Cypress, TX February 2021

F E B R UA RY 2 02 1

LI F E + C U LTU R E RISI N G C O U N T RY S TAR PARK ER M C C O L LU M M EE T CY PRES S AR T IS T S AN D M AK ERS

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

All You Need is Love—and Art

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com PHOTO EDITOR

Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com

FEBRUARY IS OUR MONTH OF ART—MAKING, COLLECTING, ADMIRING

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

AND LEARNING. We love art because it gives us a glimpse of someone’s heart, the

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com

part of them we don’t see every day. We all have our favorite way of experiencing art.

We listen to a song or get lost studying a painting or dance, hoping we can come away from our experience feeling something new. We seek out art that makes us feel connected or better understood. Through it, we learn more about ourselves and more about our shared experiences.

INTERN

Hannah Kothari | hannahkothari@gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

As you read about the local artists and makers in our community and their stories

Dani Moore

of creativity and self-expression, we hope that you too are inspired to pursue what

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

you love. After all, February is the month of love.

Erica Hernandez, Amy Barnett, Hannah Kothari

So, Cypress, while you fill your home with chocolate truffles and roses this month,

Shannon Valentine | Lunaux, Trenton Johnson, Carlos Ruiz, Jeremey Polzel, Angel Verdejo, Abbie McIntosh

remember to fill your heart too. Find what makes you feel alive—and don’t forget to

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

share it with us.

Today is always a great day to love yourself.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

Erica Hernandez, Managing Editor

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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5

INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURES 12 From Conroe to Nashville Talent, Grit, and Perserverance Led Parker McCollum to the National Spotlight

18 Artists and Makers Meet Local Creatives Who Are Leaving Their Artistic Mark

24 Sharing the Chicken Love Husband-Wife Duo Hatch Backyard Chicken Empire

18 24

28 Velma Perez Cookie Extraordinaire What Started with a Prayer Brings Sugary Smiles to Cookie Lovers

28

12

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Local Limelight

18

Artist’s Palette

24 Our Town 28 Culinary Creations 34 Lifestyle Calendar

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

7

GOOD TIMES

Bridgeland Bears Football Team Competed at the 6A Regional Semifinals Although the Bridgeland Bears didn't get the win in the 6A Regional Semifinals, the team supported by the band, Belles, Claw Crew, cheerleaders and fans had a fantastic season! Congratulations to the Bridgeland Bears! PHOTO CREDIT: ANGEL VERDEJO

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

Cy-Woods, Bridgeland Represented CFISD at 6A Marching Band State Contest Cy-Woods and Bridgeland finished in the top 15 band competing at the 6A Marching Band State Contest. Cy-Woods placed 10th with a score of 51 points, while Bridgeland placed 15th with a score of 72 points. The two marching bands were among 20 bands from across the state to reach the 6A competition. PHOTO CREDITS: ANGEL VERDEJO, ABBIE MCINTOSH

1.

2.

3.

CFISD Athletes Sign Letters of Intent on Signing Day Ten CFISD athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate athletics National Signing Day. Bridgeland’s Dylan Goffney and Bryce Morris, football, SMU; Cy-Fair’s Jack Witmer, football, Virginia; Cy-Fall’s JP Martin, football, Memphis; Cy-Ranch’s Jude Camacho, wrestling, Bellamine, Cole Clepper, baseball, Cisco College, Ty Shannon, volleyball, LeTourneau, Romario Noel, football, Baylor and Benjamin Postma, football, Georgia Institute of Technology; and Langham Creek’s Jayhvion Gipson, football, TCU. PHOTO CREDITS: ANGELS VERDEJO, ABBIE MCINTOSH

4.

5.

6.

1. Bridgeland senior Dylan Goffney | 2. Bridgeland senior Bryce McMorris | 3. Cy-Fair senior Jack Witmer | 4. Cy-Ranch senior Jude Camacho | 5.

