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.
Leadership in Action: For Bianca Bucaram, ‘Strong Network and Family’ Are Essential
Sofia van der Dys
Oct. 8, 2024
Get to Know Bianca:
Bianca Bucaram, founder of The Bucaram PR Group and BXM Music, is a dynamic force in the public relations industry. She is known for her tenacity, empathy, and bilingual communication skills. As a local publicist with national reach, she blends local insights with broader impact, telling compelling stories that foster business growth and create opportunities.
Her ability to connect influencers, businesses, and nonprofits has set her apart, promoting prominent personalities while supporting meaningful causes.
How did you get to where you are today?
Bianca’s journey to success is marked by passion, persistence, and strategic storytelling. She founded The Bucaram PR Group, focusing on lifestyle clients, celebrities, and community leaders. Her firm has grown by blending traditional media outreach with relationship building, event management, artist development and more achieving significant results for her clients across various industries, including entertainment, fashion, sports, and music.
Who do you credit?
Bianca credits her success to her strong network of mentors, her family, and the community she serves. She acknowledges the support of her clients and the invaluable partnerships she has built over the years. Bianca is also deeply inspired by her commitment to giving back to her community, which continues to fuel her work in public relations and philanthropy.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others?
Bianca emphasizes the importance of showing up with kindness, resilience, and authenticity in everything you do. She has learned that building strong relationships and maintaining a positive attitude can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed. Bianca’s work ethic and dedication to her clients underscore her belief in the power of consistency, strategic planning, and adaptability in the ever-changing PR landscape.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about?
Bianca is excited about her ongoing philanthropic work, including her involvement with the Global Empowerment Mission, where she has helped raise millions for disaster relief efforts. She is also thrilled about expanding her PR firm’s reach, after starting BXM music -- working with a diverse range of clients, and continuing to make an impact both locally in Houston and globally. Her efforts in supporting organizations like Maestro Cares, Marc Anthony’s nonprofit and creating successful campaigns reflect her passion for creating real change through her work.
She has been recognized as one of Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, named among the 100 Coolest People in the City by Houston CityBook, and received awards including the Woman of the Year in Advertising & Public Relations by the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce. Her dynamic leadership continues to influence the industry while supporting charitable causes close to her heart.
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A DINNER SERIES with a cult following hosted a foodie-approved event in Houston on a breezy evening atop the rooftop at POST. Secret Supper curates one-of-a-kind culinary experiences across the world, drawing devoted followers who travel from near and far to partake in its exclusive events.
Two months prior to each gathering, the nearest major city to the event is revealed. Just 24 hours before the meal, guests are sent the precise coordinates. The menu and all other details remain a closely guarded secret until guests arrive.
In Houston, many might expect traditional Tex-Mex or barbecue, but this time, the menu took an unexpected turn, showcasing the vibrant flavors of West Africa — a fitting tribute to the city’s rich diversity. The evening’s secret chef was Ope Amosu, the culinary mastermind behind ChòpnBlọk, which recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Montrose. “Houston is emerging as one of the top culinary destinations in the U.S., known for its eclectic food scene that spans the globe,” said Isaac Farias, Brugal Rum Brand Ambassador and sponsor of the event. “The city’s culinary landscape is now even recognized by the Michelin Guide.”
Sixty-four guests from eight different states gathered al fresco for the five-course feast beginning with three different cocktails featuring Brugal 1888 rum crafted by mixologists from Montrose's The Toasted Coconut. Standout dishes included the Colonial Scotch Egg, filled with spiced turkey, and the Black Star — a bowl brimming with fried rice, shrimp, yassa curry, and crowned with sweet plantains.
For the adventurous foodie, Secret Supper is hosting dinners in Italy and France in 2025. Bon voyage!
Plantain Chips
Cocktails with Brugal Rum
Colonial Scotch Egg
The table
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HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.
The first part of the project was on display at a hip rooftop cocktail party that brought out art enthusiasts, creatives and culture lovers. Garcia’s evocative pieces were showcased against Houston’s skyline as guests sipped cocktails from Frio Vodka. And a giant shot wall — also created by Garcia — illuminated in the shape of the state of Texas. Cheers!
Z on 23 is located atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown. The hotel is covering its elevators and room keys with Garcia’s work. In a statement, the hotel said the initiative is part of its “mission to spark inspiration through artistic exploration.”
Garcia has a longstanding connection to the hotel, as Steven Visneau photographed Garcia for an eight-page fashion story in CityBook at Le Méridien when it opened in 2017!
Victoria Bhagat, Jourdan Lugo, Mindy Garza, Diana Yera
Justin Garcia, Kenny Owen, Brian Ching
Bruce Banta-Guevara & Oscar Banta-Guevara
Dimitri Bozonelos, Konstantina Lagou, Justin Garcia, Katie & Mark Canady
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