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LI F E + C U LTU R E M EE T LO CAL M O M PREN EU RS FOOD + DRINK EN J OY H E ALT H Y E AT I N G WI T H O U T S AC RI FI C I N G TAS T E WELLNESS B E I NSPI RED BY CY PRES S M O M VI C T O RIA SI M O

The

Ladies

Issue

Leading Medicine

IN TOWNE LAKE

Comprehensive care — close to home. TOWNE LAKE

LAKE PK W

BARKER CYPRESS RD.

At Houston Methodist in Towne Lake, we offer primary care and specialty care, as well as mammograms and physical therapy — all close to home. And, you can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit.

• Cardiology • Neurology

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation • Plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Oncology

• Primary care

• Orthopedics and sports medicine

• Women’s services, including mammography

HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP AND SPECIALTY PHYSICIAN GROUP

TOWNE

We offer the following services:

TUCK

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HOUSTON METHODIST BREAST IMAGING AT TOWNE LAKE * HOUSTON METHODIST PHYSICAL THERAPY AND REHABILITATION

TUCKERTO

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*Towne Lake offers screening mammograms only

To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/towne-lake or call 281.737.1555.

Join Metta’s Local Eats

DINE OUT FOR CHARITY to Support Cy-Fair Helping Hands Visit these participating restaurants, ask for the menu item that supports Cy-Fair Helping Hands and $1 from each order helps feed the hungry and homeless. Ends June 30.

Facebook.com/MLEDineOutForCharity

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

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

Cypress ladies, where would we be without you? DURING MAY WE, AS A COUNTRY, CELEBRATE MOTHERS, GRANDMOTHERS AND GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS. Here at Cypress Lifestyle, we want to recognize the women who build our community and shine bright while they do it. This issue, we honor moms who’ve launched their own businesses and shaped their own creative careers. We also hear the inspiring story of classically-trained ballerina Victoria Simo, a mom, business woman and cancer survivor.

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

Shannon Valentine | shannon.valentine@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Hannah Kothari | hannahkothari@gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dani Moore CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ladies, you are our children’s inspiration. This month, we thank you for everything

Erica Hernandez, Stephanie Parnell, Hannah Kothari

you pour into Cypress.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shannon Valentine, Erica Hernandez

Erica Hernandez, Managing Editor

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

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress ON THE COVER Ema Lodhi PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON VALENTINE 4

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

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 accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Top 5 Renovation Tips

FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

You’re not actually selling your house, you’re selling your kitchen – that’s how important it is. The benefits of remodeling your kitchen are endless, and the best part of it is that you’ll probably get 85% of your money back. It may be a few thousand dollars to replace countertops where a buyer may knock $10,000 off the asking price if your kitchen looks dated. The fastest, most inexpensive kitchen updates include painting and new cabinet hardware. Use a neutral-color paint so you can present buyers with a blank canvas where they can start envisioning their own style.

THE KITCHEN COMES FIRST.

Get rid of a third of your stuff – you’re going to be moving anyway, start packing up what you’re not using this season. Either store neatly in your garage or put it in storage. Depersonalize your home by removing family photos, memorabilia collections and personal keepsakes, so that buyers can imagine themselves living there.

BECOME A MINIMALIST.

Maximize the light in your home. Good lighting is the one thing that most buyers indicate that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, wash the windows, change lampshades to fresh and clean white, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in the light. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery. Also, change out your smoke detectors and vent covers, they stand out if they have aged and are yellowing.

LIGHTEN UP!

ENLARGE YOUR CLOSETS WITHOUT CONSTRUCTION.

BE THE ENVY OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Work on your front yard. Make sure grass is fertilized, lush and green. Trim trees and bushes. Plant bright flowers and lay fresh mulch in the front beds. Purchase a new doormat. Power wash the sidewalk, driveway and even front of house.

Storage is something every buyer is looking for and can never have enough of. Make your closets appear larger by taking half of the contents out and then neatly organize what is left. Be sure to keep all your closets and cabinets clean and tidy.