Cy-Ranch senior Ty Shannon | 6. Langham Creek Jayhvion Gipson CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

9

AROUND TOWN

LSC-CYFAIR TEAM CALYPSO DESIGNS ANOTHER TSGC SUCCESS

ors for Cy-Falls in 2019, but he also excels in track

Lone Star College-CyFair Honors Engineering

and field where he competes in the 100- and 200-

Team Calypso, one of 20 teams competing against

meter dashes and relays. He was a member of the

primarily 4-year institutions at the Texas Space

Golden Eagles’ 800-meter relay that ranked third

Grant Consortium Design Challenge, won sec-

nationally in 2020. Martin also has top finishes in

ond overall Top Design Team and first in Best Peer

the Junior Olympics (400 relay) and the AAU Indoor

Review for their spacesuit quick release system

Championships (200). He holds a weighted 5.7 GPA

design. The team led by Kyle Randall included John

(on a 6.0 grading scale) and has been named to the

Lentz, Alma Gallardo-Campos, Xavier Shockney

honor roll his first three years at Cypress Falls. Martin

(deputy team lead), and Minh Thu Nguyen. Team

has also made a verbal commitment to the University

Calypso will continue to improve their prototype in

of Memphis, and has signed a national letter of intent

preparation for the spring TSGC Design Challenge.

to play college football.

SLEEK CREPERIE & CAFÉ SPONSORS CFISD KIDS FOR CHRISTMAS

LANGHAM CREEK JUNIOR MAKES MASKS FOR COMMUNITY

Sleek Creperie & Café sponsored three CFISD

A summer internship gave Langham Creek High

children during Christmas through a Giving Tree at

School junior Makenna Marshall insight beyond

the café in Fairfield Town Center. Five employees

everyday conversation amid the COVID-19 pan-

and 12 customers contributed clothing, toys, books,

demic. Serving as a volunteer with BakerRipley,

bedding, and games to the children hoping to make

Marshall was able to work with Fab Lab at the

their Christmas bright. Sleek owner, Jisha Iyer, says

nonprofit organization’s East Aldine campus. The

they plan to make this an annual event and while

initiative provided the volunteers with materials

they started out small since it was the first time, they

needed to produce masks at home. Marshall and

hope to grow the number of children sponsored

her grandmother, Betty Wilson, completed more

each year. SleekChocolatierCafeFairfield.com

than 50 masks in the allotted time. Her grand-

CY-FALLS STANDOUT FEATURED ON MAKING THE GRADE Cy-Falls High School’s JP Martin was featured

mother had a sewing machine, and Marshall, who stayed with Wilson during the internship, had the drive and persistence.

excellence in both academics and athletics. Fox 26

FIEST, SPILLANE AND CY-LAKE STUDENTS PLACE FIRST IN SUPERINTENDENT HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST

reporter Nate Griffin led a Zoom presentation to honor

Students from Fiest Elementary School, Spillane

Martin, and recorded the segment with his parents,

Middle School, and Cy-Lake High School placed

coaches, and campus and district administrations.

first in the annual Superintendent Holiday Card

in the Fox 26 “Making the Grade” segment, which showcased top Houston student-athletes for their

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Martin not only earned first-team all-district hon-

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

Contest; their designs were selected from more

industry to enjoy $3 pints on Wednesdays. They

than 265 entries across 78 CFISD campuses. CFISD

will post the industry highlighted for the month on

Superintendent, Dr. Mark Henry, and associate

their Facebook Page. KlausBrewing.com

superintendents served as jurors for the contest, designating a winner for each grade level and choosing the top three honorees for each of the three grading categories. In the elementary category, Fiest Elementary third-grader Emma Marshall placed first with her color pencil/paint card titled “Snowy Holiday.” Wells Elementary fourthgrader Ivana Welch finished second, and Wilson Elementary kindergartener Anett Huerta placed third. In the middle school category, Spillane eighthgrader Christopher Soliman finished first with his color pencil piece titled “Brightest Light.” Spillane seventh-grader Carla Salcedo Cano was the runner-up, and Salyards Middle School sixth-grader Daniel Valdez Gonzalez placed third. In the high school category, Cy-Lakes High School freshman Caleb Weaver earned first place for his color pencil piece titled “Secret Santa.” Cy-Woods High School

MOORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THIRD GRADE TEACHER ELIZABETH FISH

senior Kylie Thomas placed second and Bridgeland

Moore Elementary School third grade teacher

High School sophomore Jacob Lemos placed third.

