Memorial, TX May 2023

FOOD + BEVERAGE

CELEBRATE MOM WITH A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST, BRUNCH OR HIGH TEA

SHOPPING

SHOP THE ULTIMATE MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

LIFE + CULTURE

MEET THREE INSPIRING HOUSTON ENTREPRENEURS

Behind the Scenes with Miss Universe

Women drive 93% of our corporate office.

There is power in showing up for women in education; each day, we are reminded of that through our students and team. For 20+ years, Cram Crew has provided premier one-on-one in-home educational services to families throughout Texas and beyond. We are committed to flexible learning, personalized support, and proven success.

Our Academic Support service helps students feel more confident in and out of the classroom. It focuses on skills they can use throughout their educational journey. In contrast, our dual math and verbal consultants, mock exams, study timelines, and score goals support those students preparing for standardized tests, entrance exams, honors exams, and much more.

The college readiness experience allows us to help navigate the entire college admissions journey for students and families by creating a customizable approach from planning to strategizing and executing applications.

Cheers to Women Changemakers

WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL WOMEN’S ISSUE!  As one of my very favorite issues of the year, it gives me such joy to celebrate the incredible women who are making a difference both in business and in our community. There’s nothing better than sharing with you some of the inspiring stories of women who are changing the game and setting new standards.

In our cover feature, Behind the Scenes with Miss Universe, we found inspiration in our interview with the newly crowned Miss Universe 2023, R’Bonney Gabriel. A graceful beauty inside and out, she is making a powerful impact by raising awareness of important issues such as human trafficking and domestic abuse, while promoting inclusivity and creativity along the way.

And of course, with Mother’s Day around the corner, all eyes are on moms. We offer so many goodies in this issue to help you celebrate her in a special way.  But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us.

I lost my mom Doriece to cancer in 2009, and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could give her a call to share a story or a laugh with her!  These days, I am so blessed to have an amazing Godmother, Cecelia, who fills in the gaps when I am missing my momma fiercely.  She was my Mom’s best friend, and at 86 years young, she still calls me Zanna Panna (my childhood nickname) and never misses an opportunity to tell me that she has read my latest issue cover to cover and that “it’s better than the month before”. Or to remind me she loves me before hanging up from our occasional call.  The picture here is of me and my beloved Godmother, pretty in pink on a beautiful day last March. Cece, cheers to you!

At Memorial Lifestyle, we are storytellers and cheerleaders for all the amazing women in our lives. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

With gratitude and joy,

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@citylifestyle.com

SALES DIRECTOR

Suzanne Schakett | suzanne.schakett@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kayla Shutts | kayla.shutts@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Savannah Schakett

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

SUZANNE F. SCHAKETT, PUBLISHER @MEMORIALLIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

by Example

40 Behind the Scenes with Miss Universe

Houston’s own Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, uses her history-making platform to promote her love of sustainable fashion and Filipino-American culture.

Photography:

Appointment Only

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @MemorialLifestyle

1: Marc & Duyen Nguyen, Leigh & Reggie Smith at Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball. 2: Guests at Asia Society Texas’ Tiger Ball celebrating the beauty and elegance of Japan. 3: Michael & Lisa Holthouse, Tracie & Randy Hale at HMNS ‘Sunset Soirée. 4: Jake & Carolyn Sabat at the Houston Museum of Natural Science ‘Sunset Soirée.’ 5: Tim & Martha Pandalis at the Mercury Chamber Orchestra Gala. 6: Shane & Marissa Gilroy at the Mercury Chamber Orchestra Gala. 7: Soprano Camille Ortiz who performed at the Ars Lyrica Gala.

CITY SCENE

DANIEL ORTIZ

DANIEL ORTIZ

DANIEL ORTIZ

COURTESY PHOTO

ANNIE MULLIGAN

COURTESY PHOTO

DANIEL ORTIZ

HONOR LIFE’S

WE CARE ABOUT FAMILY

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Whether you need a reliable pharmacy to refill your prescriptions or want to learn more about your medications, we are here to help you because, for us, you are family.

Mention Memorial Lifestyle Magazine & refill or transfer a prescription to us to receive a gift card to Amazon.

