LIFESTYLE LETTER
Hats off to the Gentlemen of Katy
What comes to mind when you hear the word gentleman?
For generations, men have stood as the backbone of society— warriors and protectors, providers and builders. They are strength in motion, a force driven by passion, ambition, and inspiring resolve.
There is something inherently worthy of honor in men simply being men—steadfast, capable, and strong. But true distinction lies not in strength alone. True greatness does not stop there.
Something remarkable happens when that strength is refined—when power is guided by wisdom, when courage is paired with compassion, when determination is motivated by kindness. When strength does not need to prove itself, but instead chooses to serve, protect, and uplift with intention.
That is where a man becomes more—a gentleman. Not less strong, but more. Strength, disciplined. Power, with purpose. Masculinity, refined.
In the pages of this Gentlemen’s Edition, you will find inspiring stories of men who embody this definition. Men who lead with excellence and integrity, building companies from the heart of meaningful brotherhood and connection.
Men whose unwavering dedication to service has carried them through every season of life they have navigated.
Men who have faced and overcome obstacles that once seemed insurmountable—walking through valleys and now standing on mountaintops, guiding and mentoring other fathers along the way.
They are men who remind us of what matters most—digging deeper, even when it looks like simple play. Teaching life’s greatest lessons through presence, humility, and everyday moments.
It is our hope that their stories and songs empower you. That you find peace and comfort in their strength, and feel the deep honor that comes from a life rooted in purpose, resilience, and fierce, steadfast service.
Hats off to all the great gentlemen in Katy!
SHAWNA HINMAN, PUBLISHER @KATYCITYLIFESTYLE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Shawna Hinman | Shawna.Hinman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Piland | Lauren.Piland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Gillian Nichols Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Proverbs 3:5-6 Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The Women in Golf Foundation hosted The National Women's Collegiate Golf Tournament in Cinco Ranch 2: Annabelle's Amazing Graces hosted their annual benefit run at No Label Brewery 3-4: The Rotary Club of Katy hosts their Wild West BrewFest fundraiser at Typhoon Texas 5: Katy Budget Books bussed readers to visit local area shops along the Houston Bookstore Crawl 6: Katy Mom's Network hosted a beautiful Ladies Night Out at Venue 116 7: The Smilin' Rylen Foundation hosted their 9th annual race at the University of Houston Katy
STEPHEN BOYD, WINLHO MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
ANNABELLE'S AMAZING GRACES
WILD WEST BREWFEST
WILD WEST BREWFEST
KATY BUDGET BOOKS
KATY MOM'S NETWORK
THE SMILIN' RYLEN FOUNDATION
business monthly
Flix Brewhouse Opens in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
Flix Brewhouse brings together blockbuster movies, craveable bites, and award-winning brews for the ultimate Katy moviegoing experience. With full-service dining at the push of a button, you can sit back, sip, and savor without missing a scene. They have officially opened their doors in Katy! More at FlixBrewhouse.com .
