“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”
Welcome to our “Explore Issue.” If you are reading this, it is probably time to do The Texas Two-Step: One step outside, two steps right back inside into the AC. Our staff has been hard at work exploring “cool” places for you to visit and fun things to do.
Maybe take a short drive to Goat Island, a land ruled by goats—some of which are adorable. It is under the loving care of “The Goat Lady.”
Or, jump in Lake Conroe to cool off, and then jump in a boat and try to catch a free fish dinner like the old days. Well, we wrangled up a local fishing guru, Loren Goodrich. Who knew the biggest deck builder in the area also knows how to fill up a boat with fish? We will divulge some of his best-kept secrets for pulling a monster catch out of Lake Conroe.
Shannon Matlock—our favorite photographer from Arrowhead Photo—invites you to explore your brand at Creator Day. A brand is really a promise to do something to help your client. Knowing your brand and delivering on your promise is key to the success of your business.
Finally, we got out of town to explore the Texas Hill Country. You have probably heard stories from friends about this land of wineries, elephants, peaches, boutique galleries, and gourmet food.
Fredericksburg, Texas, was founded in 1846 and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia. Many of us think of beer and brats coming from Germany, but here, they opted for wine instead. Can Texas compete with Napa, CA in winemaking? Though making wine in Texas can be an adventure, after a few tries, they figured it out. By skipping the cool California Napa grapes in favor of heat-resistant Mediterranean varieties, Texas now makes some of the best, award-winning wines in the world.
Want to sound like a sommelier? The superstar grape of Texas is the Tempranillo, a red grape that yields full-bodied red wines like the Spanish Riojas.
Did you know that Texas saved the global wine industry? Two-thirds of Europe’s vineyards were wiped out by the phylloxera blight in the 1860s. However, Thomas Volney Munson of Denison, Texas, discovered that some Texas rootstocks were resistant to the blight. Millions of Texas rootstocks were shipped to France and surrounding areas to save the day. Today, most European wine is grown on Texas rootstock.
Viva Los Texans!
KEVIN BRATTON, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Texas Goodness | stories@texasgoodness.com
Connie Monroe | connie.monroe@luxurycougar.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shannon Matlock, Arrowhead Photo
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
On
Fredericksburg Uncorked
Exploring Fredericksburg through wildlife, wine, design and local makers
THE ART OF SHOWING UP
Loren Goodrich shares Lake Conroe crappie wisdom, family lessons, and the steady value of preparation.
A Brand-Building Adventure
For Small Business Owners
Shannon Matlock guides a studio day workshop for brand explorers.
THEIR ADVANCED TREATMENTS BEAT MY CANCER
From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, your dedicated Houston Methodist cancer center team uses leading research, cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to create a personalized care plan for you. At eight cancer center locations throughout the Greater Houston area, you’ll find the cancer expertise to help you feel whole again.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.
houstonmethodist.org/cancer 713.790.2700
JULY 2026
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Annie Jr. supporter Kimberly Nadasky of Brand Advantage with star Addison Ward (Annie) 2: Penguin Project encourages young artists with disabilities to perform full musicals with peer mentors. 3: This amazing cast delivered so many truly heartfelt performances that deeply moved the audience. 4: Emmery Goff (left) and Maddie Kronenberger were great supporting actors for Addison Ward (Annie.) 5: Ribbon Cutting at Casa Umami! 118 Simonton St. Conroe, Tx 77301 6: Key Smiles Dental Ribbon Cutting 601 River Pointe Dr Suite 110 Conroe, Tx 77304 7: Jim Hallers of Tailgators Pub & Grill on Lake Conroe hosts “Fun after 5” event.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Chris Staples Joins Purple Gorilla Media as Creative Director
Purple Gorilla Media has brought on Chris Staples as Creative Director of Strategy and Production, expanding its creative strategy by adding corporate partnerships, nonprofit storytelling, and broader production support. The expansion builds on PGM’s mission to serve small local businesses with lowcost, Hollywood-level media solutions, including branded content, interviews, website media, AI-supported workflows, and mobile video production that help local businesses tell their story clearly and build trust. Learn more at purplegorillamedia.com.