Melissa Baker

REALTOR® 281-687-8077 | mbaker@preproperties.com

Tracy Foreman

REALTOR® 713-614-4690 | tracy.foreman@preproperties.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 14 Healthy Eating Without Sacrifice Caroline’s Kitchen Offers Healthy Keto and Gluten-Free Eating that Has Never Tasted So Good

18 Living Life to the Fullest Professional Therapist Debbie Edmunds Offers Patients Hope and Healing

22 Dancing for Life Dancer Victoria Simo on Cancer, Femininity and Fitness

22 14

27 Meet Local Mompreneurs These Creative Moms Rock in Business and Life

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Hot Spot

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Inspired By 27 Our Town 32 Travel Destination 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Cy-Ranch Cheer Teams Get Surprise End of Year Pary The Cy-Ranch cheer teams missed out on a lot this school year. From the canceled Boardwalk Bash and summer camp to smaller game crowds and quaratines, the teams strived to keep the spirits up of students and fans. Coaches Livesay and Friedli wanted to give the teams a little normalcy and surprised them with a end of year party. PHOTOS BY CAMRYN PHAM, JACOB HERRARA, JOCELYN CASTILLO AND LAURA DURING

1. Varsity 2020-2021 | 2. JV 2020-2021 | 3. Freshman 2020-2021 8

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

Sixteen CFISD Art Students Earn 2021 Rodeo Art Awards (Part 2) Last month we showcased a small portion of the students' artwork that earned 2021 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Art Awards. Because of limited space we were unable to include all of the winners' work. We wanted to showcase the talent of all of these students' and hope you enjoy more of the artwork selected for honors.

10.

11.

12.

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

AROUND TOWN than 9.4 million entries to its School Art Program. HLSR provides students the opportunity to earn scholarships, visit workshops and a chance to have their artwork displayed at the Hayloft Gallery during the Rodeo.

STAGEWORKS WELCOMES NEW THEATRE ADMINISTRATOR J. Eric Dunlap joined Stageworks Theatre as Theatre Administrator. Dunlap has been involved in theatre in the Houston area since January 1991 where he began his theatrical journey as a prop body in Arsenic and Old Lace. Over the years, Dunlap has been seen onstage, backstage, and in the Director’s chair as well as serving many different

CYPRESS LIFESTYLE INTERN CROWNED MISS GULF COAST TEEN

positions on the Board of another theatre company and a local nonprofit charity. Dunlap will be responsible for supporting operations of the theatre, house

Cypress Lifestyle intern, Hannah Kothari, 17, was

management, fundraising, marketing and various

crowned the first ever Miss Gulf Coast Teen and will

volunteer committees. Stageworkstx.org

represent the Gulf Coast at the Miss Texas Teen USA in September. Hannah is a junior at Memorial High School and after graduation hopes to attend Dart-

CFISD & DUNHAM POINTE BREAK GROUND ON NEW DEVELOPMENT

mouth College or William and Mary. She has been

Representatives from CFISD and the Dunham

writing for Cypress Lifestyle for almost a year, and

Pointe master-planned community took part in a

also writes for Memorial Lifestyle, Memorial Swoon,

groundbreaking ceremony at the new 1,300-acre

Hunter’s Creek Living and Buzz Magazine.

neighborhood located south of Hwy. 290 at Mason Road.. CFISD purchased 145 acres from Dunham Pointe that will house a future CFISD education village, which will include a new high school, middle school, and elementary school. Based on current enrollment projections, the future schools are projected to all be open by the fall of 2029. In addition to the education village, CFISD is currently scheduled to work with Harris County Emergency Services to build a fire station on the property. Dunham Pointe has contracted to sell approximately 1,000 lots to various builders in in the third quarter of 2021, and home building and sales are scheduled to begin then, as well. The development will also include commercial, retail and multi-family sections.

CFISD STUDENTS ARTWORK CHOSEN FOR HLSR AUCTION

CY WOODS JUNIOR WINS TAKE CARE OF TEXAS VIDEO CONTEST Cy-Woods High School junior Jacob Arango won

Three student artists had their artwork selected

first place in the 9-12 grade-level bracket for his water

to advance to the Houston Livestock Show and

conservation video in the Take Care of Texas Video

Rodeo™ (HLSR) School Art auction. Cy-Woods HS

Contest. The contest invites middle and high school

freshman Magdalena Baughman (Bridger & Poco),

students to create a 30-second video that shows pos-

Jersey Village HS junior Amy Muery (Laying Hen) and

itive ways that Texans can help keep the air and water

Hamilton MS eighth grade student Ravine Cohen

clean, conserve water, save energy, and reduce waste.

(Sunkissed Stallions) each had their work chosen to

Arango is the first CFISD student to not only place

advance. Since 1965, the HLSR has recorded more

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

AROUND TOWN but win the top prize in the contest. His prizes include

a third consecutive season. Cougars Head Coach

receiving a $2,500 scholarship, and being recognized

Jennifer Alexander was voted Coach of the Year

by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

for the third time in four years. Harmon and Hunter

commissioners and representatives from Waste

were also named to the UIL Girls’ Basketball State

Management of Texas, Inc., the contest’s sponsor.