Cowboy Coast Coffee and The Flakery Baker Join Forces
Cane Island Parkway just got a little sweeter! You can now find dynamite sweet treats mixed with savory coffee blends at Cowboy Coast Coffee. Caitlin Cortez of The Flakery brings her creative combos like the Prairie Princess and the Cosmic Cowboy fresh to store, elevating your sip and sweets game. Cowboy Coast also offers catering options, including ordering custom cookies by the dozen, making indulging in local business goodies that much sweeter! More at CowboyCoastCoffee.com
Body by Ravi & Rise Med Spa’s Brand New Facility
Body by Ravi and RISE Med Spa have opened their brand new, state-of-theart medical facility in the Katy area. This space was designed with intention, where surgical expertise meets elevated aesthetic care, all centered around the patient experience from start to finish - marrying medical innovation with unmatched comfort and sophistication. More at BodybyRavi.com
Photography by Richard Casteel
Photography by The Flakery
Photography by Body by Ravi
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Chiropractor
Haus of Health ( Formerly: Adjust Katy Chiropractic) http://www.thehaus.pro/ | 281.574.8826
Reese Chiropractic Spine by Design http://reesechiropractickaty.com/ | 832.913.8970
Katy Lifestyle Chiropractic http://www.katychiro.com/ | 281.347.4444
Aware Chiropractic http://www.awarechiropractic.com/ | 713.487.9755
Katy Wellness Center, LLC katywellness.com/ | 832.835.1171
Auto Detailing
The Garagisti Katy http://www.thegaragisti.com/?utm_campaign=gmb | 832.536.8437
Vive Auto Katy https://www.vive-houston.com/?utm_campaign=gmb | 832.913.7888
Lifted Trucks
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
https://www.liftedtrucks.com/locations/texas/katy.htm?utm_source=google&utm_ medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb | 346.608.7610
Elevation Jeeps http://elevationjeeps.com/ | 832.974.4133
Vital Sign Solutions
http://www.vitalsignsolutions.com/ | 346.205.0125
Men’s Fitness
KTX FIT ktx.fit/ | 281.409.4959
Gameday Men's Health Katy - TRT, Weight Loss, ED Clinic gamedaymenshealth.com/katy/ | 281.249.9993
Iron Tribe Fitness - Gym, Personal Training https://irontribefitness.com/location/cinco-ranch/ | 281.303.5671
Crunch Fitness - Katy crunch.com/locations/katy | 281.886.8383
F45 Training Morton Ranch f45training.com/mortonranch | 281.400.1441
Best Barbecue
Roegels Barbecue Katy katyfreeway.roegelsbarbecue.com/ | 832.321.5135
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q rudysbbq.com/location/detail/houston-i10w-katy-tx | 832.772.7242
Texas Tradition http://www.katytexastradition.com/ | 281.391.6113
Old Katy Patio http://www.oldkatypatio.com/ | 832.793.0093
8 ounce Korean Steakhouse http://www.8ozkbbq.com/ | 346.307.7192
Best Golf Course/Country Club
The Club at Falcon Point https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/the-club-at-falcon-point | 281.392.7888
The Club at Pecan Grove https://theclubatpecangrove.com/ | 281.342.9940
Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club http://www.meadowbrookfarmsgolfclub.com/ | 281.693.4653
The Back Nine Golf | Katy, TX https://thebackninegolf.com/katy-tx/ | 832.315.3673
PopStroke popstroke.com/houston-katy/ | 281.715.0480
HOMEGROWN COUNTRY TAKES CENTER STAGE
THE WILL CARTER BAND PUTS TEXAS COUNTRY ON THE MAP
From his family farm upbringing on the outskirts of Katy, to seeing his name in lights on venues across the nation, Will Carter’s path to success has sprouted from many seeds rooted here in southeast Texas.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
“We’d milk goats, tend to cows and sheep, and farm chores in the morning, followed by homeschooling in the afternoon, then back on horseback by the evening. I didn’t fully understand what we had until college, and realized that wasn’t a ‘normal’ upbringing,” Will laughs as he reminisces.
Trish Badger
But something that he was also immersed in from an early age was music.
As a pint-sized rising star, Will was chosen to sing “You’re A Grand Ol’ Flag” for the Sealy Fantasy of Lights festival at the age of 3, a few years later picked up a guitar, and by high school was playing venues, parties, and anywhere else that would have him.
“I was hooked. I started playing live music, and just kind of never really stopped,” he says.
But, real life has a way of bringing you back down to Earth. Just when he was setting his sights on honing his craft, at the age of 11, his dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and passed when he was just 13. An impact felt for a lifetime.
With his father’s blessing, and mother’s support, he continued to forge ahead in the only way he knew how. Through his music.
He says his early writing inspirations include Chris LeDoux, whom his dad also loved, Mark Chesnutt, and the legendary George Strait. But, he also pulled stage energy from the ultimate performer, Garth Brooks.
