How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.
Whom do you credit? Firstly, God, but also the amazing individuals who came into my life to help show me the way: Jessica Castellano - who took a chance on me and started Zapatero + Bucaram PR with me, her 26 year old business partner — and my sister, FullyRaw Kristina, for allowing us to tell her story! Along the way, every client I have ever had or colleague I have worked with has left me with indelible memories and lessons, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of our ever changing industry!
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I show up with kindness for all I meet and give more than I expect to receive. I work with passion and persistence, and always try to connect the dots for individuals who need it. I feel strongly that women should support each other, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s part of the fiber of learning.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Recently, I have been working with many nonprofit organizations who have given so much to our society. I work with the Global Empowerment Mission who helped bring over $800,000 to Texas during the winter storms, and now has raised over $20M in aid for the Ukrainian Crisis -- acquiring national media such as the Today show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, FOX, CNN, and also specials on Anderson Cooper. I am honored to work with celebrity musicians and their non-profit organizations, such as Marc Anthony’s nonprofit, Maestro Cares, to bring opportunities for children to live, play, and learn — across Latin and Central America, and I am also very blessed to have influencers such as: FullyRaw Kristina, Internationally Renowned Multi-Genere viral Violinist, “DEMOLA the Violinist,” Nationally acclaimed beauty Influencer Marlena Stell, disease reversal specialist and MD - Dr. Brooke Goldner, and many more! Excited to expand my international and national portfolio and continue working with celebrity contacts as well as musicians!
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The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck
VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.
This slice of paradise is the W Punta de Mita, about an hour outside of Puerto Vallarta. With fewer than 130 rooms, the property is glam enough for jet-setting influencer couples but approachable enough for families, an ideal blend of bold style and Huichol tradition.
Upon arrival, guests sip a cocktail as the sea breeze filters in through the open-air lobby; below, a centerpiece bar and sliding glass doors frame the view of the beach — a welcome sight, even though the flight from Houston isn’t all that long. While the sit-down restaurants adjacent to the lobby are indeed fantastic, the best first stop is Chevychería, a beachfront bar carved out of an old pickup truck. Daily ceviches and crudos — and the best guacamole this Texan has ever had (a bold statement, no?) — are best enjoyed with sand between the toes and a mojito in hand. Vacation mode, activated.
Some of the most artful touches at the hotel are found on the Camino Huichol, a magazine-worthy teal-tiled backdrop for photos. The elevated walkway, with 751,000 mosaic tiles representing elements of the Wixarika culture, doubles as an extension of the pool cabanas down below; the entire thing is framed by a waist-high wall of clear glass panels.
Speaking of pool cabanas, though, it’s likely that the whole trip could be magnificently enjoyed in one of them. The Wet Deck, as the main pool area is called, is pristine and positioned equally well for those who favor catching rays and those who prefer shade. Sunblock, board games and books populate a little stand nearby, in case guests forgot a necessity. Need a change of scenery? A quick taxi ride to Sayulita for shopping — leather goods, hand-woven apparel, artisan ceramics — and people-watching completes the afternoon.
If privacy is of importance, the new adults-only Wet Deck Too is a few yards away, an infinity-edged pool with several chaise-style chairs and tables. It’s situated in front of a row of just-opened suites that each boast their own plunge pool, and an open-air bathtub worthy of Architectural Digest.
But if that’s not relaxing enough, hop back on that jungle-lined walkway, which in the other direction leads to the AWAY Spa. Say ahhh.
The lobby bar
The adults-only Wet Too pool with new suites behind it
Chevychería
Beachfront suite with private plunge pool
Private plunge pool
Indoor-outdoor bathroom in beachfront suites
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Classical Architecture Goes Glam on AIA Home Tour: Go Inside One of Its Most Intriguing Projects
Julie Soefer
Oct. 4, 2024
THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.
One of the most unique projects on this year’s home tour, which takes place Nov. 2-3, is from Benjamin Johnston. The two-story Woodlands Heights home, dubbed Heights Regency, has a neoclassical elegance that reads timeless from the outside — but colorfully contemporary on the inside.
Greeting visitors is a Greek-columned atrium with a 16-foot-long skylight. The first floor is an entertainer’s paradise, while upstairs is a haven with several bedrooms. Classic, architectural details like herringbone floors, marble casings and paneling are countered by the boldly colorful and glamorously edgy furnishings; the pairing is deliberate and intriguing.
Outside, a lush courtyard garden and 55-foot lap pool lend a day-spa vibe to the urban manse. There’s also a fab outdoor kitchen — which is in addition to the property’s gorgeous main kitchen and catering kitchen.
"Heights Regency is a true jewel box," says Johnston of the project, . "Every element has been carefully considered to create a luxurious and inviting living experience. We are thrilled to share this project with the world."
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