1623 Events & Productions: Where Conroe Meets, Performs, and Connects
1623 Events & Productions brings a polished, production-ready experience to Conroe. More than a private event space, 1623 pairs professional hospitality with live entertainment, artist support, business meeting capability, and high-end audio-visual features. With multiple large screens, a professional sound system, performance stage, and private meeting room, the venue is built for gatherings that need to look and sound sharp, from watch parties and showcases to presentations and intimate events.
The Legendary Southern Disposition band plays for free at Red Brick Tavern | Thursday Jul 2, 2026 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM CDT | Every 1st and 4th Thursday | Location: 119 Simonton Street Conroe, TX 77301
THE GOAT LADY
On Goat Island, Trinity, Texas, Jennifer Staples shepherds goats and a beloved East Texas tradition.
ARTICLE BY TEXAS GOODNESS
In Trinity, Texas, around White Rock Creek, Jennifer Staples is known simply as “The Goat Lady.” On Goat Island, that title means hay in the winter, hoof care, tours, baby goat introductions, rocky shore rescues and the ongoing work of protecting a local legend.
Jennifer Staples shares a quiet sunset moment with Rocky, Goat Island billy, along the shoreline in Trinity.
“Some Texas stories are big and famous. Others are small, stubborn, sweet, and standing on four hooves.”
The goats are the first thing visitors notice, of course. They appear along the shoreline like a storybook surprise, grazing near the water as trollers drift past and families point from pontoon boats. But the better story is the one behind the goats: the neighbors, volunteers, and caretakers who have worked together and worked hard to keep Goat Island from becoming just another local memory.
Along with continuous "goatherding." Jennifer runs the Goat Island News website, which not only shares updates and organizes support and care for the Harbor Point Goats, but also keeps the island’s story in front of the community. Through that work, she has become part caretaker, part guide, and part local historian. She also offers tours of Goat Island, introducing visitors to the goats and, when timing
allows, the baby goats that tend to win over even the most reserved guests.
For people staying in her lakeside, short-term rentals, those tours can become part of the experience. A visit to Trinity becomes more than a lake weekend. It becomes a chance to step into one of East Texas’ most unusual community stories.
Goat Island’s roots stretch back decades. Local tradition credits Regie Fry and Sonny Johnson with helping begin the island’s goat story in the early 1970s, when goats were placed there as "lawn mowers" and soon became part of the Lake Livingston landscape. Over time, the herd became both practical and beloved, helping keep brush and grass under control while giving boaters something unforgettable to look for across the water.
Vader, the large black goat and Rocky’s successor, stands with the Goat Island herd along the Trinity shoreline.
The story has not always been gentle. In 2017, loose dogs caused the loss of every goat on Goat Island, a loss that shook people who had grown up watching the herd. The island’s charm suddenly revealed its vulnerability. If the goats were going to return, they would need more than affection. They would need planning, better protection, and steady human commitment.
A local group later formed to repopulate the island, and the effort brought new lessons. Not every goat is suited to island life. Weather, parasites, shelter, kidding safety, and general health all matter. Goat Island News describes how earlier replacement goats were eventually moved off the island when it became clear that their breed needed a different environment and more direct supervision.
That hard lesson helped shape the current approach. Volunteers researched hardier breeds and brought in goats better suited to the conditions, including Spanish and Kiko goats. Today, Goat Island News says there are six permanent goats on the island, with others rotated for health checks, worming, farrier care, and safer kidding practices.
That is the part visitors may not see from a boat. The island does not care for itself. The goats need occasional feed, veterinary support, hoof attention, monitoring, and thoughtful management. The island itself needs trash pickup, debris removal, stump marking, and general upkeep. Fundraising helps pay for hay and feed, vet bills, island maintenance, and the general well-being of the animals.
Jennifer’s role sits at the meeting point of all that work. She helps turn a curious sight into a relationship. Visitors come because they have heard about goats on an island. They leave knowing names, stories, and loving care. They learn that baby goats are not props. They are living animals that require space, timing, safety, and care. They learn that a charming island tradition survives only because a caring community keeps showing up.