“The whole concept behind our live shows is creating moments,” he says. “To take the audience on a roller coaster ride, letting them feel it, see it, and not just hear it.”
Seeing the lyrics written across his face. Hearing the passion of real life played through each tune. Feeling the electricity of sharing the experience with fans around you.
Will understands their live shows bring to life each song every time they hit the stage.
A stage he’s shared with his band since 2021. Bassist Carlos Pineda Avila, lead guitarist Dillan Dostal, Jacob Lee on drums, and fiddler Bino blend together a perfect symphony of writing, recording and performing all the songs together. Something truly special.
After their success with the Texas Country Music Association’s 2024 Single of the Year, “Had Me at Goodbye,” the group is back with their brand new self-titled album. Which means their shows include a fresh live set highlighting singles like “Holdin’ On,” “Hourglass” and “Tracks Run Through My Heart.”
Performing live and creating music will always have a big piece of Will’s heart. And when he’s not on stage or in the recording studio, you can bet Will returns back to his roots.
“I love bringing our kids out to our family property now, and watching them enjoy the slower pace, and country lifestyle, like I used to,” he says.
I guess it’s true, you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the rhythm of the country out of the boy.
Check out tour dates and stream the new album at WillCarterBand.com .
CONTINUED
Asem Sheshtaway
Asem Sheshtaway
Trish Badger
“Performing live and creating music will always have a big piece of Will’s heart. And when he’s not on stage or in the recording studio, you can bet Will returns back to his roots.”
Nicola Gell
Creating Unique Spaces Tailored to You
At Edwards Interior Design, we believe that every home should be a reflection of its owner With years of expertise and a passion for thoughtful design, we create spaces that blend beauty, comfort, and functionality tailored uniquely for you
Villagio Shopping Center - Cinco Ranch 22764 Westheimer Parkway Suite 620B Katy, TX 77450 | 832 437 6214 www edwardsinteriordesign com hello@edwardsinteriordesign com
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.
Reverse Engineering
how leadership - and a strong roof - both start at the top
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GILLIAN NICHOLS
Gillian Nichols Photography
If you want to understand what makes something last, you reverse engineer it.
Start with the end result—strength, trust, longevity—and work your way back to the source.
For Lucid Services, that source isn’t just found in materials or methods. It starts with friendship.
Owners Christian Pendley and Mark Arnim didn’t just build a company—they built a bond. The kind of male friendship that’s steady, unspoken, and forged through mutual respect and shared work ethic.
Christian with a business-minded background and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Mark with decades of hands-on experience and in-the-field ingenuity.
Different strengths. Same vision.
They knew early on they’d be better together. Stronger together. The kind of partnership where metal sharpens metal, where trust isn’t questioned— it’s assured.
That’s the thing about real camaraderie. It doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. It shows up in consistency. In accountability. In knowing someone’s got your back under pressure.
Clear vision.
Clear values.
Clear trust.
And that mindset doesn’t stay at the top—it spreads. Because one of the richest investments you can make in business is who you surround yourself with.
One glance around their company crawfish boil and one might think it’s a gathering of friends and family. And that’s exactly what they are striving for.
A crew that works hard, looks out for each other, appreciates each other’s company, and takes pride in doing things the right way.
That kind of leadership builds more than a team— it builds loyalty.
From seasoned technicians to new hires, there’s a shared standard: show up, do it right, and take care of your people.
And when you reverse engineer that kind of culture, when you trace back why it works, you find the same principle every time: Strength starts at the top. Just like a roof.
There’s accountability. There’s mentorship.
There’s camaraderie.
Christian puts it simply: “We want to pass the torch one day. I’m trying to build something worth handing down—and be the kind of leader others want to become.”
And when you reverse engineer that kind of culture, when you trace back why it works, you find the same principle every time:
Strength starts at the top. Just like a roof.