Elizabeth Fish was honored as a First Community

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Membership includes $5 20 oz. stein pours, $1

Fish, spoke of his favorite memories in school, and

off special release beers, and discounts on mer-

answered a few questions. In addition to the surprise

chandise, exclusive annual parties and more.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

FROM CONROE TO NASHVILLE TALENT, GRIT, AND PERSERVERANCE LED PARKER MCCOLLUM TO THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

ARTICLE AMY BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY TRENTON JOHNSON , CARLOS RUIZ, JEREMY POLZEL

IN 2010, A SANDY-HAIRED KID WITH

“I told my mom that I wasn’t going to go

where he graduated in 2011, were also a bit

SIX STRINGS AND A DREAM SAT IN HIS

to college but was going to try to do this

concerned when he quit playing football,

BEDROOM IN CONROE, LEARNING TO

and sign a major record deal one day. I don’t

basketball and baseball to have more time

WRITE SONGS AND HOPING TO FIND

think she believed me – which looking back

to play guitar.

HIS VOICE. Parker McCollum, now 28

at the way I was at that age – there probably

“Everyone thought I was crazy. I remem-

years old, will be the first to tell you that as

wasn’t a whole lot of confidence instilled in

ber all my buddies were mad that I wasn’t

a teenager he didn’t know if he had “what it

her by me,” laughed McCollum.

playing sports and that I thought I could

takes” to be a country music star – but he was determined to find out.

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

He admits that his friends at College Park High School in The Woodlands,

play country music… but they don’t think it’s crazy anymore,” he added.

Photo by Trenton Johnson

After

graduating

from

high

school,

industry by storm, first building an unprec-

Randy Rogers, who he credits for helping

McCollum made the move to Austin to

edented fan base of 200-thousand social

him realize his full potential.

immerse himself in the live music scene

media followers, selling out shows across

“Randy is the one who made me write down

as he continued honing his craft. With an

the state and promoting his brand of honest

my goals when I was afraid to admit how big I

incomparable work ethic and a poet’s heart,

country music with two highly acclaimed

wanted our efforts to pay off,” he added.

others on the Texas Music Scene quickly

albums – “The Limestone Kid” which he

Soon after, McCollum had his own tour bus,

recognized he had the formula for success

released in 2015, followed by “Probably

was playing across the country and sold out

and there was no stopping him. Since then,

Wrong” in 2017. He also signed a manage-

Billy Bob’s Texas – the world’s largest honky

McCollum has taken the country music

ment deal with Texas country music veteran

tonk – not once, but twice.

CONTINUED >

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13

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

“SOMETIMES I HAVE TO STOP AND SAY TO MYSELF – YOU ARE DOING EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. IT’S THE COOLEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME SO FAR.”

“My handprints are now on the wall at Billy Bob’s and that’s just unbelievable,” he said.

there – shoulder to shoulder. I never get nervous – never.

In 2019, after touring full time for five years as an

I always just act like I’ve been there, but my heart was

independent artist, McCollum’s grit and perseverance,

beating out of my chest. It was so surreal. I remember

combined with great songs and an instantly recogniz-

lying in bed that night and thinking – if you never get to

able voice, brought his dreams to fruition. He landed a

do anything else – you did that.”

major record deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) under the MCA Records label.

While the pandemic halted live shows for much of 2020, it meant McCollum could take some time to relax

“It is literally a dream come true. And, what’s really

after years of nonstop touring. He’s found time to visit

cool about it is I always wanted to sign a major deal but

the family ranch, fish, work on his deer stand, and most

have creative control. Thanks to the fan base we have

importantly, get back to Conroe for frequent family visits.

and because of the revenue we were generating as a

“My mom is in Fort Worth and my dad is in Austin,

band and as a business, I got what I wanted. I get to

but their brothers and sisters and everyone else in

use the producer I want to use, write the songs I want

my family still live in Conroe. My grandparents still do

to write, and record the songs I want to record,” said

too, so I get back all the time, even more so since the

McCollum. “Sometimes I have to stop and say to myself

quarantine. Conroe has grown so much in the last ten

– you are doing exactly what you want to do. It’s the

years. When I was a kid it really had a small town feel

coolest thing that has happened to me so far.”

and there wasn’t a ton of development, and now it’s just

In February of 2020 McCollum had more to celebrate when he landed an opening spot on country superstar Miranda Lambert’s Wildcard Tour.

crazy,” he said. “I still love Conroe and will always hold it near and dear to my heart.”