That is why “Goat Lady” feels less like a nickname and more like a local office. It is informal, affectionate, and earned.
For Texas Goodness readers, Goat Island offers a simple reminder: the things that make a place memorable often depend on ordinary people doing unglamorous work. A herd becomes a landmark. A landmark becomes a responsibility. A responsibility becomes a story worth passing along.
Rocky, Goat Island’s photogenic billy goat, stands along the rocky shoreline in Trinity.
Two Goat Island kids rest together in the grass during a quiet moment near the Trinity shoreline.
“Jennifer’s lakefront rental destination stays turn a quiet getaway into a Goat Island experience, complete with a guided visit and, for lucky guests, unforgettable photo opportunities with baby goats.”
The next time you are near Trinity or Lake Livingston, Goat Island is worth knowing about, even if you only admire it from the water. Follow Goat Island News for updates. Support the care effort when you can. Keep dogs controlled. Take trash home. Respect the goats from a safe distance. And if you meet Jennifer Staples, you may hear what many around town already know. The Goat Lady is not just introducing people to goats. She is helping protect a small piece of Texas Goodness.
Plan an unforgettable stay on the lake with Jennifer, complete with a personal visit to Goat Island and the goats that make it one of East Texas’ sweetest stories. Reach her at thegoatlady@goatislandnews.com.
Texas Goodness shares local stories from across Texas, celebrating the people, places, traditions, and small acts of care that give communities their character. To share a story idea or invite Texas Goodness to visit, email stories@texasgoodness.com.
Top: A Goat Island kid stands among fallen branches and spring grass near the Trinity shoreline. Bottom: Baby Achilles, one of Goat Island’s youngest kids, gets a close-up moment in Trinity.
Where Light, Water & Story Come Together
We proudly open Lakefront Studio to photographers in our community. Lakeside Studios is available for rent providing a peaceful, professional space designed to support creativity and collaboration. With a fully functional indoor studio and private lakefront, Lakeside Studios is the perfect location for your next creative project.
EXP LORING FREDERICKSBURG THROUGH WIL DLIFE, WINE, DESIGN AND LOCAL MAKERS
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
FREDERICKSBURG
UNCORKED
Fredericksburg is best experienced slowly, blending small-town charm with wineries, boutiques, historic spaces, making memorable experiences worth lingering over. In this curated guide we highlight standout spots reflecting the heart of Fredericksburg with each stop offering its own expression of Hill Country hospitality.
Whether it’s a weekend escape or rediscovering a familiar favorite, you’re invited to explore Fredericksburg through the places that make it unforgettable.
Adega Vinho Winery
STAY A WHILE
Gästehaus Schmidt | Gästehaus Schmidt offers a welcoming collection of vacation rentals for the perfect getaway in the heart of Texas Wine Country, with charming cottages, romantic cabins, and spacious homes across Fredericksburg and the Hill Country. Stay steps from Main Street’s shops, restaurants, and wineries or unwind in quiet countryside settings with scenic views. Perfect for getaways, celebrations, or relaxed weekends, each stay feels personal, comfortable, and effortless. Since 1985, the team has also supported homeowners with trusted vacation rental management. fbglodging.com
SHOP THE REGION
Tucked just off Main Street, Warehouse Row brings a modern edge to Fredericksburg’s Hill Country charm. This stylish shopping district blends curated boutiques, artisan goods, home décor, fashion, and local craftsmanship into one walkable destination.
