#inspiration

Houston-based non-profit Society of Royals partners with celebrities, influencers to help inspire yo

Erica Ponder

Jan 22, 2022

Houston-based non-profit Society of Royals partners with celebrities, influencers to help inspire yo

HOUSTON (Press Release) — Houston-based non-profit Society of Royals has partnered with local Houston schools to provide encouraging letters to grade school kids around the city to keep them uplifted in these difficult times, where the youth are experiencing isolation, fear of the unknown, mental challenges, and more. For 2022, Society of Royals has committed their efforts to prevent youth suicide as statistics have shown every 25 seconds a person commits suicide. With this e

Houston-based luxury hair company treats 5 deserving women to a complimentary makeover

Erica Ponder

Nov 4, 2021

Houston-based luxury hair company treats 5 deserving women to a complimentary makeover

HOUSTON (Press Release) — So Unique Hair partnered with several local hairstylists, makeup artists, photographers, and a videographer to provide the ultimate glam experience for five women with “unique” stories. During their time on set the ladies, who had never met before, they bonded over their stories of triumph as they became models for the day. Each model received complimentary hair extensions by So Unique Hair, and a makeover by an exclusive glam squad. The ladies share

Dray Tate of legendary Williams Brothers Group releases new video dedicated to new wife for her bir

Erica Ponder

Jul 5, 2021

Dray Tate of legendary Williams Brothers Group releases new video dedicated to new wife for her bir

HOUSTON (Press Release)— Dray Tate of the legendary Williams Brothers Group has had an amazing year. The talented musical artist married the love of his life, radio personality Rebekah “Bishop Bekah” Tate, in late April during an intimate ceremony with family and close friends. The two met after Tate listened to Bishop Bekah on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, where Bishop Bekah was a co-host. Within a year, they were engaged and planning their dream wedding. Dray had given up

Singer Ari Lennox featured on new song ‘Bed of Lies’ by her cousin JaeRene, young artist killed in t

Erica Ponder

Jun 4, 2021

Singer Ari Lennox featured on new song ‘Bed of Lies’ by her cousin JaeRene, young artist killed in t

HOUSTON (Press Release) — In April 2021, the world lost a talented soul by the name of Jaelyn “JaeRene” Chapman. The 19-year-old singer was tragically killed by a drunk driver. JaeRene was a community leader, songwriter, performer, and the younger cousin of award-winning singer, Ari Lennox. Prior to her untimely passing, JaeRene had recorded a song by the name of “Bed of Lies.” The song was inspired by a chain of real-life situations consisting of dishonesty within relationsh

Legendary Hip-Hop pioneer Rakim discusses the evolution of rap music, passing of rapper DMX at Houst

Erica Ponder

Apr 15, 2021

Legendary Hip-Hop pioneer Rakim discusses the evolution of rap music, passing of rapper DMX at Houst

Rakim performing at Bar 5015 HOUSTON — Hip-Hop pioneer Rakim is one the most legendary, yet most humble artists to ever grace the world’s most impactful genre of music. Known for being one of the first in the rap industry to present complicated, intricate rhymes, Rakim, whose government name is William Michael Griffin, Jr., is one of the most influential rappers in history. The ‘Paid in Full’ and ‘I Ain’t No Joke’ rapper performed at Houston’s Bar 5015 and proved that he can

Houston-based bar is hosting a kid’s expo for young people to display their products and services in

Erica Ponder

Jan 14, 2021

Houston-based bar is hosting a kid’s expo for young people to display their products and services in

HOUSTON (Press Release)— Longtime Houston business owner, Steve Rogers of Bar 5015 is holding the 2nd Annual Kidpreneur Expo to celebrate local kids that own their own business during MLK weekend, on Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bar 5015 debuted their first Kid’s Expo alongside event partner Chris Butler in October 2020. The first event consisted of 15 Houston-based kids under the age of 18 displaying their products and services in addition to chatting with notable business o

Fashion, Family, Faith: How Houston boutique owner Martha E. Berry turned a negative into a positive