McCollum often thinks about how the conversation

“The best part about that was my mom and dad were

would go if he could come home to Conroe, turn back

at the last show at American Airlines Center in Dallas

the clock to 2010, and talk to the kid learning to sing in

where I got to sing to a packed stadium. It almost makes

his bedroom.

me tear up talking about it. I just think they sleep better

“I always think I would have freaked out if anyone

at night after seeing that, especially after I’ve been on

would have told me I would be doing this. Yeah… 16

the road 5 or 6 years now trying to get there,” he added.

or 17-year-old Parker would have probably called me a

This year he also got to check off his bucket list per-

liar,” he said.

forming at the Ryman auditorium when he debuted his

McCollum is wrapping up 2020 by earning his first

single “Pretty Heart” at the 2020 Country Radio Seminar.

number one song on the national country music charts

“You go out and play your song that’s going to be on

with “Pretty Heart” and is excited to start 2021 by

the radio. Reba was standing side stage; Keith Urban;

14

Dierks Bentley; Carrie Underwood – they were all right

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

releasing his first full-length album on MCA records.

Photo by Trenton Johnson

“I ALWAYS THINK I WOULD HAVE FREAKED OUT IF ANYONE WOULD HAVE TOLD ME I WOULD BE DOING THIS. YEAH… 16 OR 17-YEAR-OLD PARKER WOULD HAVE PROBABLY CALLED ME A LIAR.”

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

ARTISTS AND MAKERS

ART IS WHAT MAKES US HUMAN. It’s the creative manifestation of our spirit

and

deepest

passions.

This

month, we spotlight three artisans and makers who are leaving their creative fingerprints on the works around them.

Whether it’s visual media or a physical product, these ladies are channeling their gifts into something remarkable.

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX, ERICA HERNANDEZ

MEET LOCAL CREATIVES WHO ARE LEAVING THEIR ARTISTIC MARK

THE RUSTIC CRAFTSMAN

While her kids are fast asleep, Lindsey Krezeczowski is in her garage grinding away with her power tools. She slices through fresh slabs of wood to create the shapes she’ll transform into colorful charcuterie boards.

“I don’t think people realize how much cutting and shaping goes into each board,” she says. Lindsey, who

LINDSE Y KREZECZOWSKI

owns The Rustic Craftsman along with her husband, has elevated the lowly charcuterie board into fine art. Each board is sawed, sanded and layered with thick swaths of colored resin. Lindsey swirls and shapes the resin layers into flowing patterns that resemble ocean waves. The boards are then sanded and oiled again before reaching their final destination on someone’s tabletop.

“They’re fun. They’re cool,” Lindsey says. “I like them because there’s not one that’s the same.”

Each design is custom made with cypress, maple or black walnut wood. Lindsey uses turquoise, purples and bright yellows in her designs to mimic a sandy beach or tropical sunset. Most are inspired by photographs or Lindsey’s own experience growing up by the ocean.

Occasionally, though, she gets a request for a college theme or something not-so-ordinary. She and her husband also create river tables, handmade wooden tables with a thick stream of blue resin layers across the center. The two pride themselves on designing and building one-of-a-kind pieces that will last generations. The two began their business building farmhouse-style tables, but Lindsey’s eye-catching charcuterie boards quickly took over the enterprise.

Her orders reached more than one hundred requests during Christmastime. These days, she’s still the main maker of the boards. She hopes her soothing designs will spark the imagination and transport people to a happy beachside memory.

TheRusticCraftsman.com

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

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ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

B L U E B U T T E R F LY D E S I G N S

Cassandra Bohne-Linnard is obsessed with butterflies.

wings. She then poses the butterflies on clocks or

She paints them, she photographs them, grows flowers to

beneath glass domes in a way that captures their

feed them, and when they die, she brings them back to life.

beauty mid-flight, as if each were still living.