Blackchalk Home + Laundry | Blackchalk Home + Laundry is a one-of-a-kind home décor and design shop set inside a beautifully restored historic laundry building. Inside, discover an eclectic mix of furniture, lighting, rugs, art, and curated gifts that feel both collected and personal. The unique space blends old-world character with modern style, creating a browsing experience full of inspiration. Known for its custom design services and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a mustvisit. blackchalkhome.com
Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités
| Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités is a beloved Fredericksburg destination where antiques, art, and interiors come together in a space that feels more like a curated home than a shop. Set inside a sprawling historic warehouse, the collection spans European antiques, vintage finds, statement furniture, and unexpected curiosities. Every corner invites discovery, with pieces that feel storied and one-of-a-kind. An inspiring stop full of design, history, and beautifully layered Hill Country style. carolhicksbolton.com
Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities
Black Chalk Home and Laundry
Publishers ride in Brooks Bubble Bus (limo)
GETTING AROUND
Brooke's Bubble Bar & Bus | Brooke’s Bubble Bar & Bus is Fredericksburg’s ultimate pink champagne playground, serving bubbly cocktails, lively music, and unforgettable private party experiences. Beyond the bar, the signature pink bus and limo transform a day in Fredericksburg into a rolling celebration through Texas Hill Country. Guests can explore local vineyards, scenic views, lively tasting rooms, and nightlife stops in a fun, social atmosphere. Each tour is thoughtfully curated, from relaxed sunset rides to high-energy group outings. Perfect for girls’ trips, celebrations, and weekend escapes, it’s a playful, memorable way to experience wine country with a festive twist. brookesbubblebus.com
SOMETHING SWEET
Hill Country Chocolate | Hill Country Chocolate is part chocolate shop, part tasting room, and all indulgence. Known for its handcrafted confections and playful approach to pairing, it’s an exciting exploration into bonbons, truffles, and small-batch treats alongside curated wine experiences. Peek behind the scenes at the chocolate-making process, join guided tastings, or take part in classes and tours. It’s a sweet stop that blends craftsmanship, creativity, and a little Texas Hill Country charm. hillcountrychocolate.com
WINE WISDOM
Andre Boada is an advanced sommelier and founder of Vino Cadre, specializing in curated, education-driven wine experiences. With a background in Napa Valley wine culture and global consulting, he designs personalized tastings, winery tours, and luxury wine education, connecting guests directly with producers while elevating how people explore and understand wine.
Vino Cadre | Vino Cadre is your gateway to exploring Texas Hill Country wine country with ease and insider access. Based in Fredericksburg, it curates thoughtful wine experiences that connect guests with standout vineyards, chefs, and hospitality partners. From guided tastings to private itineraries, each experience is designed to feel personal, relaxed, and memorable. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a deeper dive into wine country, VinoCadre helps you discover the region in a way that feels effortless and welcoming. vinocadre.com
Brooks Bubble Bar
Hill Country Chocolate pairings
BEST VINEYARDS & TASTING ROOMS
Covington Cellars | Covington Cellars brings a relaxed, welcoming take on Texas Hill Country wine country, just off the 290 Wine Trail near Fredericksburg. Set on a scenic estate in Hye, the tasting room pairs thoughtfully crafted Texas and Washington wines with seasonal small bites best enjoyed out on a wide, unhurried patio. With vineyard views, warm hospitality, and a story rooted in two wine regions, it’s the kind of place to settle in and stay awhile. covingtoncellars.com
Adega Vinho Winery | Adega Vinho offers a warm, inviting wine experience set against the Texas Hill Country landscape just outside Fredericksburg. Family-owned and deeply connected to the land, the vineyard produces estate wines crafted with care, reflecting both Portuguese inspiration and regional character. A relaxed tasting room and scenic estate where vineyard views, thoughtful pours, and genuine hospitality come together. With a focus on sustainability, storytelling, and memorable moments, it’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy Hill Country wine culture. adegavinho.com
Slate Theory | Slate Theory Winery delivers a modern, immersive take on wine tasting in Fredericksburg, where art, science, and storytelling intersect. Guests are guided through striking, thoughtfully designed spaces that set the stage for curated tastings of Texas wines. Sleek yet inviting, the atmosphere encourages curiosity, conversation, and discovery. With a focus on sensory experience and connection, Slate Theory stands out as an inventive, memorable destination along the Hill Country wine trail. slatetheory.com
Michael Ros | Michael Ros Winery is a warm, welcoming Fredericksburg tasting room where Texas wine is crafted with care from vine to glass. Family-owned and rooted in both the Hill Country and Texas High Plains, it focuses on estate-grown grapes and small-lot production capturing the character of the land. Slow down in a relaxed setting just outside town, sip thoughtfully made wines, and hear the story behind each bottle. It’s an easygoing stop grounded in authentic Texas wine country hospitality. michaelroswinery.com
Turtle Creek Vineyard | Turtle Creek Vineyard brings a laid-back, Tuscan-inspired feel to the Texas Hill Country, where wine, landscape, and hospitality come together naturally. This family-owned estate focuses on small-batch wines that reflect the character of the region, best enjoyed in a laidback, guided tasting. Linger creekside, take in the views, and get a closer look at the winemaking process and the vineyard’s sustainable approach. A place to feel right at home on the Fredericksburg wine trail. turtlecreekvineyard.com
Michael Ros
Slate Theory tasting cave
“WHETHER IT’S A WEEKEND ESCAPE OR REDISCOVERING A FAMILIAR FAVORITE, YOU’RE INVITED TO EXPLORE FREDERICKSBURG THROUGH THE PLACES THAT MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE.”