Erica Ponder

Oct 28, 2020

Fashion, Family, Faith: How Houston boutique owner Martha E. Berry turned a negative into a positive

HUMBLE — The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on most business owners across the country. From closures to changes in hours, business owners have been forced to figure out what the next move is. Martha E. Berry, the owner of IMarE Boutique, activated her faith and fashion sense to make sure her dream would not die during what has been an uncertain time for many. She is Martha E. Berry of IMarE Boutique and IMarE Glam House. Photo Credit: HTX Visualz Berry has successfully own

Ties that Bind: Childhood best friends reconnect after several years and create online fashion bouti

Erica Ponder

Oct 25, 2020

Ties that Bind: Childhood best friends reconnect after several years and create online fashion bouti

DALLAS — Who would have thought that two best friends would lose contact, reconnect several years later and run a thriving business together because of a common interest? Briana Jackson and Chelby Hargrove prove that their fates were sealed in friendship and fashion with their unique, heartwarming story. Corpus Christi natives Briana and Chelby started their friendship in Pre-K in a neighborhood by the name of Greenwood, on Sycamore Place. They were forced to part ways when B

From a Seed: Grammy-nominated artist A-Lex takes Houston media by storm with new music

Erica Ponder

Sep 25, 2020

From a Seed: Grammy-nominated artist A-Lex takes Houston media by storm with new music

HOUSTON — Last Thursday was filled with incredible music, great vibes, and liberating sounds for a celebration of artistry that is sure to withstand the tests of time. Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter and producer A-Lex took some of Houston’s notable media personalities by storm as he shared a new catalog of music filled with rich instruments, southern-inspired bass and inspiring lyrics that blew guests away at his listening party for album From a Seed. In return, guests g

‘The past is never dead’: Houston celebrates co-star London Boyce for landing first movie role in Li

Erica Ponder

Sep 21, 2020

‘The past is never dead’: Houston celebrates co-star London Boyce for landing first movie role in Li

HOUSTON — Houston rolled out the pink carpet for child star London Boyce Saturday after she debuted in her first movie role for Lionsgate thriller Antebellum. The Buffalo Soldiers Museum was covered in pink, purple, and sparkles as guests gathered to celebrate London’s first of many major roles. London, who is nothing short of sweet, beautiful, and ambitious, plays Kennedy, the daughter of Veronica Henley (played by Janelle Monae), who finds herself trapped in a reality that

Beauty, brains, boss: Infinity Med Spa CEO Jessica Hatch talks journey of building her empire and fo

Erica Ponder

Jul 14, 2020

Beauty, brains, boss: Infinity Med Spa CEO Jessica Hatch talks journey of building her empire and fo

HOUSTON — Beauty, brains, and BOSS— these three things pretty much sum up entrepreneur and business owner Jessica Hatch, the founder and CEO of Infinity Diagnostics and Infinity Med Spa. Hatch has allowed her love for health and beauty to collide in a successful effort to serve Houstonians with something they can be proud of while bringing awareness to the conditions that affect children every day with her foundation, Hatching for Health. A graduate of Sam Houston State Unive

Overcoming grief and the loss of a loved one with Grief Coach Nickcole Byrd of 700 AD

Erica Ponder

Apr 29, 2020

Overcoming grief and the loss of a loved one with Grief Coach Nickcole Byrd of 700 AD

HOUSTON — The process of experiencing grief is something society rarely talks about, however, one Houston-area grief coach is bringing awareness to the the subject many of us often avoid. Nickcole Byrd of 700 AD says her mission to help those who are experiencing grief stems from her own painful experience of losing the love of her life of 24 years in 2019. Byrd said the name of her organization, which was started seven months after his death, comes from a statistic that says

The Electric Personality: Antre’chelle Dorsey talks perseverance, motherhood, purpose-driven r

Erica Ponder

Apr 14, 2020

The Electric Personality: Antre’chelle Dorsey talks perseverance, motherhood, purpose-driven r