“It’s really a delicate process,” she says. “They’re so

vibrant art pieces using the preserved bodies of real but-

fragile. One wrong move and you could really mess

terflies. From wooden clocks to mixed media, Cassandra finds a way to style exotic butterflies as they would appear in nature. Each butterfly is delicately revived, pinned and preserved indefinitely behind framed glass.

“These are all natural,” Cassandra says. “Every single butterfly. This is their God-given beauty. Each of them are unique works of art themselves.”

Every step of Cassandra’s art is carefully coordinated.

She imports the creatures from around the globe – all have died naturally – to her Cypress home. Each arrives in an envelope dehydrated and brittle. Cassandra then painstakingly rehydrates each insect in a moist chamber – a kind of bug spa – to revive the butterfly’s color and soften its

CA SSANDRA BOHNE-LINNARD

Cassandra, a painter-turned-butterfly artist, creates

these up.”

Many of Cassandra’s clients see a deep symbology in her butterfly art. Some see them as a symbol of rebirth or hope for better things to come. Many honor loved ones who’ve passed away with butterfly

Remembrance Boxes. The boxes hold a photo of a loved one along with a resurrected butterfly. Some order her clocks, her most popular design, as a statement piece for the home. But for Cassandra, her restorative butterfly art is about showing off nature’s diverse beauty.

It’s about creating something as unique as the creatures she’s restored.

BlueButterflyDesigns.net

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

B E L L A H U E The result? Bella Hue organic dry shampoo. It’s clean while also protecting one’s health. Laruen created the powder after listening to clients complain about how regular dry shampoos left their hair feeling icky. The main ingredient, arrowroot powder, not only tames greasy hair but makes unwashed hair feel silky smooth. Other ingredients like lavender and eucalyptus essential oils nourish the scalp.

Lauren, a mom of two, hopes her dry shampoo

L AUREN ROWLE Y

a simple, lightweight powder that gets hair feeling

will help save time for busy moms who need a quick fix for clean hair. She also wants to change people’s minds about using a dry shampoo in the first place.

Each shampoo comes neatly packaged in a tin along with an application brush. One tin lasts up to six months. Each is handmade in small batches and packaged with care.

“This is not your mom’s baby powder under the sink,” she says.

Eventually, Lauren hopes to expand her product line and offer a multitude of hair products. Currently, in addition to the dry shampoos, she offers a shampoo bar, a conditioner bar and hair accessories.

Bella-Hue.com

CONTINUED >

When hairstylist Lauren Rowley became ill, doctors told her to stop using beauty products and quit her job. Her joints were swollen, she was in constant pain and became allergic to the hair products she used every day. Even the pigment in hair dye would give her reactions. So, after fifteen years as a hairstylist, Lauren left her career with a new mission.

She would create a natural, chemical-free hair product that could “go toe-to-toe with the professional brands.”

“My bar was high because I’m used to using professional-line products,” she says.

And she was determined her products would never damage anyone’s health.

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

21

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

ARTIS T AND ILLUS TR ATOR For Brittany, inspiration is everywhere. She has so many ideas she can’t get to them all. Her sketchbooks are crammed with vivid scenes that run the gamut of human emotion. Some, like her portrait of a mountainside Japanese retreat, are whimsical, bright and stem purely from her imagination. Others are more sinister, cathartic and reflect the darker life experiences we all felt insecure and angry at work. One image shows a woman sinking underwater and another shows a woman pulling her hair across the page.

Her body of work is as varied as her process — but she likes it that way. Her larger pieces depicting fresh fruits or plants could add a vibrant flair to someone’s living space while some of her mermaid portraits could fit neatly on a greeting card.

Colored pencils, watercolor, acrylics or makers are her mediums of choice, and she’s always experimenting. Each piece is a creative act of courage. A little journey for the soul.

“It’s such a discovery thing,” she says. “You find out who you really are, but it’s always just joy. Just pure joy.”

Brittany-Murray.com

Brittany Murray loves it when people react to her work. It might spark curiosity, a new perspective or even a sense of empathy.

“We all go about our day-to-day in our own little lives,” she says. “For two people to connect over something is rarer than we might imagine.”