All-Tournament Teams, as selected by the Texas

Like most video contests that Cy-Woods audio/video

Girls Coaches Association, for their performances

production students participate in, all submissions for

at the Class 6A state tournament.

the contest had to be entirely student-produced.

CY-FAIR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR LAUNCHES PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISER PROGRAM

The Arnold Middle School Student Council held a food drive on campus in the weeks leading up to

Cy-Fair junior Audrey Arroyave launched an

Spring Break. Council members packed more than

online peer-to-peer fundraiser to help raise money

150 grocery bags worth of food to distribute to hungry

for the kids of Boys and Girls Country. Arroyave—a

families during the break. The students partnered

member of the Cy-Fair band, Science National

with the nutrition services team at Arnold, providing

Honor Society, and Key Club—was first introduced

breakfast and lunch at no cost to all children 18 and

to the non-profit at age 10 when her Brownie troop

younger. The idea for the food drive came following

delivered cookies to the children who live there.

the winter storm in February when programs such as

She launched her donation website and began

Curbside CONNECT were canceled. As of March, the

sharing it with friends, family and her community

program has distributed nearly 3 million meals.

and the fundraiser raised approximately $1,000 for the children of the Boys and Girls Country. To learn how you can help, visit BoysandGirlsCountry.org

CY-CREEK GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM REPRESENTED CFISD AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

ARNOLD MS STUDENT COUNCIL CONDUCT FOOD DRIVE TO HELP FAMILIES

CFISD BOYS’ BASKETBALL PLAYERS EARN HONORS District boys’ basketball coaches released the 2020-2021 All-District 16-6A and 17-A Boys’ Basketball Teams. In 16-6A, Cy-Woods senior Damian Watson was named the district’s Most

The Cy-Creek girls’ basketball team reached the

Valuable Player and Head Coach Chris Draudt

state tournament for the third time in four years.

was voted Coach of the Year. Cy-Park senior A.J.

Although they came up short on its bid toward a

Ferguson was named Defensive Player of the Year.

state championship, falling to DeSoto, 53-37, in the

Cy-Ranch sophomore Jaylen Benard was named

UIL Class 6A championship game, the Cougars

the Newcomer of the Year. In 17-6A, Cy-Creek

had an amazing season finishing at 32-1. Cy-Creek

sophomore Thurston Ashford and Jersey Village

senior Rori Harmon repeated as the district’s Most

junior Tariq Johnson shared the district’s Defensive

Valuable Player of the Year, while senior Kyndall

Player of the Year. Cy-Creek Head Coach Dan

Hunter was voted Offensive Player of the Year for

Trocquet was named Coach of the Year.

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

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ARTICLE STEPHANIE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE

HOT SPOT

Caroline Cobell

H E A LT H Y E AT I NG

W I T H O U T S AC R I F I C E 14

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

CAROLINE’S KITCHEN OFFERS HEALTHY KETO AND GLUTENFREE EATING THAT HAS NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

CAROLINE COBELL SAVED HER OWN LIFE. She suffered from symptoms like chronic pain, poor sleep, and flagging energy. With a health journey that was long and fraught with diagnoses such as cancer, degenerative disc disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, she realized that she needed to transform her lifestyle in order to save her life. “I was suffering greatly from a variety of symptoms. I initially tried the Atkins diet strictly to lose weight. As I started losing weight, I realized that I was feeling so much better,” said Caroline. “My pain levels were lower and I was sleeping better at night. All of these positive changes were happening, which I thought was attributed to the weight loss. But it wasn’t just attributed to that. It was largely attributed to the fact that I had pulled sugar, gluten, and processed foods out of my diet.”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HOT SPOT (CONTINUED)