If you know The Electric Personality, chances are you have no idea who Antre’chelle Dorsey is. The mother, college graduate, self-made reporter, and Houston host said the embodiment of being “electric” began on September 9, 1980 (the day she was born). When asked what gave her the motivation to leave a 13-year banking management career to pursue an education and career in media, her answer is quite simple— “It’s my calling.” Elaborating, Antre’chelle said she decided to take

Season of Overflow: A.J. ‘Akua Okyerebea’ Johnson discusses role in ‘Stuck with You,’ staying releva

Erica Ponder

Mar 8, 2020

Season of Overflow: A.J. ‘Akua Okyerebea’ Johnson discusses role in ‘Stuck with You,’ staying releva

Dynamic actress, anointed life coach, fantastic fitness guru and phenomenal woman: These are just a few things that describe A.J. Johnson, who was recently given the name Akua Okyerebea while in Ghana. Born Adrienne-Joi Johnson in Orange, New Jersey, A.J. is one of very few actresses that have managed to stay relevant in Hollywood over the years. She plays Stephanie, a publicist and best friend to seemingly perfect couple Candace and Luvell in new series Stuck with You. Johns

When pain births purpose: Amanda White opens Torchbearer Reentry Center, shares journey of overcomin

Erica Ponder

Feb 19, 2020

When pain births purpose: Amanda White opens Torchbearer Reentry Center, shares journey of overcomin

HOUSTON — Some people succumb to the fire, while others are able to walk through it. Amanda White, the founder of Torchbearer Reentry, has proven herself to be fireproof. Not only has White been able to defeat abuse, drug addiction, and incarceration, she has also been able to use those experiences as a way to help others overcome their own personal battles. A Houston native, White is considered to be a “warrior for change” that has counseled and ministered to people for over

When Bosses Brunch: Slim Thug and the Boss Life Foundation host Black Excellence Brunch ahead of ‘Th

Erica Ponder

Feb 25, 2019

When Bosses Brunch: Slim Thug and the Boss Life Foundation host Black Excellence Brunch ahead of ‘Th

HOUSTON — When community leaders, business owners, media moguls, hip hop legends and executives get together, magic is sure to happen. The bosses of H-Town gathered in downtown Houston at the Sunset Coffee Building ahead of Slim Thug Day, thanks to the rapper and the Boss Life Foundation, as a way to celebrate one another with the goal of “building bridges towards black excellence.” An invite-only event, special guests included rapper and half of UGK Bernard Freeman (Bun B),

Netflix releases trailer for new Roxanne Shanté biopic

Erica Ponder

Feb 26, 2018

Netflix releases trailer for new Roxanne Shanté biopic

By: Erica M. Ponder Netflix is giving real hip-hop heads the ultimate treat next month! The popular streaming service is premiering Roxanne, Roxanne, a new biopic based on the life of Queens rap pioneer Lolita Shanté Gooden, also known as Roxanne Shanté. Scheduled to air March 23, Roxanne, Roxanne is based on the lyricist’s life as a 14-year-old girl growing up in the streets of Queens while trying to battle with an abusive lover, the taste of fame, and outside negative influ

Wakanda Forever: Black Panther breaks box office records, makes huge impact beyond the theaters!

Erica Ponder

Feb 21, 2018

Wakanda Forever: Black Panther breaks box office records, makes huge impact beyond the theaters!

By: Erica M. Ponder We knew the debut of Marvel’s Black Panther would be huge, but man… our expectations have officially been exceeded with new numbers showing the true impact the movie possessed across the globe. According to the Huffington Post, the nation’s trip to Wakanda brought in an impressive $242 million domestically during the Presidents Day weekend, exceeding its original prediction of $165 million. But wait, it doesn’t end there– the film also made $426 million wo

Come Celebrate African American Heritage Month at the Houston Public Library!

Erica Ponder

Jan 30, 2018

Come Celebrate African American Heritage Month at the Houston Public Library!

Press Release HOUSTON — Celebrate African American history as it comes alive at the Houston Public Library (HPL) through the voices and vision of writers, artists and leaders. Through the power and inspiration of poetry, documentary films, live performances and critical conversations, HPL honors and celebrates the heritage, culture and contributions of notable individuals. The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will also be remembered on the 50th anniversary year of his passin