“They lead by example,” says employee Brandi Button. “Working hard, treating people with respect…their dedication motivates everyone around them, and it’s inspiring to work for people who genuinely care about the success of the team.”
When disastrous weather hits here in Southeast Texas, the first line of defense is always above us. The roof takes the impact. It sets the trust for everything underneath it.
Gillian Nichols Photography
If it’s built right, it protects what matters most, what our structures protect. If it’s not, everything below is at risk.
They protect homes full of prized possessions. They protect safe havens for our children, patients and worshippers. They protect livelihoods built on dreams.
At the center of it all? The people.
They understand pouring into a genuine foundation creates solid results. But those results will turn more than profit, they turn into longstanding loyalty, dedication and integrity with support from the top - it’s what sets great leaders apart from their counterparts.
And for Lucid Services, it’s all a part of the design. Because whether you’re talking about leadership or roofing, the principle is the same: If the top is strong, everything underneath is protected.
If you’d like to learn more about Lucid Roofing’s commercial, multifamily and residential roofing services, please visit LucidServicesCo.com . Their new sheet metal fabrication products can be found at LucidMetalWorksCo.com
“We want to pass the torch one day. I’m trying to build something worth handing down—and be the kind of leader others want to become.”
Gillian Nichols Photography
Lucid Services
The Heartbeat of Community
ONE VETERAN REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
At the heart of every community is its people. People who share stories. People who share passions. People who share support. And some of the special ones, are people who share their service.
Juan Reyes is one of those people. One might even call him a community hero, although I’m sure he'd shrug off the notion.
Meeting with Juan, he’s humble, he’s reserved, and he’s just here to help.
As an Army veteran with 22 years of service, and then a Houston Police Department veteran with 25 more years on the job, one might think his decades of service could come to a well-deserved and restful end.
But, not for special people like Juan. He’s recently set his sights on serving his community yet again, but this time, in a completely different way.
Earlier this year, Juan decided to open a Katy branch of the popular, nationwide service-based company called The Junkluggers.
While the concept is simple - hauling unwanted items from homes and businesses, the impact is anything but.
Juan realizes the calls he gets for help now are not that far off from the calls he received as an officer of the HPD.
Calls from elderly couples that need help hauling furniture away to make room for medical equipment.
Calls from grieving families that need help organizing an overwhelming house full of memories they now have to prepare to sell.
Calls from single moms needing help hauling away big items turned safety hazards for their young children’s play areas.
The calls for help are still coming in, just in different ways.
One aspect of The Junkluggers that also really appealed to Juan was that it wasn’t just a haul and dump system. It’s one that takes the time to do it right.
To help sift through items, to pull sentimental pieces, to pull reusable items, and donate and recycle as much as they can.
“It varies from job to job, but if we can achieve 100% landfill diversion, that’s our goal,” he explains.
It might also help clients part with items knowing they’re going to help others, and not end up hurting our environment.
And when asked about how his past skills on duty can relate to the skills he’s using now, he says, “I’ve always tried to empathize with people, to listen to their stories or concerns and try to help, talk to them in a way that’s encouraging, just like talking to family or friends.”
Juan has traveled and worked all around the globe, but being here in Katy, being home, is where he’s choosing to continue to make a difference.
He says our area is so diverse compared to other parts of the country, and world. That we really have something special here.
And I’d agree, because we have people like Juan here too.
If you’d like to learn more about Junkluggers - Katy’s services, please visit Junkluggers.com/Katy
“I’ve always tried to empathize with people, to listen to their stories or concerns and try to help, to talk to them in a way that’s encouraging, just like talking to family or friends.”
OUT OF the valley
ONE LOCAL DAD’S PATH OUT OF THE
SHADOWS
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
“The Kevin of today may impress you, but Kevin 3-4 years ago made really small decisions, and small steps to get to the dad he is today,” explains Kevin Goodnight.
Now an inspirational father, author, speaker, leader and mentor, Kevin’s life might seem like the “picture perfect” existence from the outside looking in.