INTO THE WILD
The Preserve | The Preserve in Fredericksburg offers a rare, up-close wildlife experience to connect with elephants and other exotic animals through guided encounters and interactive programs. Feed, groom, and learn about animal care while exploring immersive habitats that highlight conservation and stewardship. Intentionally designed to feel personal, engaging, and memorable for families, couples, and curious travelers alike. From graceful giraffes and bounding kangaroos to majestic elephants, The Preserve offers a memorable, up-close wildlife encounter. visitthepreserve.com
WHERE TO DINE
Calivence Wine Tasting Bar + Bistro | Calivence Wine
Tasting Bar + Bistro invites guests into a beautifully restored historic space in downtown Fredericksburg where old world charm meets modern Hill Country hospitality. Inside, enjoy thoughtfully crafted wines paired with seasonal, farm-to-table dishes designed for relaxed tasting and lingering conversation. Whether stopping in for a casual flight, a shared meal, or a special evening out, Calivence blends French-inspired elegance with Texas warmth, creating an easy, welcoming place to sip, savor, and stay awhile. calivencefbg.com
Texas Sunrise | Texas Sunrise (formerly Squeeze In) is a beloved Fredericksburg breakfast institution, known for its lively diner energy and famously over-the-top omelettes. Located downtown at 105 S Adams St, it draws early risers with fluffy pancakes, hearty plates, and more than 50 omelette variations to choose from. Inside, the walls—and ceiling—tell their own story, covered in signed dollar bills left by happy guests. For out-of-towners, this is the place not to miss for breakfast. Fun, fast-moving, and full of character, it’s a must-visit morning stop that captures the town’s welcoming spirit. texassunrisefbg.com
Six Twists Sparkling | Six Twists Sparkling brings a lively, modern twist to Fredericksburg wine country as the first dedicated sparkling wine lounge in Texas. Located on Main Street, it offers a curated selection of bubbles from around the world, along with tasting flights, light bites, and relaxed educational experiences. Settle into a stylish, welcoming space for celebrations or casual afternoons with friends. The name, Six Twists Sparkling, creatively draws from the muselet—the wire cage securing a bottle of sparkling wine—which is traditionally released with six deliberate twists before opening. sixtwistssparkling.com
The Preserve elephants are happy to see you.
Press for Champagne at 6 Twists
THE ART OF SHOWING UP
Loren Goodrich shares Lake Conroe crappie wisdom, family lessons, and the steady value of preparation.
On Lake Conroe, summer crappie fishing rewards the angler willing to hunt. North of 1097, where standing timber and stump fields demand respect, Loren Goodrich eases forward with the trolling motor down. Fanning his sonar, he scans the underwater structure looking for a "big blob." Then, "Just pitch it to 'em, let it pendulum back, and you'll whack 'em."
Goodrich, of Houston Deck and Shade, says the fish bunch up around timber, brush piles, and structure. For boaters, that creates opportunity, but it also calls for caution.
“You gotta be careful, don't just take off running on plane, because you will drive a hole through your boat.” Goodrich says.
His advice: stay in the boat lanes, avoid running on plane through timber, and ease into fishing water with the trolling motor down.
Goodrich’s favorite summer pattern involves looking in about 20 feet of water and pitching small baits toward standing timber. With live sonar, he can see schools gathered near the trees, then cast from a careful distance. Get too close, he says, and the school may drift away.