Art is a lifelong pursuit for the art director and mom of two.

She’s been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil, often filling spiral notebooks with sketches of dinosaurs or ponies as fast as her parents could purchase her supplies.

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Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

BRIT TAN Y MURR AY

share. She once created a series illustrating when she

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OUR TOWN

HUSBAND-WIFE DUO HATCH BACKYARD CHICKEN EMPIRE

spreading the chicken love ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX, THE GARDEN HEN

CHICKEN MIKE STANDS PROUDLY BEFORE A DAZZLING FLOOR-TO-CEILING MURAL OF HIS FAVORITE BIRD AND PONDERS THE AGE OLD QUESTION: WHICH CAME FIRST, THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? He chuckles at the thought.

“We like to be really creative with the things we do,” he says, standing at the entrance of The Garden Hen showroom. The mural features a vibrantly painted 12-foot chicken brooding over a larger-than-life egg. It’s the first thing customers see when they arrive to shop for chicken coops at The Garden Hen, a backyard-chicken headquarters run by owners Chicken Mike and Nicole Graham. Chicken coops are constructed in the back while the front office doubles as a chicken-themed art museum. But the storefront is just a small part of the couple’s success. In just a few short years, Mike and Nicole, not only launched a sprawling chicken-coop business, they hatched a vast chicken empire.

“We just really made a lifestyle out of it,” Nicole says.

24

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

CONTINUED >

“A ny th i ng you ca n put you r m i nd to you ca n get it done.”

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

25

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED) Chicken Mike and Nicole started selling chickens on the side of the road near Traders Village with a handpainted sign that read “eggs, coops, herbs and chickens.”

Nicole at the time taught a chicken-hatching program and had accumulated dozens of chickens that needed new homes. After just a few hours of sales, the Grahams sold more than 20 chickens and all of their inventory.

They knew they were onto something and started brainstorming ways to “spread the chicken love.”

They decided education was key and went on to develop a chicken-hatching program that has reached some 20,000 schoolchildren. The two bring along their chicken sidekick, Pinecone, and teach about the chicken life cycle from egg to hen.

“When we go to school and when we ask kids where their eggs are from the biggest answer we get is the grocery store,” Nicole says. “They don’t grasp the full concept that food comes from farmers.”

The couple built their first chicken coop in 2013 and saw demand rise. Some coops are elaborate two-story chicken homes complete with porches or artistic exterior paint. Others are tiny enough to fit on the side of a suburban home. Chicken Mike brokers the deals. He fleshes out client ideas with a basic sketch and handdrawn stick-chickens. Garden Hen builders, Bob and Giovanni, then make those dreams come to life.

Custom coops can range in price from $400-$30,000, but Mike and Nicole are doing what they can to make chicken housing accessible to all. Recently they partnered with a local bank to offer financing for their coops.

“If you can finance a car or a house,” Nicole says. “You should be able to finance something to better help the health of your family.”

The couple hopes their work will bring people “back to their roots” and raise awareness about sustainable farmto-table living. It’s all about backyard self-sufficiency, they say.

Mike and Nicole like to get creative when sharing their chicken love. They each sport chicken tattoos.

They opened what’s perhaps the country’s only chicken-art museum. It features chicken-themed paintings, jewelry and egg-themed, cast-iron skillets. They both star on a reality TV series called City Chickens and recently created an educational cartoon featuring their therapy chicken, Pinecone.

“Anything you can put your mind to you can get it done,” Nicole says.

The-Garden-Hen.com

26

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

custom coops

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

27

CULINARY CREATIONS

velma perez cookie extraordinaire

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ

PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

WHAT STARTED WITH A PRAYER NOW BRINGS SUGARY SMILES TO COOKIE LOVERS

BEFORE THEY MAKE IT OUT THE DOOR, LADEN

a machine,” Velma says. “You’re picking up a piece of my

CAREFULLY WITH ROYAL ICING AND TUCKED

heart and taking it with you.”

NEATLY INTO TIDY BAKERY BOXES, COOKIE CHEF

Velma, who owns CookieGram in Cypress, bakes and

VELMA PEREZ DOUBLE CHECKS THAT EACH

decorates homemade novelty cookies from scratch.