12390 Kingsride Lane Houston, Texas 77024

(832) 582-6933 | mywecarerx.com

Upgrade Your Anti-Aging Regimen

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions is a full-service wellness center serving patients around the nation. Known for providing treatments to clientslooking for a tailored, well-rounded experience, this innovative concept has established itself as a premier provider of total-body wellness. The 4Ever Young team offers a full range of services including aesthetics like Botox, fillers, microneedling, HydraFacials, and wellness treatments like IV vitamin therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Visit them at 1695 S. Voss Road.  4everyounghoustonvoss.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Memorial

Welcome to the ModMomPod

Introducing the Modern Mompreneur Podcast, hosted by productivity consultant, author, speaker, professional and mom, Dai Smith. This podcast is for the modern mom who wants to give herself permission to follow her dreams, step out on faith and build a business; whether full-time, side-hustling or aspiring Mompreneur, this is your tribe. Join us to share stories that will inspire you to keep going and defy the odds as business owners. Join our community! simplicitybyday.com

Texas-based Après Hours Lands in More Than 100 Stores Across Texas

Less than a year ago, two Texas women left their day jobs to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. Nicole Craven and Alexis Smith are friends and business partners set on shaking up the male-dominated ready-to-drink beverage industry with their new line of canned espresso martinis called Après Hours.  Après Hours is available at Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods, Total Wine & More, and The Post Beer & Wine Garden. drinkapreshours.com

Photography Bailey Boone

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Memorial Lifestyle Magazine photographer Lauren Holub shares her picks to give and receive this Mother’s Day.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the remarkable women in your life. Finding the right gift can be challenging, whether it's your mom, grandmother, or mother-inlaw. However, with some effort and creativity, you can find a fantastic present showing your love and appreciation.

We sat down with Memorial Lifestyle Magazine photographer Lauren Holub to talk about some of her favorite things and how she shops for the special moms in her life.

"I love supporting local businesses and finding some great treasures at different price points for my mom and mother-in-law," says Lauren. "Any excuse to get out and shop for the women in my life is always fun."

According to the mom of three, she always thinks about special interests and hobbies for gift-giving ideas. "It is always a great idea to find gifts related to a favorite activity or hobby, like gardening tools, a cookbook, or a painting kit."

Lauren also looks for personalized gifts to add a special touch to Mother's Day gifts. She notes that having kids adds even more to gift-giving opportunities because most grandparents can't resist anything handmade by their grandkids. She has made photo albums, scrapbooks, and personalized jewelry in years past.

We asked Lauren to round up a few of her favorite things to give and receive. Her list is an excellent mix of local businesses, sustainable gifts, jewelry, and more.

1. The House of Creed relaunched brand favorite, Spring Flower. In celebration of Flora, the Roman Goddess of Spring, the scent is inspired by the optimism, fantasy and the romance awakening of the season. Available at The Galleria or creedboutique.com.

2. Fill the room with the opulence of an English ballroom with the Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede candle. Crafted in the British countryside in a signature glass design and a burn time of approximately 45 hours. Available at The Galleria or jomalone.com

3. Frame all your favorite faces and places with the Aura Digital Frame. Inspired by modernist architecture, this freestanding landscape frame features a color-calibrated 10.1” HD display. auraframes.com

4. Local makeup maven Jentry Kelley is known for her fantastic line of makeup. Her line includes fan favorite Lip Dew in the shade cashmere. It is a lip hydrator with a sheer nude pink beige tint. jentrykelley.com

5. Share your love with the Mama Necklace in Gold and Rhodium from Kendra Scott. A meaningful piece for thoughtful gifting or a reminder of the most important woman in your life. kendrascott.com

6. Gold Rush Vinyl, one of the country's leading and one of the world's only female-owned-and-operated vinyl record pressing plants, launched its custom flower bouquets made from recycled records – perfect for gifting. goldrushvinyl.myshopify.com

LAUREN HOLUB: Lauren Holub is a Houston photographer with over ten years of experience. She has an amazing husband who has supported her and her love for photography for many years. She is also the mama of two spunky girly little girls and one rough-and-tumble little boy. She is a lover of caffeine and a good cocktail, and her furry Golden Retriever, Ranger. LAURENHOLUBPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA

ALL SET TO CELEBRATE

BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON

Brennan’s of Houston has been a beloved staple of the Houston dining scene for over 50 years. Known for its elegant atmosphere and Creole-influenced flavors, it is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The interiors of Brennan’s of Houston are classic and sophisticated and exude a sense of old-world charm and elegance. The menu at the Midtown restaurant is inspired by the flavors of New Orleans, focusing on fresh seafood, bold spices, and rich sauces. Diners can indulge in classic

dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee, as well as a range of seafood dishes and grilled meats.

