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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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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EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.
More than 200 supporters gathered at St. John’s School, where they were greeted with a small feast before dinner even began! There were pumpkin tamales from Cuchara, and tasty apps by Chris Lott at A Bite of Hope; Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet; and Dominick Lee at Augustine’s. All were nicely washed down with two cocktails from newly Michelin-starred Musaafer, and a take on a non-alcoholic margarita sponsored by Cut Above Spirits.
Janna Roberson, Urban Harvest’s executive director, welcomed guests as the first course — which was Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club’s chicken-liver mousse — was served. The meal continued with soft shell crawfish from Joe Murphy of Nobu, and pork-and-roselle salad by Burmalicious’ Suu Khin. The Woodlands’ Amrina served up Truffle Raj Kachori by chef Jassi Bindra, followed by whole-fish Collard greens Rockefeller by Lucas McKinney from Josephine’s. Still hungry? You bet we were. Next up was Culinary Khancepts’ Emily Trusler, who served coffee-cured strip steak with Kobucha squash. For dessert, Jason Gould and Samara Peña of Common Bond made little to-go boxes full of sweet treats!
“We celebrated our 30th anniversary with an evening of community, local food and talented chefs,” said Roberson. “We are grateful for the support of an amazing Houston community and look forward to expanding our impact in the next 30 years!”
The event raised $150,000 that will be used to transform food accessibility in Greater Houston.
Charlie McDaniel, Steve Roberson, Ana Beaven, Karla Contreras, Mithu Malik
Alexander Bradley, Haley Kurisky, Kay and George Kurisky
Scott Howard, Bridget Jensen, Abdissa Gemechu, Jenny Clay Combe
Heather Simpson, Abigail Simpson, James Murphy
Elias Contreras, Jorge Sanchez
Rod Borges, Fadua Borges
Sammy Ford, Sarah Nielsen, Javier Garza
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