COOKIE HAS ITS OWN CREATIVE FLAIR. Every cookie

Speaking from her “cookie studio,” she tells of how she

is a tiny canvas filled with meticulous sugary detail. Each

got started in the novelty cookie business and how she

is its own artwork containing just a tiny bit of her heart.

ended up on the Food Network.

“I pride myself as a cottage bakery on the detail, because it’s not something that you can push through

28

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

“I couldn’t ask for a better gig,” she says, in between customer visits.

Velma’s cookie studio is packed with hundreds of cookie cutters in every conceivable shape and style. Turkeys for Thanksgiving, skulls for Day of the Dead, mermaids for birthdays and the infamous 2020 toilet paper roll. Cookie racks, an airbrush machine and a cookie projector are the tools of her trade.

But the most important ingredient for her cookies, however, is communication. Long before she even mixes her dough, Velma chats with her

Velma, a completely self-taught cookie artist, never trained professionally as a baker or businesswoman. She started off in 2017 with a $6 mixer and a prayer. Lots of prayers in fact. Money was tight at the time and Velma sought help from a higher power.

clients, pressing them for details, to ensure her cookie art will capture the

“I spent an evening just dedicated in prayer asking God for direction,”

essence of their celebration. She sends them a snapshot while decorating

she said. Back then, Velma only made custom cookies as a hobby, but

and carefully places each treat in a box with a matching ribbon.

one day randomly decided to buy beach-themed cookie cutters. She

“My job is to take what they’re giving me and help them turn it into a grand experience,” she says. “The love goes into the details.”

And when it comes to decorating details, it seems limitless what

spent $18 dollars - an exorbitant amount at the time - but within moments, she got a call from a friend who wanted dozens of beach-themed cookies.

“I just kind of took that as an answer to my prayer,” Velma says.

Velma creates. She can write custom messages on her cookies or

A year later she received another call - this time it was someone

hand-paint a design so intricate it looks like a tiny watercolor art

from casting at the Food Network. They wanted her to compete in

piece. One of her most notable works is a portrait of a war memorial

a seasonal special called the “Christmas Cookie Challenge.” After

cemetery with an unfurled American flag.

rounds of interviews, producers chose Velma from more than 10,000 CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

29

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

You just don’t know what your potential is until you’re right in the mix of it applicants to compete on the show. Her first challenge was to cre-

during last year’s quarantine, she dressed up in an inflatable dinosaur

ate a Christmas cookie character and scene using only one cookie

costume to make cookie deliveries. And at Christmastime, she offered

cutter. With a bell-shaped cookie cutter, she made a Christmas-hat-

DIY kits for cookie newbies who want to try their hand at decorating.

wearing cookie lady while the cameras rolled and judges tested her

“She’s never going to give you something she hasn’t poured her

designs. But her work fell short and she was eliminated in the first

heart and soul into,” says Kendall Bell, who’s ordered Velma’s cook-

round. Although Velma did not win, her experience taught her how

ies for family birthdays and special events. Velma takes a client’s

to dig deep.

vague idea and creates a masterpiece, Kendall says.

“You just don’t know what your potential is until you’re right in the mix of it,” she said.

It’s Velma’s creativity and thoughtfulness that customers say sets her apart from other cookie designers. She is constantly updating her seasonal designs and changes her business strategy to fit the times. Once 30

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

“Even when I can’t always put it into words what I want...she can execute it tenfold,” says Ginnean Cleveland, a longtime customer who drives from Pearland to Cypress just for Velma’s cookies.

“There’s no substitute for the level of intentionality.”

Facebook.com/CookieGramTX

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

31

Velma L . Perez Cookie Artist Extraordianaire (as featured on the Food Network)

Decorated Custom Sugar Cookies Make the Sweetest Treat or Party Favor for Any Occasion.

Each Order Baked Fresh For Your Event.

