Months after Benjamin Brollier proposed to Courtney Corinne Wood in the garden of her family’s home, with a cushion-cut diamond ring his mother Louise helped select, his mom passed away. In planning their lavish New Year’s Eve wedding at River Oaks Country Club, C.C. and Benjy kept Louise top of mind and in their hearts, curating thoughtful details like heirloom jewelry and special wedding programs. But the high school sweethearts also wanted to celebrate life and love, and ring in a fresh New Year with 500 loved ones — a vision expertly executed by Keely Thorne planner Jennifer Kaldis, and the floral and decor team at Todd Events. C.C. and Benjy each had 18 attendants standing by their side at the altar, and out on the dance floor, which remained packed even after the stroke of midnight! After fueling up on late-night breakfast tacos, the newlyweds escaped in a convertible Rolls-Royce — with a backdrop of fireworks, of course.
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.
The lobby of White Elephant Palm Beach
COVERED IN VERDANT vines and flanked by tall palm trees, the entrance to the White Elephant Palm Beach feels like passing into a stately home, rather than one of the island’s newest resorts. The building is 101 years old, and while the original footprint and façade remain, the interior has a decidedly updated, ultra-luxe beach vibe.
There’s only 32 rooms — and there’s just as many staff present to usher guests to their rooms, or whisk them to a destination of their choosing in a 2025 BMW. (Guests can also zip around town in a complimentary BMW from the hotel on their own.)
The lobby is draped in white curtains with woven rugs and a neutral palette. The centerpiece is “The Lady of the House,” a large painting by Orit Fuchs of a woman in oversize pink sunglasses and a blue headscarf inviting guests to explore the island (which is as colorful as she is!). The resort boasts more than 130 vibrant art pieces that pop against the neutrals of the hotel.
White Elephant has recently partnered with The Cove Club, giving guests access to the exclusive day-party locale. It’s a quick drive in the house BMWs to The Cove Club in West Palm Beach where pretty people sip rosé and listen to house music spun by a DJ with mega-yachts as his backdrop. There’s a splashy pool, a stretch of beach, and all the people watching one could desire.
While in West Palm Beach, head to higher elevation for more yacht views with a side of attractive tourists at Spruzzo, the rooftop restaurant on top of The Ben hotel. The Mediterranean-inspired environs include a 360-degree bar and lots of shareable dishes to pair with the eclectic cocktail menu.
Back in Palm Beach — or, as the locals call it, “the other side of the bridge” — Café Boulud is an al fresco oasis steps from the luxury shopping along Worth Avenue. In the courtyard of the single-story historic Brazilian Court Hotel, Boulud is dotted with white umbrellas shading brunch-goers who dine in an enclave of palm trees. Don’t miss the dover which can be shared and filleted at the table. It pairs perfectly with Boulud’s famous patio sipper, the White Cosmopolitan, served in a large martini glass with a frozen edible flower.
After a day of exploring the island, White Elephant beckons. The rooms are serviced three times a day, so returning is always relaxing and welcoming. Don’t travel far for dinner: Lola41 in the courtyard serves up sushi and international dishes in a buzzy vibe. For a nightcap, walk to Cucina, where the cool kids hang out. After the restaurant tables are closed out for the night, disco balls are illuminated and it turns into a full-on club. Don’t worry about staying out too late — the airport is close and easy to navigate, and the flight to Houston is only 2 and a half hours.
The entrance of the 101 year old building
The pool
The pool
The Park Suite at White Elephant
Capt'n Jose Roll at Lola41
DJ Adam Lipson at The Cove Club
The Seafood Tower at Spruzzo
Al fresco dining at Café Boulud
Photographer Jhane Hoang with two covers she photographed
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