — kids learn by watching us express our own thankfulness. Create a culture of appreciation at home or in the classroom, encouraging kids to notice the good in their lives. Teaching them to say “thank you” sincerely, to be aware of other people’s feelings and to show kindness can go a long way.
Employees?
Building a culture of celebrating each other is key! Encourage your team to acknowledge wins, big or small, with shout-outs, thank-you notes, or even a fun team lunch. When people feel seen and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a ripple effect of positivity that our guests can feel too. Lead by example and celebrate your team’s accomplishments!
How can someone incorporate a gratitude ritual into their lives?
It’s easier than you think! Start by literally scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can write it down in a journal, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. It is a wonderful way to get in the mindset for your daily meditation time. Another idea is to incorporate gratitude into your existing routines, like saying what you’re grateful for before meals or when you tuck your little ones into bed.
What are you grateful for right now, at this very moment?
I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my thoughts on gratitude and hopefully inspire others to embrace it. I'm also incredibly grateful for my amazing family, my supportive friends, and my fantastic team at Escape Spa. And of course, I'm grateful for all of our wonderful guests who trust us to provide them with an escape from the everyday!
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ONE OF Houston CityBook’s most beloved photographers was recently diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. Jhane Hoang has been behind the camera for some of the magazine’s most ambitious shoots — including an overnight shoot at the then-new Weiss Energy Hall at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and a cold rainy shoot at the Houston Zoo where the crew used a concessions stand as a staging area for hair and makeup.
Hoang’s first shoot for CityBook was in August 2017 — another overnight session, this one in a Downtown office building. The shoot was titled “The All-Nighters,” and featured a tryst between a male and female model “working late” at the office. She’s since been an integral part of, and an enthusiastic player in, CityBook’s most important annual issues: Leaders & Legends, Cool 100 and the Sexy Issue.
Hoang moved from New York City to Houston in 2017 to be closer to her parents; she helps father manage his dialysis and medical needs. She has become a treasured friend to many, and is an esteemed member of Houston’s arts community. As a freelance photographer, Hoang can no longer work, and though she receives some state medical assistance, it only covers a portion of her expenses. Please see a retrospective of her work below, and if you’d like to donate, the link to her Gofundme is here.
Jhane photographed model Krystie Wilson at an overnight shoot at HMNS’ then new Weiss Energy Hall
Musician Madeline Edwards by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Joao Diniz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Model Isabel Li by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Musician Youth Soul Love by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Artist Tony Paraná by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Models Marion Sealy and Luke Keogh by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Mimi Swartz by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Author Bryan Washington by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Chef Alexandra Peña by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Skateboarding sensation Jordan Santana by Jhane for Houston CityBook
Home Run Dugout's Colby Smith by Jhane for Houston CityBook
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Ahead of Historic Snowfall, Winter Ball Soars to New Heights for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Jacob Power
Jan. 27, 2025
ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.
With a theme of "Up, Up, and Away," the gala was an uplifting display of hope and determination, and featured a vibrant palette of blues, coral, and gold brought to life by Blooming Gallery. Upon arrival, guests passed through a "hallway of honor," a display of photos of previous honorees and the event over the past four decades.
Mistress of Ceremonies Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman conducted a charming program, and galagoers enjoyed a polished runway show coordinated by Todd Ramos. The honorees included Bincy Abraham, Alice Mao Brams, Sharon Albert Brier, Julie Baker Finck, Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, Jacquie Baly, plus Honored Hero Bayle Goldman and Healthcare Partner Honoree Keith Fiman.
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow were thrilled with the turnout of 270 and the evening's total till, which topped $575K. Funds will fuel research, education, and patient support programs, propelling the Foundation’s mission forward.
2025 Women of Distinction
Stephanie von Stein Schusterman and Dr. Mark Schusterman
Anthony DeLuca, Katherine and Jeff Smith
Nora Jarrard, Maria Bassa, Whitney Kuhn Lawson, Beth Muecke
Beth Wolff, Jane Page-Crump, Cheryl Byington
Mitch Feinberg, Brian Atlas, Mike Brier, Scott Frisbie, Scott Drysdale
Chairs Elizabeth DeLuca and Lauren Gow
Daniel Irion, Jerre Williams, Kirk Kveton
Michele Hosko, Scott Drysdale
Sippi Khurana, Jacquie Baly, Terri Wang
Leila Perrin, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman, Zane Carruth
From Your Site Articles
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