Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.
Who do you credit? I credit my family, my community, and my spiritual connection. Houston is a place where opportunities exist. I did my MBA at Rice University and my Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at UPenn. I am so grateful for the enriching communities of Rice and UPenn where they genuinely want to see their students thrive. These institutions have become my springboard from which I feel I could jump with the knowledge and confidence to launch the concept of Define Living. And, without any doubt, I give credit to my family and friends. I used to get a lot of inquisitive looks when I would talk about launching a fitness brand or a franchise brand. However, I now feel very loved and supported by the people closest to me when I tell them about a new project that I am focusing on. They can sense my passion, and that is contagious.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others?
Here are several:
1) Swim in your own lane.
2) Learn as much as you can about your industry while getting paid by someone else.
3) Starting your own business is risky, time-consuming, and challenging, but your passion will take you far.
4) It’s okay to be skeptical, but avoid becoming cynical.
5) As Mother Theresa stated, “What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.”
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I am so happy with how well our first Define Living has been received. I worked hard to build a program that was transforming and accessible. To know that we are attracting a group of people who are diverse in every sense of the word while elevating their wellbeing is incredibly motivating for me each day. This inspires me to bring this concept nationwide and add more health and wellbeing to communities across the globe!
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BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.
At Tony's, the crew is planning a little fun on Friday and Saturday nights, inspired by the potential "snow day." Sponsored by Kaviari, the "unforgettable alpine evening" includes a best-dressed contest and live music by Latin crooner Miguel Delabarca. Among the menu items to ensure guests stay cozy is what might be the best chili you've ever had ($15), hot toddies for just $5 a pop, and a blood orange "dreamsicle" baked Alaska ($45).
Each night, a group of ski-bunny-clad guests will be crowned Best Dressed Table, winning Kaviari Prestige Oscietra Caviar (1oz), a bottle of Vve Forny & Fils Blanc de Blanc 1er Cru, and the aforementioned baked Alaska, on the house. Winners will be announced at 8:30pm on both Friday and Saturday.
Bundle up and book on OpenTable.
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JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.
“Pearland is a city that truly appreciates bold flavors, and we’re thrilled to bring our dishes here,” said founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi, who opened the first Jinya Ramen in Tokyo in 2000. “Pearland is the perfect place to share our authentic ramen and connect with a community that values great food.”
In addition to ramen, Jinya is serving up other Asian-inspired dishes — think salmon jalapeno sashimi and Hokkaido scallops. And find local craft brews on tap, too.
The Pearland location opens at 11am on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 9240 Broadway St. Ste. 140 — and the first 100 guests in line will receive a free bowl of ramen!
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