One would call him a devoted Dad who values the relationships with his sons and the importance in raising admirable young men.
One would call him a devoted Dad, who values his marriage, adores his wife and appreciates her as an integral part of their team.
One would call him a devoted Dad, who values leadership, connection and authenticity in sharing life’s journeys with other men, valleys and peaks.
But, oftentimes the stories that impact us the most, are the ones with the rockiest pasts.
Growing up he always thought his family unit was the quintessential American dream. But, after a typical day in eighth grade, Kevin came home to an empty house. His mother had left. And his father was left scrambling to raise three teenagers on his own.
Two years would pass before Kevin’s mother decided to return, but she returned a different woman. One that had built a relationship with God, and was seeking redemption and salvation.
But, it wasn't until Kevin would later become a father himself that his own journey through redemption would become clear.
“Work hard, play hard was always the motto,” he explains. “Men like control, and being called to lead, to build your own kingdom, but many only think about it as providing financially for your family.”
And, Kevin seemed to have it all. He played for Baylor football, and by 22 was topping the ranks in a successful sales career. But, as his career climbed, he was personally venturing down a deep, dark path to despair, shame and alcohol abuse.
CONTINUED >
Kevin Goodnight, photography by Darnald Kimble, Jr.
Kevin had found himself in a vicious cycle of what he thought was contentment, but was actually a toxic way of life that was not serving himself, or his family. By 32, his resume was brighter than ever, but his after hours drinking habits were dimming his spirit.
“One day during the pandemic, I woke up, and this sounds crazy, but I believe the Lord told me, you’re going to do big things this year,” says Kevin.
There was only one problem, he had no idea what that meant.
With guidance and support from his wife to figure out his own path, he started to pray, contemplate and open himself up to a new way of thinking. A new way of living.
It took almost that whole year to take that next step and fast from alcohol. And his vision started to become less cloudy.
But, it took a quiet, little lady he had never met, a stranger randomly chosen to sit at the same table as him at a wedding. A messenger, who without saying another word, abruptly looked right at him, and said, “You’re going to write a book.”
On day 40 of his sobriety journey, a fellow meeting member referred to him by the term, DADvoted A purpose, a calling, a dad who was devoted to creating more for himself and his family.
And from there, things started to click into place.
In 2023, Kevin published that predestined book, titled “Dadvoted: Dads Devoted to Discovering their Duty, Direction, and Destiny.” And a year later, Kevin boldly left his 20 years in corporate leadership to walk in his faith, his calling, and his newfound passion.
“Men like control, and being called to lead, to build your own kingdom, but many only think about it as providing financially for your family.”
— Kevin Goodnight
Still not quite sure what to do with that seemingly direct and clear message, Kevin pondered on.
Putting one foot in front of the other in an uncertain journey but trusting in what felt right. His sobriety, his intentions, his choices were slowly leading him down a new path.
A mission that is now leading Kevin to mentorship and sharing his journey with countless dads, male role models, leaders and corporate teams, challenging them to become the best versions of themselves.
Once taking for granted the family and life he was blessed with, he says, “I now have a vision for my family and our future generations.”
A future that is devoted to happiness, fulfillment and peace, centered by one DADvoted Dad.
More information on Kevin’s first and second DADvoted books, keynote speaking presentations, online courses, sobriety support group and his regional C-Suite for Christ ministry can be found at dadvoted.com .
Digging Deeper
THE TRANSFORMATIVE SIMPLICITY OF PLAYING IN DIRT
ARTICLE BY LAUREN PILAND
Dig World
Dig World
Going back to your roots has had a powerful and quite literal meaning for Jacob Robinson. Born of the generation that played outside until the street lights came on, rode bikes down dirt roads, and didn’t flinch getting their hands dirty. A more simplistic way of life that we often see vanishing in the rearview of our fast-paced future.
But, like most modern, young families, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can interfere with grand plans of presence, connection and plain fun.