From there, the concept of Caroline’s Kitchen was born. Caroline’s Kitchen, A Healthy Eatery, is a cozy cafe in the Cypress area that offers small plates, salads, pizza, sandwiches and mouth-watering baked goods. Best of all, at Caroline’s, eating a delicious meal doesn’t come with a side-helping of guilt. In fact, as the tagline goes, everything on Caroline’s menu is 100% gluten free, 100% sugar free, and 100% delicious. “After dabbling with a variety of eating plans and diets, I realized that all of these programs have a few common denominators,” said Caroline. “The Whole 30, Mediterranean diet, South Beach, Atkins, all of them. They all basically reduce or eliminate sugar, gluten, and processed foods.” Caroline will be the first to tell you that eating sugar can be truly addictive. In fact, eating anything can be truly addictive, especially for someone who struggles with an eating disorder. A self-proclaimed food addict and binge eater, and genetically predisposed to morbid obesity through her family, Caroline is open about the fact that eating a keto, gluten-free and sugar-free diet has literally saved her life. “For anyone who struggles with eating disorders or weight issues, there are many solutions, according to the experts,” said Caroline. “Various diets, weight loss surgery, and everything in between. But unless you reset your way of thinking about food, it just won’t work.” Once she realized this, she started embracing the keto, gluten-free and sugar-free eating lifestyle Caroline’s menu evolved around this. An uber-talented self-taught chef who cut her teeth on culinary greats such as Alton Brown and Emeril Lagasse, Caroline doesn’t mess around

when it comes to delicious cuisine. Caroline’s

Burger, a double-meat, double bacon, double

fare isn’t just focused on healthy eating. She

cheeseburger, and delicious Taquitos (made

acknowledges that people have cravings and

from cactus tortillas–don’t knock it until you

need to be able to indulge them. That’s why she

try it!). And that’s just a sampling of the lunch

developed a menu aimed at indulging cravings

options. For your sweet tooth, the bakery offers

without the guilt that’s normally attached to that.

delights like the lemon loaf, a variety of cookies,

Some of the signature items at Caroline’s

cheesecakes, brownies and more. And keep in

include delectable gluten-free pizzas made with

mind they are 100% sugar-free. But don’t worry,

fresh ingredients, the super-powered Donkey

they’ll still tickle your sweet tooth!

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

Beyond the unique menu and the guilt-free meal options,

Caroline’s Kitchen way of course. It’s an exciting time for

Caroline’s is a warm-hearted eatery with a totally friendly vibe,

Caroline and her crew, and she wants people to know that at

making it the perfect place for a casual lunch or even a work-

her restaurant, people can indulge without the guilt.

ing lunch. A visit will treat you to conversation with the engag-

“I’ll be the first to tell you that eating can mean shame

ing staff, fellow customers and maybe even Caroline herself.

and guilt for many people,” said Caroline. “That’s why I

Caroline’s husband and children work there too, so it’s truly

created this restaurant. I want people who struggle with

a family-owned business. And by the looks of her booming

eating disorders, or just struggle with eating in general, not

business, it seems Caroline and her family are going places.

to feel alone. Here, you don’t have to sacrifice taste and

More than just the dining experience, Caroline’s Kitchen caters big events such as weddings, parties, themed din-

give everything up. And you definitely don’t have to feel alone if you’re struggling with food.”

ners, corporate events and more. Private chef services are available, and Caroline even offers expert wedding or

CAROLINE’S KITCHEN A HEALTHY EATERY

engagement planning services. She’s launching cooking

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classes, hosting Friday night dinners, and has other events

Spring, Texas 77379

planned for the future, such as a parking lot party. Very

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soon, she’ll be offering ice cream and donuts, prepared the

CarolinesKitchen.us

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY ERICA HERNANDEZ

DEBBIE EDMUNDS, IS A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR SUPERVISOR WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE HELPING EMPOWER HER PATIENTS TO FIND HEALING. She is the founder of H.O.P.E. Psychotherapy of Houston, a community of professional therapists who serve clients of all ages and life circumstances. In her 40 years of private practice, Debbie has trained countless new therapists how to launch and thrive in their field. She also has experience helping clients cope with vocational and brain injuries. This month we hear her advice on keeping ourselves mentally and emotionally fit. TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AND WHY? The short answer is I help my fellow human beings be well and love themselves so they can thrive and function to their fullest. More importantly, I know what it is like to have had my self-esteem damaged in many ways without always having a healthy support system help me heal. I’ve been treated unfairly and thought I had little to give. But I learned that wasn’t true. The truth of the matter is (as I’ve told the therapists whom I’ve trained) “your specialty picks you and I believe your career picks you as well.” I realized, even at a young age,

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST DEBBIE EDMUNDS OFFERS PATIENTS HOPE AND HEALING

I HELP MY FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS BE WELL A N D L O V E T H E M S E LV E S S O T H E Y C A N T H R I V E A N D F U N C T I O N T O T H E I R F U L L E S T.

my friends often came to me for support and guidance.

from others. This involves setting boundaries that

I learned others trusted me. As a mental healthcare

prevent judgment from others to alter our self-worth.

worker, I learned I could give that gift to others. I want others to learn their truths and believe they could heal

WHAT ARE SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT

from emotional pain and trauma as well. Life is too

STAYING MENTALLY HEALTHY?

valuable to not to live it to its fullest.