Brennan’s of Houston is also popular for special occasions and celebrations, thanks to its private dining rooms and attentive service. On Sunday, May 14, beginning at 10 am, the restaurant will host Mother’s Day Brunch with a special menu featuring the Creole favorites and brunch specialties they are famous for.

brennanshouston.com

NOTHING SAYS

“I LOVE YOU, MOM” LIKE A GREAT BREAKFAST, BRUNCH, OR HIGH TEA DINING EXPERIENCE.

Sardinian Spritz.

Photo credit Dragana Harris

Creole Seafood Campechana Verde.

Photo credit Dragana Harris

Nestled along the leafy enclave of Mid Lane between River Oaks District and Highland Village, Eloise Nichols recently announced its evolution into an all-day café featuring a newly merged lunch and dinner menu and an interior refresh for the six-year-old concept.

Named for the paternal grandmother of sibling owners Nick Adair and Katie Barnhart, Eloise Nichols, the restaurant concept was inspired by the family matriarch’s no-nonsense and classic Texas beauty. Her unpretentious and refined style can be

felt throughout the eatery. From its new American menu to the relaxed ambiance that permeates the restaurant’s interior, the restaurant looks and feels like the actual living room where the Adair family lingered after mealtime.

The neighborhood spot offers a popular weekend brunch menu that features staples like Biscuit Benedict, Chicken & Waffles, and Horchata Toast.

eloisenichols.com

ELOISE NICHOLS

Horchata Toast.

Photo credit Duc Hoang

Biscuit Benedict. Photo credit Duc Hoang

TRATTORIA SOFIA

Trattoria Sofia, Berg Hospitality’s Italian concept in the Heights, offers an array of Italian-inspired brunch dishes that any mom will love. To celebrate Mother’s Day, the restaurant will have live music on the patio and a balloon artist to entertain the kids. In addition, mom will receive a complimentary mimosa or bellini upon arrival.

Named for restaurateur Benjamin Berg’s oldest daughter, the restaurant is cozy, rustic, and comfortable – a great atmosphere for a delicious family meal. Two large trees are the focal point of the main dining room, and guests can enjoy indoor

or outdoor dining on the climate-controlled terrace.

Offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm, guests can enjoy an array of Italian-inspired brunch dishes, including Uovo al Purgatorio, Il Tritatto, Polenta Fra’diavolo, and Focaccia di Mora. In addition, guests will delight in five brunch cocktails created by James Beard award-winning mixologist Alba Huerta of Julep. In addition to brunch dishes, diners will also be able to order from the full lunch menu.

trattoriasofia.com

Bruschetta Di Granchio.

Photo credit Kirsten Gilliam

Photo credit Kirsten Gilliam

The Hotel Granduca is renowned for its luxurious high tea experience, offering a charming setting and a delectable array of treats. Guests are greeted with a warm welcome and escorted to their table, where they are presented with a selection of exquisite teas to choose from.

The menu features a range of delicate finger sandwiches, including classics such as cucumber and cream cheese and smoked salmon with dill cream. Freshly baked scones, served with clotted cream

and jam, are also a highlight of the experience. For those with a sweet tooth, various pastries, and cakes are available, including macarons, éclairs, and petit fours.

Hotel Granduca’s high tea is the perfect indulgence for an afternoon spent with mom. The attention to detail and high-quality ingredients make for an unforgettable experience. Reservations are required. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are available.

granducahouston.com

HOTEL GRANDUCA

Photo credit Hotel Granduca

Photo credit Hotel Granduca

Leading by Example

Three Houston entrepreneurs share insight on their impactful female-focused businesses.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF

Carrie Colbert

Carrie Colbert launched Curate Capital in 2021 after investing over $1 million of her own funds into women business owners. After experiencing a 10X return, she knew this needed to be a larger conversation with individuals interested in investing in women. Curate Capital raised $15M from almost 80% women in 2022, has invested in over a dozen female-founded companies, and has done it with the brightest, most colorful brand you’ll ever see in venture capital. We all know female founders outperform their male counterparts, but unless we have women venture capitalists willing to take a chance on them, their investment dollars will always lag behind.

Carrie also implemented a revolutionary “influential investing” model (i.e., influencers investing and using their skills to help brands grow), which landed her a feature in Forbes and led to around 30% of the money raised coming from influencers. They personally invested over $4M - an average of over $250k per influencer. These 15 influencers bring a collective Instagram following of almost 10 million and incredible social selling skills, which benefit not just Curate’s portfolio companies but also other investors to have these influential women promoting the brands they invest in. curate.capital

“At Curate Capital, we view investing in women not as an act of charity, but as an arbitrage opportunity.”