In 2019 Jacob set out to change that. Not only for his family, but for others.
He asked himself, “how do we bring people together, families together, build experiences together?”
Dig World might have seemed like just a fun concept at first - a park where kids get to play in dirt and maneuver cool construction machinery. But, that idea ended up just scratching the surface of the magic that lies beneath.
The Robinsons learned firsthand the importance of quality time and creating memories with the ones you love the most. After a harrowing illness at two years old, their eldest son, Pierce, was left forever changed.
Building this place for not only his own son who loves construction, but for the Katy community as a whole, has been an endeavor worth digging into.
From driving skid steers and digging with excavators, to racing mini tractors and making basketball shots from boom lifts, Dig World has become a place where the essence of simplistic, hands-on fun takes precedence.
The kind of fun that doesn’t need to be taught. The kind of fun that lets imaginations run wild. The kind of fun that lets kids act like, well… kids.
Kids taking the reins of their own curiosity, without having to hear “no.”
Kids steering their way around obstacles, without having to hear “watch out!”
Kids making a mess and shouting with glee, without having to hear “stop doing that!”
A park with a purpose - to foster simple ways kids can be kids, parents can let loose, and memories can be carved out like indentations in the sand.
A purpose that Jacob has fulfilled within his own life, and in business, but one he also feels called to share. To inspire. To spark imaginations. To summon your biggest dreams. To walk confidently towards your goals. To carve your own path.
As a keynote speaker, Jacob feels grateful to share the valley his family has forged through, and all the blessings that have bloomed on the other side.
He humbly shares how he was rejected by investors 248 times.
248 times he heard “no.”
248 times he had people pass on his vision.
248 times he had to keep searching for the next door after each one closed.
But, all it takes is one “yes.”
One “yes” that leads to one more.
One “yes” to set you on the right path.
One “yes” to lead you out of the valley.
“The valley isn't the end of the story… instead it can be where the dream starts,” he states.
Sharing his stories with business leaders during events, and corporate teams during on-site experiences, he now challenges kids-at-heart to dig a little deeper, step outside of the box, and envision a purpose-based life that is beyond their wildest dreams.
Dreams that keep building for Jacob, too. After Dig World officially took root in 2022, he faced another detour - a dicey one.
In 2025, Jacob was approached to appear on ABC’s Shark Tank. Now swimming with the big sharks, Dig World struck a deal with financier, Robert Herjavec. But this appearance was more than just Hollywood smoke and mirrors.
Dig World has become a place where the essence of simplistic, hands-on fun takes precedence. The kind of fun that lets kids act like, well…kids.
It was one “yes” that ended up setting him forth onto his next phase.
“It was an amazing experience,” he says. “It forced us to put our future plans into gear, really get us thinking about where and how we want to grow.”
And, digging deeper and growing towards goals are in no shortage around here.
“We’ve set out to open ten parks in five years, all over the country,” Jacob explains. “We get the chance to dream big, build more parks, and open them around the country, and bring my kids to visit all of them, how cool is that?”
Their second location is opening this month in Grapevine, TX. And with the hindsight of running a successful park for three years, crafting and building out a second site has been quite the expansive experience.
Along with co-owner Alex Carroll, the brains behind the creative experience, they lovingly refer to this next chapter as Dig World 2.0. With elevated activities and branding, their flagship Katy Mills location will boast new upgrades to match, with perfect spaces to host families, field trips and corporate team building events alike.
Digging deeper might just mean getting dirty, but leading from a place of innovation and creativity might just open doors you didn’t even know existed.
LEARN MORE: DIG World is located adjacent to Katy Mills mall and in addition to excavator games, a skid steer course and boom lifts, they have a full playground, pavilion, gem mining, yard games and dig boxes perfect for field trips and corporate events. More info can be found at DigWorldNation.com. To learn more about Jacob’s speaking presentations, please visit JacobRobinson.co.