Unfortunately, our society still believes that staying mentally healthy means we are acknowl-

WHAT ARE THREE SIMPLE EVERYDAY HABITS

edging we are ill. In reality, seeing a pyschother-

WE CAN IMPLEMENT TO BECOME MORE

apist should be viewed the same way in which

MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY?

we maintain all aspects of our well-being. We get

+ PRACTICE GRATITUDE. First, we can wake up

routine examinations for most everything but don’t

and be grateful for the things we have vs. feeling

realize that pyschotherapy treats the central ner-

resentful about the things we believe we should have

vous system consisting of our brain and spine; it’s

but don’t. Gratitude is a powerful feeling that helps

more than just talk. It’s the greatest gift we give

us challenge negativity as well as keep us from living

ourselves and seeing a psychotherapist represents

in a heightened state of grief, loss and helplessness.

intelligence, strength and not weakness.

We can feel full vs. empty. We can learn to recognize that almost every day we experience things that bring

WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE MENTAL

joy to our lives in a way that’s more valuable than any

HEALTH CHALLENGES WE FACE AS WE

amount of money or objects we could possess.

EXIT THIS PANDEMIC?

+ FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE. Second, we can

Forgetting that surviving this pandemic is an

treat others the way we want to be treated. It’s The

opportunity for growth as individuals and as the

Golden Rule most of us learned very early in life.

human race. A pandemic by its very nature means

Spread joy with a smile, a kind word and remember

the entire planet is impacted. We can challenge

we are not all supposed to be the same. Rejoice in

misconceptions we might have held about self and

and respect the differences of others and remember

others and create a world that is just and inclusive of

accepting and giving to others in healthy ways will be

everyone—even when they don’t look like we do. We

the greatest gift you give yourself as well.

can accept we don’t need to settle for “returning to

+ BELIEVE IN OURSELVES. Third, we can allow

normal,” but that we can contribute to creating a new

ourselves to believe we are worthy of love of self and

healthier normal with equality for all.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

WHEN IS IT THE RIGHT TIME TO SEE A THERAPIST?

with their own identities. I wanted to engage

Everyone can and should benefit from psychotherapy as a mat-

in private practice with other like-minded pro-

ter of maintaining wellness. Begin young, before crisis leads to a

fessionals where learning occurs as well as

lesser quality of life.

acceptance and growth. My greatest hope is that everyone entering H.O.P.E. discovers their

WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT? Simply put because we are worth it and if we don’t recharge

voice and become empowered with skills they can pass on to everyone they encounter.

with self-soothing we can’t live a full and healthy life or give to others in a healthy manner.

WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF YOUR WORK?

WHAT IS H.O.P.E. PSYCHOTHERAPY OF HOUSTON AND WHY DID YOU OPEN IT?

Knowing that others have entrusted me to help them live a fulfilling life.

H.O.P.E. Psychotherapy of Houston is an oasis of tranquil-

ity where the acronym Healing Opportunities that Promote

DEBBIE EDMUNDS, MA, LPSC-S

Empowerment is felt by all who enter. I opened H.O.P.E. because

17510 Huffmeister Rd, #102 & #103

I wanted to offer wellness in an environment that was inclusive of

Cypress, TX, 77429

all. I wanted to create a place where patients and clinicians alike

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would feel valued, safe and free to become their healthiest selves

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Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

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INSPIRED BY

dancing fo r l i fe

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

VIC TORIA

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

DANCER VICTORIA SIMO ON CANCER, FEMININITY AND FITNESS

VICTORIA SIMO WAS JUST A GIRL WHEN HER MOTHER WOULD TAKE HER TO SEE THE HOUSTON BALLET’S CHRISTMAS CLASSIC, “THE NUTCRACKER.” The sword fights, the dancing animals, waltzing snowflakes and whimsical Sugar Plum Fairy captured her childhood imagination. And there, in the seats of the Wortham Theater just rows away from the performers on stage, she kind of a dancer she would become. “This is my moment,” Victoria says, remembering. “This is where I want to be.”

