Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Ron Powers gave an emotional speech about his family’s struggles with mental illness at the Hope and Healing Center & Institute’s Chrysalis Award luncheon. … Career and Recovery Resources’ Barrier Breaker Award lunch, honoring Ed and Gwen Emmett and Philamena and Arthur Baird, raised more than $250K. … A lively Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons doubled as a fundraiser for the Great Age Movement, which promotes learning and socialization among seniors. Jazz performances and ballroom dancing dazzled the crowd of 200. … Designer David Peck and his wife chaired the Judy’s Mission Possible lunch at the Houstonian, raising funds for early-detection and ovarian cancer research at MD Anderson. … The Latin Women’s Initiative’s annual fashion show lunch was as festive as ever, featuring designs by Andrés Otálora — and tequila shots. … At River Oaks Country Club, the Mayor’s Literacy Breakfast honored the Houston Dynamo and Dash teams.
Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’
Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath
How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.
The road has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I’ve always believed that success comes from dedication and staying true to your values, and that has been my guiding principle. I focused on creating a serene, authentic atmosphere where every guest feels truly cared for. From hand-picking the best products to carefully curating our services, I wanted every detail to reflect the quality and soul of the OMB Hammam rituals.
I also knew that building relationships would be key. Word-of-mouth, strong community connections, and media support have been instrumental in my growth. I was fortunate to be featured on TV and in several magazines, which brought more visibility to the spa. But at the heart of it, the success comes firstly from God, and then from the positive feedback and loyalty of our clients, who have embraced this experience and helped spread the word.
Today, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning.
Who do you credit? First and foremost, I credit God for my success and for giving me the strength and ability to start this business. Without His constant help and mercy, none of this would have been possible.
Next, I credit myself for the determination and perseverance it took to bring this vision to life. I’ve always been someone who, once committed to a goal, pursues every possible avenue to achieve it. Building this business required dedication, resilience, and an unwavering belief in myself.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Trust your instincts, stay focused, and remain positive. Positive energy is magnetic—you’ll attract people with the same outlook. Don’t let difficulties or obstacles slow you down; they are a part of the journey. And no matter how busy or demanding life gets, always make time for yourself and your family. Balance is essential for both personal well-being and long-term success.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I had initially planned for this to be a surprise, but I think now is the perfect time to share some exciting news: God-willing, we’re expanding! It’s something I had envisioned, but I honestly didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Thank God, we’ve had investors reaching out from many different areas, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow the business and bring the Hammam experience to more people. This new venture is a thrilling next step, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.
Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.
ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.
“Seared serves up a high-stakes battle of art versus commerce in the pressure-cooker world of an up-and-coming restaurant,” per the Alley Theatre. “When a hotshot chef’s genius meets the hard-nosed reality of the business, tempers flare, egos clash, and the flames of ambition burn high. The arrival of a seasoned restaurant consultant only turns up the heat, igniting a battle for creative control that’s as hilarious as it is mouthwatering.”
The show, up and running now, garnered considerable pre-opening buzz when it was learned that noted Houston chef Justin Yu of Theodore Rex had signed on as a chef consultant for the play. His guidance was needed since, during the performance, actors make real restaurant-quality food in a working kitchen! Indeed, audiences are leaving the at the end of the show hungry for salmon, gnocchi and, per an inside joke in the story, scallops.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to direct Seared in a city like Houston,” Weinbrenner noted. “Like any other sensible Houstonian, I love dining out. And not just for the delicious food but also for the drama! There are high stakes, urgent timing, opinions galore, relationships in the kitchen and on the floor, and all of that in Theresa Rebeck’s Seared.
“And I get to collaborate with friends! Theresa and I have been friends for a decade,” the director added. “The cast is made up of our beloved resident acting company members and a big local talent.”
The cast includes Elizabeth Bunch, Chris Hutchison, Christopher Salazar and Kory LaQuess Pullam.
'Seared' director Weinbrenner is known for his fast-paced style.
Flora Choy, Vanitha Pothuri and Blanca Beltran-Robinson
IT WAS A memorable evening for art lovers, to be sure. Connie Kwan-Wong and her independently published CKW Luxe magazine hosted an elegant event amid priceless works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
To honor the publication’s annual Star Impact Maker award winners, guest joined Kwan-Wong for cocktails in a main hall of the European Gallery of the Audrey Jones Beck building before heading into a more intimate space for a dinner catered by Tony’s. The meal was served amid art dating to the Middle Ages, and live Baroque music by Ars Lyrica. Table settings festooned with linens of gold and emerald greens and voluptuous multi-colored florals further set the scene.
Kwan-Wong herself made remarks, as did her young daughter, who touted her own new nonprofit, Girl Chess Power and Beyond. TV anchor Gina Gaston served as emcee. Honorees were introduced to fanfare — flower bouquets, and a sashay through the room runway-style — included Leela Krishnamurthy, Natesan Krishnamurthy, Parmis Khatibi, Nikan Khatibi, E. Michelle Bohreer, Chi-mei Lin, Rosalinda Martinez, Zeenat Kassam Mitha, Jacqueline St. Germain, Thanh Le and May Le.
After dessert, guests were invited to sip cocktails as they perused the MFA’s extraordinary art collection.
Photos by Annie Mulligan, Hung Truong and Thang Nguyen
Connie Kwan-Wong and Zoe Wong
E. Michelle Bohreer
Brigitte Kalai and Susan Boggio
Unique florals for the dinner table
Peter and Theresa Chang
Tiffany Houck, Keryl Douglas and Clarease Yates
Libi Label
Peta Gay Labetter
Thanh Le and May Le