Book your Creative Cookie Class or pick up your own Themed Do-It-Yourself Cookie Decorating Kit 10530 WINDWALKER TRAIL HOUSTON, TEXAS 77095

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TAPROOM IS AIR CONDITIONED TAP ROOM | BEER GARDEN LIVE MUSIC | TABLE GAMES | FOOD TRUCKS 9 BEERS ON TAP | WINE AVAILABLE | PRIVATE PARTIES

OPEN

COME SEE WHAT’S NEW! ENJOY BIERS IN THE TAPROOM OR GET THEM TO GO! 10142 Jones Rd, Houston • 346-284-1473 • klausbrewing.com

32

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

PR

!

T OS

GET UPDATES

BV

GET INSPIRED

EAT + DRINK

SHOP LOCAL

City Lifestyle YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

33

FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

3

13 & 27

Come out and enjoy some great bier,

JUMPEROO TIME!

WOODLANDS SQUARE MARKET ON 1488

starts at 1:30PM. Judges announce the

Urban Air Adventure Park

Bring

your

schoolers

toddlers

from

and

pre-

10am-Noon

for

chili, and live music. Get your chili tast-

will be selling food to accompany your

The Woodlands

chili tasting. KlausBrewing.com

The Woodlands has a new com-

child. Parents play FREE! Jumperoo

munity market popping up twice a

is held Wednesday and Friday

month! Find fresh produce, crafts,

mornings when CFISD is in-session

baked goods, food, gifts, service

and just for the little ones. They can

providers, local businesses, and

jump, bounce, and crawl around

small businesses.

participate (not included in price).

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

6

VALENTINES DAY PHOTO MINI-SESSIONS

CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH DRAGONS, LIONS AND BIER

ues to grow. The outdoor market pours

Farmer's Market has been open for

boho-themed

a rotating list of over 100 local business owners. TFM features 65+ farmers,

formance by the UNITY Dragon

producers, bakers, and artisans each

and Lion Dance Troupe. Feed the

weekend. Enjoy a fun pet friendly, family

lion for good luck while you enjoy

outdoor shopping experience.

KlausBrewing.com

Valentine’s

Kiddos and parents can pose for photos from inside a love-themed teepee near the park playground.

back into the community by supporting

Enjoy a unique Lion Dance per-

on the premises. Starts at 3 PM

a

business for over 10+ years and contin-

Klaus Brewing Company

Rd, Cypress

Day photo session at twilight.

27

14

CRAWFISH BOIL

BRIDGELAND FARMERS MARKET

son? Crawfish and sides are $10/lb

Klaus Brewing

Are you ready for crawfish sea-

Sessions start at 4:30 p.m. and

Bridgeland Lakeland Village

and $35 for a platter that includes

must

We are BACK! Shop Local & Eat

2lbs crawfish, 1 lb shrimp and

Fresh! You’ll find grass-fed beef

sides. Get here early! We start at

and fresh gulf shrimp, farm-fresh

12PM and will go until we sell out.

6

veggies, fruits, baked good and

KlausBrewing.com

SALSA AND SOCIAL DANCE NIGHT

candles and other goods. Music

be

booked

in

advance.

ericahernandezmedia.com.

more. You can also shop local artisans’

hand-crafted

jewelry,

Maestro Dance Academy, Tomball

& Pet-friendly. Every 2nd & 4th

New Class for the New Year!!

Sunday of each month.

Join every

our

Social

Saturday

Dance from

class 6:30pm

to 7:20pm. Have fun, meet new friends, learn new steps, and feel more confident! Dances include: Salsa, Bachata, Tango and more!

Each class is $20. Sign up now!

MaestroDanceAcademy.com

34

13

Market in 2017 and 2019, the Tomball

authentic German bier brewed

for

TOMBALL FARMERS MARKET Voted Best Houston Area Farmer's

Telge Park, 12400 Pleasant Grove

Join photographer Erica Hernandez

27 Downtown Tomball

safely with access to all trampoUrban air jump socks required to

winners at 3PM. Smokey Cheeks BBQ

525 Woodlands Square Blvd,

JUMPEROO time! $7.99 plus tax per

line attractions and the tubes!

ing cup for $5 at 1PM and the live music

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2021

20 KLAUS BREWING CO. 3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF

Would you like to get in touch with

Klaus Brewing Company

Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Ten teams will compete for first place

Cypress using the Get In Touch link

and the Peoples’ Choice Awards.

and let us know what you think.

us? We would love to hear from you!