BECOMING A BALLERINA Life as a professional ballerina is a dream for many little girls, but Victoria worked to make her own dream come alive. The daughter of a

It was a childhood dream Victoria would even-

jazz dance instructor, dancing had always been

tually manifest while inspiring countless others

a part of her life. Her mother encouraged her

along the way. Hers is a story of resilience and

art growing up, and at just 15 years old Victoria

grace in the face of intensity and illness. A classi-

auditioned for one of her biggest roles yet. She

cally-trained ballerina, mom of two, dance studio

auditioned for a spot in the prestigious Houston

owner and cancer survivor, Victoria lives her life

Ballet Academy and earned a scholarship to train

as gracefully as if she were immersed in her art.

in the professional program with ballet students

“Dance just makes my life so full,” she says. “It’s just been always deep in my heart and soul.”

from around the world. The training was intense and fraught with sacrifice. As a teenager, Victoria would leave classes at Cy-Fair High School at noon and travel to Houston’s theater district for ballet training. Her weekends, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, were devoted to training and performances. But at such a young age, the experience was life-changing. “It was definitely an incredible experience,” Victoria says. Victoria went on to perform professionally for 10 years at Texas Ballet Theater, in Fort Worth and Dallas. She danced principal roles in several performances and even fulfilled her childhood dream of performing in “The Nutcracker” as The Snow Queen. “Every time the fog came up, the music played, it still felt like I was that little girl,” she says. Offstage, Victoria was involved in helping others realize their own dance dreams. She taught at the Texas Ballet Theater School and created new programs for children and fitness programs for adults.

SIMO

saw her future move before her. She knew what

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

A STUDIO OF HER OWN Then, in 2012, after a young life full of dance and performance, she hung up her ballet shoes and retired. She was just 29, but knew she wanted to start a family with her husband and launch her own studio. She would do both, but it wouldn’t be easy. Victoria was on bedrest expecting her first baby when she launched Ballet and Pilates by Victoria in Cypress. The studio offers classes for kids and adults in ballet, barre, pilates and reformer. Her studio is lively, creative and encouraging. Victoria takes her work seriously. She’s tasked with introducing young dancers to movement and appreciating their bodies. She’s also proud of the fact her studio caters to the entire family. She offers drop-off daycare for siblings and simultaneous adult classes for parents to enjoy while their little ones are in dance class. “That to me is everything we want to do,” she says. “That entire family atmosphere exercising their bod-

and motherhood. She wanted her children, 8-year-

ies and their imaginations.”

old Emily and 5-year-old Calvin to see her confident

Her greatest joy is getting to transform lives

and healthy as quickly as possible. So she chose an

through dance and watch her students grow from

unpopular post-mastectomy approach -- she opted to

shy, self-conscious kids or adults who are unfamiliar

skip breast implants and focus instead on her healing.

with their bodies to rockstar performers.

“I didn’t need that to feel like a beautiful woman,”

“After a few barre classes they’re entering the room like

she said. “It’s important that our femininity is not out-

Beyonce,” she says. “Their light is just shining so bright.”

side our body. It’s inside. I felt very strongly I could continue my femininity and my womanly power and

A JOURNEY WITH CANCER

my inner lioness in many other ways.”

The same year Victoria opened her studio, doc-

These days, Victoria is still in her fight with cancer.

tors discovered a cancerous lump in her breast.

She’s getting radiation on her upper torso and splits her

Victoria lives with a rare genetic predisposition for

days between treatments at Houston’s Medical Center,

breast cancer and other types of cancers. She also

studio time and hustling to pick up her kids from school.

has another genetic predisposition that makes the

But she’s far from alone in her fight. Last fall, along

cancer radiation resistant and recurrent. By 2020,

with her studio instructors and clients, she raised more

masses were found throughout her body, prompting

than $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to

her to get a hysterectomy and a double mastectomy.

help with cancer awareness and research. She also

Later that year she also had her thyroid removed after

partners with Memorial Hermann Hospital to encour-

doctors discovered a lump that nearly obstructed her

age women to complete breast and thyroid cancer

breathing. Before her surgeries, Victoria was at the

screenings. And she’s nowhere near finished.

pinnacle of her health. She was fit, ate meticulously

“Our goal is to raise so much more next year,” she

well and exercised. After her surgeries she wanted

says. “We just have such an incredible powerhouse of

to do everything she could to get back to business

women supporting us.” BALLET AND PILATES BY VICTORIA 15544 Ridge Park Dr, Houston, TX 77095 (281) 855-0255 BalletandPilates.com CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

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OUR TOWN ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE

M O N I K A G R E WA L ELEVEATS GRAZE AND CHARCUTERIE DESIGNER, OWNER AND OPERATOR FACBOOK.COM/ELEVEATS-GRAZE-CHARCUTERIE IG: @ELEVEATSGRAZE (713) 298-4933 HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

