The Dunlavy’s chandelier-bedecked space and bayou views provide a recipe for instant urban-glam. But Jacqueline Soussan and Aaron Almquist enlisted Pomp & Circumstance to infuse the venue with a hint of rustic romance for their September 2017 nuptials. Bronze and gold accents shimmered in the glass-encased room and on the wood-clad deck, offset by bright white arrangements courtesy of Flora & Eventi. Other warm touches included gold-calligraphied table numbers, a kids zone, complete with crayons and a coloring sheet, and comfort-food bites like donut holes. With their adorable, tux-clad infant son by their side for much of the night, which took place just three weeks after Hurricane Harvey, the Almquists toasted to new beginnings.
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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WITH HOLIDAY PARTIES and festive dinners galore this time of year, it’s officially Champagne season! Artisans is celebrating with a special bubbly dinner paired with sips from famous Champagne house Moet Chandon Winery on Thursday, November 14.
Chef Erik Cruz has worked with the winery to produce a decadent tasting menu to be paired with flutes of Moet & Chandon and Veuve. To start: there’s caviar — because what’s a champagne dinner without caviar? — and ceviche. The three main courses feature smoked tiger prawn, slow braised sweetbread and roasted lamb. All topped off with delectable chocolate mousse.
Chef Cruz has worked at storied Houston eateries Brennans of Houston and Hugo’s Café. Under Artisans owner and executive chef Jacques Fox, Cruz honed his French techniques while incorporating his Mexican roots.
Artisans relocated from Midtown to Westheimer in 2023. They are located at 5745 Westheimer Houston, TX 77057. Tickets are $199 and available here.
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HOLIDAY CHEER IS coming to Bandista, the Four Seasons hotel’s swanky speakeasy, in the form of a fun collab with Nashville bar Four Walls.
The 20-seat Bandista will be decked out in holiday décor on Dec. 4 and 5 as unique concoctions are mixed by the bartenders from Four Walls — which was recently named to the prestigious Esquire's Best Bars in America list — benefitting Camp H-Town.
Don’t let the ingredient list scare you — you’ll find chickpeas, red bell pepper and chives on the menu. These are serious boozy cocktails. The cleverly named Misplaced Memories features gin, Crème de Cacao, pistachio, lime and egg white. On the spicy side is the gin-based Queen’s Gambit with red bell pepper, rosemary, ginger, coconut, jalapeño and garlic. And where do those chickpeas come in? The Hollywood Babylon, mixed with tequila, horchata, saffron, honey, lime, grapefruit, pineapple and chickpeas.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bandista for our first Houston pop-up,” says Mickey Stevenson, Lead Bartender at Four Walls. “It is an honor to partner with a team that shares our commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, and we can’t wait to share highlights from our new menu with their guests.”
Four Walls is located inside The Joseph hotel in Nashville and is inspired by the music city and owner’s Italian-American heritage — think a chic western vibe.
The event’s beneficiary, Camp H-Town, offers an urban camp experience at the Four Seasons for children and siblings touched by cancer.
Reservations at Bandista are available from 5pm-midnight and cocktails are priced at $30 each.
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