His tackle setup is straightforward: an eighth-ounce jig head paired with
ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES
black-and-chartreuse or blue ice-style jigs. Around brush piles, he favors a long, stiff rod, strong braided line, and a solid hook set. The goal is to get the crappie out of the structure before it tangles itself deep in the brush.
For beginners, Goodrich says crappie fishing can be as technical or simple as you make it. A few hooks, minnows, weights, and a willingness to learn where fish gather can get someone started.
Location is everything.
“You can have the best baits and the best boat and the best equipment,” he says, “but if you can’t find the fish, you’re not going to catch them.”
Goodrich does not watch the weather. Unless conditions are clearly dangerous, his philosophy is simple: go when you have the chance. Overcast, humid days can be excellent, but so can bright, hot summer days, when crappie gather tightly in the shade.
surfaces among
A crappie
standing timber, the kind of structure that can hold fish during warmer Lake Conroe days.
That same mindset shapes the way he talks about family life. Goodrich has taken all three of his children out on the boat since they were babies, and he encourages other parents not to make fishing something reserved only for adults.
“If your kids can walk, if they’re even in diapers, your kids are never too young to go fishing,” he says.
For the Goodrich family, the boat is both recreation and education. On the water, children learn patience, attention, responsibility, and where food comes from. They notice the lake, the weather, the fish, and the quiet beauty of God’s creation around them. They learn gratitude and recognize that time outdoors is one of the simple gifts best shared with family.
For Goodrich, those lessons do not stay on the lake. Showing up prepared, paying attention, and caring for the people beside you also shape the way he talks about Houston Deck and Shade.
“We don’t just show up physically,” he says. “We show up with a plan, we show up prepared, and we show up with a smile.”
In an industry where homeowners worry about misinformed, uneducated, or unscrupulous contractors, Goodrich views his role as a trusted guide. Whether easing through timber on Lake Conroe or helping a customer plan an outdoor living project, the principles remain familiar: preparation, trust, and the right expertise make the experience easier.
To learn more about Houston Deck and Shade, call 832-4805161 or visit HoustonDeckAndShade.com
To fish Lake Conroe this summer, start carefully, bring the kids, and respect the water.
A white crappie is lifted from the water during a quiet day of fishing, reflecting the Lake Conroe summer pattern Loren Goodrich describes.
A fresh crappie is pulled aboard, offering a close look at the summer fishing Goodrich describes on Lake Conroe.
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction
A BRAND-BUILDING ADVENTURE FOR Small Business Owners
A themed studio portrait shows the range of styled sessions available through
SHANNON MATLOCK GUIDES A STUDIO DAY WORKSHOP FOR BRAND EXPLORERS.
ARTICLE BY CONNIE MONROE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON MATLOCK, ARROWHEAD PHOTO
Shannon Matlock’s Lake Conroe studio.
For small business owners, creating content can feel unnatural and easy to overlook. Photos, video, social posts, and website images often get pushed aside between serving customers and running the business.
At Creator Day on Lakeside Studios, Shannon Matlock of Arrowhead Photography gives those business owners a brand boost with a guided creative experience. The day is designed for entrepreneurs, creators, coaches, service providers, product sellers, and anyone who relies on visuals to build trust online.
The process begins before participants walk through the door. An online consultation helps them organize their goals, clarify their message, and plan how to use their studio time.
“It’s an adventure in branding,” Shannon says. “They come in with an idea of what they think they need, and they leave with a whole library of content they didn’t even know they could create.”
Once participants arrive, Shannon gives them an overview of the studio, waterfront setting, and best ways to use the space. The goal is to create professional assets tied to real marketing needs. For a business preparing for fall, holiday campaigns, or a fourth-quarter push, Creator Day offers structure beyond grabbing quick photos whenever there is time. It gives owners a focused day to step into the public-facing side of their brand.
The lakeside setting gives the experience variety and local identity. Inside, the studio offers solid colors that coordinate with brand palettes, along with lifestyle areas that help customers picture what it might feel like to work with a business. Outside, the waterfront adds a natural lifestyle element for businesses serving the lakeside area.