THESE CREATIVE MOMS ROCK IN BUSINESS AND LIFE

Meet Local Mompreneurs

I have always taken pleasure in being a hostess and putting together elaborate spreads for everyone to hang out around. Eventually, everyone started telling me that this is something I need to do as a business. After being pushed by my best friend and sister, I took the plunge! WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? My children and their happiness. But recently, discovering and redefining myself after so long has become a passion of mine. HOW DO YOU BALANCE CAREER AND FAMILY LIFE? That’s something I’m still trying to figure out! I have three kids, all 5 years old and under, so it’s tough! But that’s why having my own business has been so great. It provides me the freedom of schedule so that I can work when I want and be there for my family as well. WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Stop worrying or thinking about what other people will say or think and just do you. It’s never too late to start over or redefine yourself. Always trust your inner voice. WHY IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT? It’s not a mass-produced factory product. There’s a uniqueness and a little bit of me in each board. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

CARLA FRANCIS & MONICA HUTCHESON HANGERLUST, ONLINE BOUTIQUE CO-OWNERS HANGERLUST.COM IG: @HANGERLUST_BOUTIQUE WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR VALUES OR PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY? C: Live every day to the fullest and enjoy what you’re doing! Treat others as you would want to be treated, being honest and respectful has always served us well. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? M: Being able to use our creative sides to make women feel beautiful has always been a passion of ours. WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? C: Don’t sweat the small stuff and never lose sight of the big picture. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? M: When you put an outfit together and someone says, “I never would have thought to put that together.” Then when they order it as we have styled it, we feel extremely rewarded! HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS? We have always been passionate about shopping! Being both laid off from the corporate world made us put our lives in perspective and re-evaluate what truly made us happy. We looked at each other one day and said, “Let’s start a business together.” Once we figured out what we were both passionate about, the rest was history. 28

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

E M A L O D H I SIP AND SEE PARTY OWNER, EVENT STYLIST SIPANDSEEPARTY.COM IG: @SIPANDSEEPARTY WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR VALUES OR PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY? Life is short, do the things that bring you joy. Buy the dress, take that trip that you wanted to take, and do what you love. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? Family. They are the core of my passion and everything stems from them. I always had a passion for creativity but my children help me take it to a new level. WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Be patient. Whatever it is we are seeking or waiting for, we must be patient. Patience is perseverance, strength, endurance, steadfastness and determination. Patience is everything. HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS? The idea stemmed from designing parties for my family. I had a difficult time finding small tables and seating rentals for children (we have a big family). My mother-in-law encouraged me to start my own business and I finally took the leap. Best decision ever. WHY IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT? Tiny details make all the difference especially when they are handmade. Each client will truly get something from me that can’t be purchased anywhere else because I design and create it myself in-house.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

OUR TOWN (CONTINUED)

C A R M A LY N M C C R A C K E N A N D T E R E S A N O R N E S CARE PACKAGE QUEENS FOUNDERS AND CO-OWNERS CAREPACKAGEQUEENS.COM IG: @FRONTPORCHPACKAGES WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR VALUES OR PRINCIPLES YOU LIVE BY? C: I try to stay in the present. Stress comes from thinking about the future “what ifs”, and guilt comes from the past “should haves,” but in the present I am able to find gratitude and joy! WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? T: Be dependable and always do your best. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT? C: I am most passionate about helping others find joy. Life can be so messy and chaotic that sometimes we feel there is not much to be happy about, but I love helping others find their joy along the messy way. WHY IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT? T: We are different because we focus on creating gifts to touch the soul, with inspiring products and messages to uplift the recipient. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR? C: I love that I am responsible for every success, I am constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone and learning how to do new things regularly, and finally I can decide how to give back to the community. HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS? C: Many friends wanted to send packages and their package would sit in their back seat for weeks. Because we love shopping and creating, we made it easy for customers to ship wonderful packages to their favorite people! It is a win/win. 30

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

M OUNTAIN

SHADOWS

A BOUTIQUE ESCAPE IN PARADISE (VALLEY) ARTICLE KRISTIN HEGGLI PHOTOGRAPHY MOUNTAIN SHADOWS RESORT SCOTTSDALE + DAVE SANSOM PHOTOGRAPHY

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS SET THE BENCHMARK

FOR

DESERT

LUXURY

AND

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN WHEN IT FIRST OPENED IN 1959. Reopened in 2017, this boutique retreat has been completely re-envisioned from the ground up. Set in the shadow of Camelback Mountain in the town of Paradise Valley, the resort sits just ten minutes from Old Town Scottsdale’s renowned dining, shopping, nightlife, and art galleries. Contemporary design is infused with a dash of 1950s modernism and abundant natural light. Choose from chic resort guestrooms and two-story lofts in the luxuriPhotography Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale 32

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021

ous wing of residences.