—Carrie Colbert

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith is a Board-Certified Gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner specializing in women’s midlife wellness, hormone optimization, and sexual wellness. She founded Complete Midlife Wellness Center near the Texas Medical Center and is the best-selling author of Sexually WokeAwaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife and Beyond. She also hosts the popular podcast Empowering Midlife Wellness

Dr. Susan saw a gap in care for women in midlife and wanted to provide something more. She specializes only in midlife wellness, where she helps women achieve physical, hormonal,

relational, and spiritual health. Dr. Susan offers several comprehensive services, including Wellness Experience, Hormone Consultations, a Holistic Medical Weight Optimization Program, Hair Restoration, Micronutrient & Telomere Testing, and more.

She also has been chosen as one of Houston’s best-rated gynecologists for several consecutive years. Dr. Susan is an ICF-certified life and leadership coach, multiple-time marathoner, Ironman triathlete, and mother of three teenagers. completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

“At Complete Midlife Wellness Center, we are changing the process of medical care delivery, with the personal belief that women deserve more than traditional medical offices offer, and that insurance companies and drug companies support.”

— Dr. Susan Hardwick-Smith

Ruth Reyes

Ruth Reyes has been in business for over 24 years. Owner of Ruth Reyes Spa, she became an esthetician after experiencing long-lasting skin problems herself. A cosmetology school graduate and certified esthetician, Reyes has worked under several dermatologists and at well-known spas including Hotel ZaZa, Amerejuve MedSpa, and American Laser MedSpa.  Summer is a great time to get started on skin care and Reyes says that the Customized Facial is one of the most popular treatments at her namesake spa. Clients undergo a skin

analysis, and Reyes tailors a bespoke facial for their needs. The facial can include the face, eyes, neck, and decollete and helps reverse skin damage caused by environmental factors, hormonal imbalances, hyperpigmentation, and aging. Reyes notes that Hydra Facials are also popular during the summer months and help to improve overall skin texture, tone, and appearance. She utilizes deep exfoliation to clean pores, removing debris to allow for better penetration of face serums tailored to her client’s skin type. ruthreyesspa.com

“Every woman should incorporate sunscreen with SPF 30 or more into their skincare routine – especially during summer. A skincare professional can help to select the right type of sunscreen for your skin type and needs.”

— Ruth Reyes

Photo credit Lauren Holub Photography

Recipes Every Mom Will Love

Making simple Mother’s Day recipes with kids can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the special day. Parents can involve their kids in cooking by assigning age-appropriate tasks, such as measuring ingredients, stirring batter, or arranging fruit on a platter.

Not only will children feel a sense of accomplishment, but they will also be able to show their love and appreciation for their mothers through their homemade creations. “Mother’s Day is a great time to give mom a break from the kitchen. These recipes are simple yet healthy and perfect for the family to make for mom,” says Mary Katharine Hutchinson, MS, RDN, LDN, of the H-E-B Wellness Nutrition Strategy Team.

Achiote Avocado Toast

INGREDIENTS

Recipe makes 8 Servings

• 2 large avocados, diced or sliced

• 1/4 cup(s) cilantro, roughly chopped

• 1 teaspoon Mi Tienda Achiote

Seasoning, plus more as needed to taste

• 2 tablespoon lime, juiced

• 1 loaf of ciabatta bread, sliced thinly at an angle/bias

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Combine avocados, cilantro, seasoning, and lime juice in a bowl. Mash with a fork (it should be chunky in texture).

3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Place slices of bread on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly toasted and crispy.

5. Spread a generous amount of avocado mixture on each slice and garnish with sliced fresh radishes or green onions if desired.

GATHER THE KIDS AND MAKE THESE SIMPLE H-E-B NUTRITIONIST-APPROVED RECIPES FOR MOM ON MOTHER’S DAY.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF H-E-B

Spinach and Feta Baked Tomatoes

INGREDIENTS

Recipe makes 4 Servings

• 4 greenhouse tomatoes, top 1/4 removed

• 1/4 cup(s) reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup(s) baby spinach, chopped

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

2. With a sharp knife, remove 1/4 of the top of the tomato and remove flesh from the inside, creating a cup. Repeat for the remaining 3 tomatoes.

3. Add feta cheese to the bottom of each tomato. About 1 tablespoon per tomato, then top with spinach.

4. Crack eggs and place them on top of spinach—season with pepper and place in the oven.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the egg has set and is cooked to the desired doneness.