A Creator Day portrait shows how business owners can pair personality, props, and professional studio lighting to create brand-ready content.
Shannon Matlock of Arrowhead Photography helps business owners plan and create brand-ready content at her Lakeside studio.
For owners who feel awkward on camera, planning helps. Shannon focuses first on why they are there and what message they want to send. That matters because one common content mistake is trying to do too much without clear direction.
“They end up with 50 photos that all look the same or content that doesn’t align with their brand goals,” Shannon says.
Her suggested order is simple: sort out the brand first, then use Creator Day to bring it to life. That may mean preparing outfit options, business-related props, three key messages, and a short list of must-have shots. Headshots, product images, team footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and short video clips can all serve different purposes.
Video is especially useful for business owners who want potential customers to understand not just what they offer, but who they are.
promotions. Shannon encourages participants to reuse the content in as many ways as possible. Creator Day returns to Lakeside Studios September 26, making July a useful time to think ahead. Business owners considering it can begin by asking what they want to promote in the final months of the year, what customers need to understand, and what visuals would support that message.
“Business owners come in with an idea and leave with a content library they did not know they could create.”
“Video builds trust faster than anything,” Shannon says. “People buy from people. Video lets them hear your voice and see your energy, which a photo can only hint at.”
For local entrepreneurs, that trust can become practical marketing material. A single Creator Day can support social media, website updates, email campaigns, reels, carousel posts, and seasonal
The surprise, Shannon says, is often how much can be accomplished in one day when there is a solid plan.
For someone who knows they need content but does not know what to do in front of the camera, her advice is direct: “Trust the process. Our consultation, planning and guidance will ensure you have usable results you feel confident about.”
In that sense, Creator Day is less about posing and more about preparation. It gives business owners a place to explore their message, show up with a plan, and leave with content ready to publish.
To learn more and book your Creator Day with Shannon Matlock at her Lakeside Studio, visit lakesidestudiostx.com, call 832-266-8267, or email goarrowheadphoto@gmail.com.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
JULY 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD
Bye Bye Birdie at The Crighton
Bye Bye Birdie a comedy musical that parodies the pop culture frenzy surrounding Elvis Presley's draft into the U.S. Army. Rock star Conrad Birdie gets drafted into the Army, his agent faces financial ruin. To save his company,they concoct a publicity stunt. Conrad will give "one last kiss" a teenage fan live on The Ed Sullivan Show before going overseas.
JULY 3RD
Celebrate America - Firework Festival
Mims Baptist Church 1609 Porter Road Conroe | 5:30 PM
Celebrate America - Firework Festival Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2026, at 5:30 PM • Venue: Mims Baptist Church (1609 Porter Road, Conroe) • Description: A family-friendly community festival featuring local food trucks and outdoor activities, culminating in a large firework display. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. • Cost: Free entry.
JULY 4TH
1776 The Musical at the Owen Theatre
The Owen Theatre downtown Conroe
1776 - The Musical Celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America's Founding Fathers; John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson debate, compromise, and race against time to convince the Second Continental Congress to vote for American independence in these entertaining and historical musical. June 26th - July 5th.
JULY 4TH
Patriot Run 5K
3 Palms Action Sports Park (15100 Interstate 45 South, Conroe)
Patriot Run 5K Put on your running shoes and burn off some of those burgers. • Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 • Venue: 3 Palms Action Sports Park (15100 Interstate 45 South, Conroe) • Description: Kick off the holiday with an outdoor 5K run celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
JULY 4TH
Red Hot & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza
Town Green Park (2099 Lake Robbins Drive, just south in The Woodlands) | 6:00 PM
Red Hot & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza Date & Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM • Venue: Town Green Park (2099 Lake Robbins Drive, just south in The Woodlands) • Description: A massive regional festival celebrating freedom with live music, food vendors, family activities, and a massive fireworks show.
JULY 30TH - AUGUST 1ST
Shrek The Musical Jr.
The Historic Crighton Theatre downtown Conroe
Students of Jim Bingham Summer Youth Camp bring you, Shrek The Musical Jr! Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted.