Dave Sansom Photography

When it comes to planning your Paradise Valley escape,

Treat yourself to a true boutique experience at

keep an eye out for the resort’s annual summer sale, taking

Mountain Shadows that’s relaxing yet invigorating. The

place May 14 to 20 and offering the best rates of summer.

resort’s iconic views and Paradise Valley location cre-

Celebrating something special? Make it memorable by

ate a true sense of retreat, while the best of the Valley

reserving the Sip, Saber & Savor Experience, an immersive

is still easily accessible, from horseback riding to local

culinary experience for two with private events including

dining. This sleek getaway is an ideal resting stop for the

a Champagne sabering, Spirited Sipping Seminar, and

design-forward, modern traveler.

Food for Thought class.

MountainShadows.com

Photography Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale

CityLifestyle.com/Cypress

MAY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

5-26

27-30

I9'S CY-FAIR AND NORTHWEST HOUSTON - BASKETBALL CLINIC

CY-FAIR CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO & GENERAL LUNCHEON

URSA MAJOR THEATRICS PRESENTS LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

The basketball clinic is for boys

Join us at the Business EXPO from

Feed the need for musical hilarity

and girls ages 5-13. Session are

10:00 - 1:30. We will break for lunch

with this delicious sci-fi smash about

Wednesdays from 5 PM - 6 PM for four

from 12:00 - 1:00. Luncheon tick-

a man-eating plant! Ursa Major

weeks. Participants receive 4 hours

ets are $30 for reservations made

Theatrics at Bridgeland High School

of paid instruction from i9 Staff team.

by Tuesday, May 11; $35 without

presents Little Shop of Horrors with

Clinics focus on basic fundamentals as

reservations. Cancelations

made

6 performances May 27-30, including

well as positioning, offense, defense,

after Tuesday, May 11, will still be

2 matinees and 4 evening shows. $15

passing, dribbling & shooting. Each

charged. CyFairChamber.org

online or $20 at the door (if avail-

Louetta Automotive Sports Complex

Bridgeland High School

Berry Center

player receives a participation t-shirt

able). Get showtimes and tickets at

19 OR 26

12TH ANNUAL - RELAY FOR LIFE OF CY-FAIR BOWLING TOURNAMENT

ROTARY CLUB OF CYPRESSFAIRBANKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Join us on May 19th -OR- May 26th

and medal at the end of the clinic.

BridgelandHSTheatre.org.

Tomball Bowl

29 TOMBALL FARMER'S MARKET Downtown Tomball

at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm for our 12th

This outdoor market pours back

Annual Bowling Tournament bene-

into the community by supporting a

Juergen’s Hall, 26026 Hempstead Road

fiting the America Cancer Society.

rotating list of over 100 local business

Celebrate the Rotary Club of Cypress-

The tournament is split two in dates

owners. TFM features 65+ farmers,

Fairbanks's 50th anniversary. The

for reduced capacity. Entry Fee:

producers, bakers, and artisans.

event includes community partners

$175/Team (of 5) or $35/Individual.

Enjoy a diverse, fun, pet friendly,

recognition, club milestones, special presentations by local officials, dinner and live music by Horizon. A Golden Celebration Raffle will be held featuring a grand prize of $5,000 in gold coins. Raffle tickets are $100 and includes dinner and drinks for

family outdoor shopping experience.

22 SPRINGFEST 2021: REACH FOR THE RAINBOW! Reach Unlimited, 11832 Mueller

two. Tickets for dinner (without raffle)

Cemtery Road

are $20 per individual/$35 per family.

Please join us for the only fund-

RotaryCypressFairbanks.org

raising event where all donations go directly to the Learning Activity

Center

COLES CROSSING CARS & COFFEE

Help us spread hope and joy from

for

operations

and

enrich the lives of our clients in a learning and caring environment.

13050 Barker Cypress

10 AM. - 2 PM. This event will be

Come out and bring your classics,

loads of fun for our clients, their

Would you like to get in touch with

exotics, imports, muscles, trucks,

families and the entire community!

us? We would love to hear from you!

jeeps, bikes, and golfcarts to show off

ReachUnlimited.org.

on the third Saturday of the month.

Cypress using the Get In Touch link

No burnouts or revving.

and let us know what you think.

Cypress Lifestyle | May 2021