6. Allow tomatoes to cool briefly before serving.

Berries And Cream Pie

INGREDIENTS

Recipe makes 8 Servings

• 1 1/4 oz Hill Country Fare

Unflavored Gelatin

• 16 oz H-E-B Berry Medley

• 8 oz Hill Country Fare Light

Whipped Topping

• 8 oz Hill Country Fare

No-Calorie Sweetener

• 1 H-E-B Pie Crust

DIRECTIONS

1. Bake pie crust according to package directions and set aside.

2. Pour 1/2 cup cold water into a small microwave-safe bowl.

3. Sprinkle gelatin into the water to dissolve and let set for 2 minutes.

4. Microwave on high power for 1 minute and set aside.

5. Combine frozen berries, light whipped topping, and no-calorie sweetener in a large bowl.

6. Stir in the gelatin mixture and pour into the prepared pie crust.

7. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill for 15 minutes or until firm and ready to cut.

JEFF

ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

Behind the Scenes with Miss Universe

HOUSTON’S OWN MISS UNIVERSE, R’BONNEY GABRIEL, USES HER HISTORYMAKING PLATFORM TO PROMOTE HER LOVE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND FILIPINO-AMERICAN CULTURE.

The Miss Universe competition has always been a platform for young women to showcase their beauty, intelligence, and passion for making a difference. This year's winner, R'Bonney Gabriel, not only embodies all of these qualities, but she also defied the odds by starting her pageant career later than usual and winning the title at the age limit of the competition. Hailing from Houston, R'Bonney's love for sustainable fashion and her Filipino heritage significantly influenced her journey to becoming Miss Universe 2023.

Gabriel's foray into the pageant industry at 25 came after several people repeatedly encouraged her to enter pageant competitions. Gabriel initially aimed to challenge herself to overcome her shyness and communicate better. However, after being the first runner-up in her debut competition, she caught the "pageant bug" and began to dream big.

CONTINUED >

“Being the first Filipina-American to win Miss Texas, Miss USA, and Miss Universe is a huge honor, and I hope this inspires others to embrace their unique culture. I also hope this opens the door for more representation in pageantry.”

– Miss Universe 2023, R’Bonney Gabriel

R’Bonney moments before the winning announcement with Miss Venezuela.

Photo credit Fadil Berisha

“Fashion

can be a force for good. Magpies and Peacocks are doing fantastic work by diverting fashion waste from landfills and creating beautiful pieces that promote sustainability. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization.” – Miss Universe 2023, R’Bonney Gabriel

Moments before the annoucement with Miss Venuezela.

Miss Universe contestants during the crown unveiling.

Behind the scenes with fellow contestants leading up to the big day.

Gabriel's meteoric rise came after entering just three pageants in an industry that most train their whole lives for. She won Miss Texas in Spring 2022. Three months later, she became Miss USA, and three months after that, in January 2023, she was crowned Miss Universe.

The Texas-native credits determination and training for her win.

"It takes a lot of work to win – I had no idea until I joined pageants. For two and a half years, I trained daily to get to Miss Universe. I did hair lessons, make-up lessons, walking lessons, weekly interview lessons, mock interviews, and watched the news constantly to keep up with current events," she says. "I also spent lots of time designing and sewing my outfits for the competition. Pageantry took over my life, so I didn't have time for much else, but it was ultimately worth it."

In addition to tailoring her pageant gowns, Gabriel put her sewing skills to work at the Houston-based nonprofit fashion house Magpies and Peacocks. Gabriel heard about the organization through a friend and was intrigued by their commitment to upcycling and their work with survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

"When I walked in for my first tour, Ahshia, the co-owner, offered me a job as the lead sewing instructor for the MAKR program, which offers sewing classes to Houston women who have survived domestic violence and human trafficking," says Gabriel. In this role, she helped provide women with skills that could lead to future employment while also working as a designer and lead campaign model with the nonprofit. "Fashion can be a force for good. Magpies and Peacocks are doing fantastic work by diverting fashion waste from landfills and creating beautiful pieces that promote sustainability. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization."

Gabriel's Filipino heritage has also significantly influenced her journey to becoming Miss Universe. She is proud of her roots and has used her platform to showcase the beauty and diversity of Filipino culture.

CONTINUED >

R'Bonney and her family post-show.

R'Bonney being crowned by Miss Universe 2022, Harnaaz Sandhu of India.