Dig World
Dig World
Dig World
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP
PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN WINGS SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH ALABAMA WHITE SAUCE.
Pickle In A
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wing flavor, never quite satisfied, until I heard a podcast suggestion: brining chicken wings in pickle juice. It sounded strange at first, but it yields incredibly tender and flavorful wings! Since then, I save pickle juice from every jar I buy just to recreate these beloved wings. If I run out of pickle juice, olive juice works too. I air fry mine, but if you don’t have an air fryer, cook them as you normally would. Don’t forget to toss them in a buttery dill sauce and try the Alabama white BBQ sauce for an extra layer of goodness!
Pickle Juice Brined Wings
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds chicken wings (flats and drummettes)
• Pickle juice - enough to cover wings
• 1 – 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoons butter
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour pickle juice over chicken wings until completely covered.
2. Place it in the fridge and let it marinate, covered, for at least 8 hours.
3. Drain wings, discard pickle juice, and completely pat wings dry.
4. Put dried wings in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place wings in an air fryer basket, being careful not to crowd. Cook at 400 degrees for 28 minutes, turning every 8 minutes until crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven for 35 - 40 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping halfway through.
6. Melt the butter and add a few splashes of hot sauce of your choice and mix in a bowl. Add wings and completely cover with butter mixture. Sprinkle with fresh dill and toss a few times, and serve with my white barbeque sauce.
Alabama White BBQ Sauce
INGREDIENTS
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s)
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pepper, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon Creole mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk all ingredients together until blended. Dip your pickle juice-brined wings in this sauce and taste the joy! Store in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 weeks.
JUNE 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
SATURDAYS
Katy's Farmers Market at The Dryer
The Dryer, 5339 E. Third Street, Katy | 9:00 AM
Located in the historic area of The Dryer venue & the Katy Beer Garden, every Saturday, 9am-1pm, rain or shine, this weekly farmers market features a traditional assortment of locally grown and harvested vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat and other wholesome products. More at TheDryer.com
SATURDAYS
Farmers Market on Grand Parkway
1225 W. Grand Parkway S, Katy | 8:00 AM
Every Saturday from 8am-noon, rain or shine, stroll the longstanding vendor lanes of the Farmers Market on Grand Parkway, located at the Church of the Holy Apostles and featuring local, sustainably grown produce, pasture-raised meats, free-range eggs, local raw honey, crafts, breads, baked goods and more! More at FarmersMarketonGrandParkway.com
JUNE 6TH
Central
Green
Park concert series with No Where But Up
Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy | 7:00 PM
Central Green Park hosts Nowhere But Up on June 6, from 7-9pm. A high-energy cover band featuring top dance hits covering all decades and all genres from the 70's to the present, including pop, rock, country, disco, Tejano, and Latin. Grab your blankets + lawn chairs, and make it a night to remember. Admission is free! More at CentralGreenPark.com
JUNE 13TH
Katy Exchange International Food Fest
Historic Town Square, 910 Avenue C, Katy | 4:00 PM
Food and flair from around on the world will be on display Saturday, June 13th, from 4pm - 9pm, for The Katy Exchange International Food Fest on Katy's Historic Town Square! The Katy Exchange is a collaboration between the City of Katy and the Katy Foundation of the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. More at KatyAreaChamber.com
JUNE 20TH
Cirque on the Square
Historic Town Square, 910 Avenue C, Katy | 6:00 PM
Step right up! Calling all circus fans, Cirque on the Square is coming to historic downtown Katy for an evening of family fun & tricks from 6-9pm. More at CityofKaty.com
JUNE 25TH
Best of Katy 2026 Awards Reception
Home Run Dugout, Katy | 5:00 PM
Toast to this year's local winners voted Best of Katy 2026 at the awards reception hosted by the Katy Area Chamber and The Katy Times. This year's event is hitting it out of the park at Home Run Dugout in Katy! Registration and sponsorship opportunities at KatyChamber.com
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