She notes that being biracial makes her unique, and she embraces the opportunity to be a champion of what makes her stand out. "Being the first FilipinaAmerican to win Miss Texas, Miss USA, and Miss Universe is a huge honor, and I hope this inspires others to embrace their unique culture. I also hope this opens the door for more representation in pageantry."

As Miss Universe, Gabriel will travel extensively worldwide, and one of the stops she is looking forward to the most is visiting the Philippines. She also notes Filipinos are pageant super-fans, giving her a lot of support throughout her competitive career, adding, "I can't wait to celebrate with them in person later this year."

Although Gabriel has had a fantastic experience as Miss Universe, she has also confronted the downside of being in the public eye. The 28-year-old says that dealing with cyberbullying and hate comments is sometimes hard, and although she does her best to ignore it, she now understands that she can't please everyone. "There will always be people that support me, and there will always be people that don't want to see me succeed," she says. "I just remind myself that my self-worth does not come from other people's opinions about me."

Gabriel will be on the road more than she will be in Houston throughout her reign as Miss Universe. On the rare occasion she is home, she says the perfect day includes coffee at Segundo Coffee Lab in EaDo, a bike ride through the Texas Medical Center and the Heights, and ensaymadas at Godo's Restaurant, followed by a Thai massage. According to Gabriel, thrift shopping, dinner at a new restaurant, and a stop at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, would complete the perfect weekend.

Gabriel's journey to becoming Miss Universe 2023 is a testament to her perseverance, hard work, and commitment to making a difference. Her love for sustainable fashion, Filipino heritage, and dedication to environmental causes has made her a role model for young women worldwide. As Miss Universe, Gabriel plans to continue promoting sustainable fashion, diversity, and inclusivity – inspiring others to chase their dreams regardless of age or background.

National Costume Competition

Photo credit Fadil Berisha

R'Bonney takes a minute for a quick photoshoot touchup.

Miss Chile, Anne Jakrajutatip and Miss Universe, R'Bonney Gabriel

R'Bonney during dance reversal days prior to Miss Universe.

Firearm Safety for Women at Athena Gun Club

Increase your firearm confidence in a safe and friendly environment.

ARTICLE BY MEMORIAL LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ATHENA GUN CLUB

1. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WOMEN TAKING GUN SAFETY TRAINING?

Women become more familiar with safety protocols and procedures involving firearms and in doing so reduce fear and negative stigmas surrounding them, as well as obtain the ability to safely handle them in any scenario. They also take home knowledge they can share with their friends and family who may also be interested.

Our instructors help develop firearms enthusiasts to meet their specific desires. Whether the focus of training is self-defense, concealed carry, competition, or hunting, we build upon the base of basic “gun” safety and teach each shooter how to maximize their skillset in their particular area of interest.

2. WHAT TOPICS DO GUN SAFETY CLASSES AT ATHENA GUN CLUB COVER?

Gun safety is ingrained into every class we teach here at Athena regardless of which topic of study a student may be learning. Important safety protocols such as muzzle discipline (where the barrel is pointing), trigger discipline (never having your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to fire), loading the correct ammunition, never shooting when under the influence of drugs or alcohol and wearing ear and eye protection while shooting are covered in every class.

3. WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A GUN SAFETY CLASS?

Anyone from a complete novice that may be afraid of guns to the elite professional that carries a firearm on duty every day. Our classes take a walk-crawl-run approach that can turn the novice into a confident and proficient shooter and the professional into an expert marksman.

4. WHAT OTHER KINDS OF SAFETY CLASSES DOES ATHENA GUN CLUB OFFER?

All of our classes have safety at the forefront, but two classes that may be more heavily focused on safety vs. performance would be the “rental safety class” in which the student learns the basics of how to safely operate a rental firearm they are interested in and the “essentials” classes. The “essentials” classes may pertain to pistols, rifles, or shotguns but the focus of the class is heavily rooted in safety and basic marksmanship.

The Athena Difference

1 | Excellent Customer Service

Athena is different from other gun clubs or gun ranges by offering top-tier customer service in a friendly, safe environment and working hard to stay current with trends in the industry.

2 | Safe & Relaxed Environment

Athena’s staff monitors safety via camera making the range environment more relaxed. The gun club also has a full-time gunsmith department to fix guns and do custom gunsmithing.

3 | Onsite Retail Store

Athena Gun Club’s retail store and retail staff are the best in the business. Everything in the store is hand-picked and vetted by their knowledgeable staff.

4 | Open to the Public

Athena Gun Club is open to the public. There are three different membership tiers, but anyone can stop in to utilize the facility. There are discounts and promotions four days per week.

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