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Covering the Heights, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest & the neighborhoods of North Houston Saturday, February 24, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.8
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State Line Designs sets up shop in the Heights with trendy game day apparel By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor Sports is an integral part of life in Houston and many female fans have unfortunately come up short when they want to show their team spirit in gear that fits. In 2014, Ellyse Espinoza embarked on a journey to fill a gap in the market for women’s sportsinspired apparel, and thus, State Line Designs was born. As a passionate sports fan herself and a lover of tailgating, Espinoza noticed that sports attire centered around the male body.
Determined to change that, she began creating apparel tailored to female sports enthusiasts. What started as a side hustle quickly gained traction, and within eight months, State Line Designs was thriving on Etsy, outpacing Espinoza’s fulltime job in education. “I decided to take a leap of faith and take my brand full time,” Espinoza said. “I have a degree in Graphic Design and a background in typography, so I started to design and print tees, tanks, and crop tops that I loved. I create designs that are simple but make a statement,
designs that I feel are missing in the industry.” State Line Designs has been fortunate to receive recognition from recognized local media outlets such as Houstonia Magazine, Culture Map, and KHOU. Nationally, State Line has been seen on ESPN, ABC, Fox, NBC, and CBS. This exposure, coupled with Espinoza’s active social media presence, has played a crucial role in her growth and success. By sharing the beSubmitted photo hind-the-scenes of her brand journey Fans proudly sport vibrant State Line DeSee APPAREL P. 3
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signs t-shirts, showcasing the intersection of fashion and sports culture.
Step Inside: Woodland Heights, Houston Heights Association home tours return this spring By Stefanie Thomas editor@theleadernews.com
Rodeo Festival comes to Houston Farmers Market March this Saturday
Get ready to embark on a journey through the local community’s most captivating neighborhoods as we dive into not one, but two exciting home tours this spring! From the historic charm of the Heights to the idyllic streets of Woodland Heights, these annual events offer a rare opportunity to peek behind the doors of some of the area’s most interesting residences. With each tour boasting its own unique lineup of homes and special features, attendees are in for architectural surprises, design inspiration, and community camaraderie.
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By the numbers: Local real estate data for January
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THE WOODLAND HEIGHTS 2024 HOME TOUR
the HSPCA Animal Rescue Ambulance and they answered immediately. Following their criteria, he described the dog, how it was behaving, the injury, the bayou bank location and a street location. They took his number saying they couldn’t say how long, but their one ambulance would be there as soon as possible. The HSPCA Injured Animal Rescue Ambulance is a free service available 24/7 covering all of Harris County. They rescue animals that cannot walk or stand, have a visible injury or are in distress, trapped, or unable to fend or care for themselves (like newborns, for example). The HSPCA’s animal ambulance responds to more than 7,000 calls for help annually. Skills and Heart The HSPCA ambulance is staffed by fully trained emergency veterinary medical technicians, a job that requires at least a 2 or 4-year degree, board certification, work experience and licensure. On arrival, approaching the animal takes special patience. The EVMTs have to move quickly
Woodland Heights residents and visitors alike are anticipating the biennial Woodland Heights Home Tour, organized by the Woodland Heights Civic Association, scheduled for March 2224, 2024. As a cornerstone event in the Woodland Heights community, the home tour serves not only as a showcase of the neighborhood’s architectural diversity but also as a significant fundraiser for local activities and initiatives. The event kicks off with the popular “preview happy hour” on Friday, March 22, from 5-7:30 p.m. For $50, attendees can enjoy a self-guided sneak peek at the eight featured homes, complete with wine and cheese at each stop. Notably, tickets purchased for the preview happy hour are valid for the entire weekend, offering flexibility for those unable to visit all the homes on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24, the tour continues from noon-5:30 p.m., with knowledgeable docents stationed at each home to share its unique story and highlight interesting aspects of its design. Weekend tickets are priced at $30 in advance ($35 on tour weekend), with options available for single-house visits at $10 or access solely to the “special feature” home for $15. Tickets are currently available for purchase online and will also be sold at select merchants beginning March 1. Please note that for online ticket purchases, tickets will not be mailed but can be collected on tour days at the ticket booth located at Travis Elementary (3311 Beauchamp).
See HSPCA P. 6
See HOME TOUR P. 3
Photo courtesy of HSPCA
The crew of the Houston SPCA Animal Rescue Ambulance picks up injured, stray animals throughout Harris County.
Inside the lifesaving work of the Houston SPCA Animal Rescue Ambulance By Diane Teichman The Leader News Contributor Eat Drink HTX: Enjoy a meal, support a good cause
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Art Valet: Witness the fascinating art of glass-blowing
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Movie review: De Niro and DiCaprio go way back with This Boy’s LIfe
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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������5 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8
The high level of compassion we have for animals in the Greater Heights and surrounding area is evidenced by the dozens of rescue groups and shelters where our neighbors dedicate time and resources to find lost pets, and rescue, foster and rehome a variety of species of animals that are abandoned or stray. The BARC website states their total intake in 2023 was 17,810 animals and they receive a yearly average of 55,000 calls. But estimates of unaccounted for numbers of strays in Harris County are much higher. Considering the hazards of preferred roaming terrain like bayous, junk yards, railroad and automotive traffic, and port container yards, the percentage of injured or incapacitated stray animals is too high. On any given day, Houstonians will encounter an injured stray. When I discovered a dog with a gaping wound on his leg curled up on the edge of White Oak Bayou, I was at a loss at what to do. I had no veterinary knowledge, no kennel or way to
Screenshot by Diane Teichman
A heartfelt thank you that went three ways.
safely move this dog to a vet clinic and no idea what clinic would take it. It was struggling to get up and needed help as soon as possible. Luckily, a friend there knew to call
Beyond the Runway: Chloe Dao bridges fashion and inspiration in The Heights By Lisa Morales The Leader News Contributor Chloe Dao, renowned fashion designer and winner of Project Runway in 2006, has not only left an indelible mark on the fashion industry but continues to inspire and innovate with her namesake boutique in the Houston Heights. With a career spanning over three decades, Dao’s journey from a refugee child to a fashion icon is as remarkable as her designs. Born in Pakse, Laos, Dao’s early years were marked by displacement and struggle, especially during the Vietnamese Civil War. In 1979 Dao, her parents and seven sisters emigrated to the United States. Despite the
turmoil, her passion for fashion and innate creativity propelled her forward. From redesigning vintage clothes to creating her senior prom dress, Dao’s talent was evident from a young age. Winning Project Runway in 2006 catapulted Dao into the spotlight, but her dedication to her craft and commitment to her clients have been the driving forces behind her success. As she celebrates 25 years in business, Dao reflects on her journey and the evolution of her brand. Balancing Creativity with Commercial Viability One of the most challenging aspects of being a fashion designer, according to Dao,
is striking the balance between creativity and profitability. In an industry where artistic expression often collides with financial realities, Dao navigates these waters with finesse. Dao tells The Leader, “Balancing artistic expression and commercial viability is honestly one of the hardest parts of being a fashion designer. We all want to be super creative, but we have to pay the bills. Since I have been in business for so long now, I’ve seen many changes in the industry. For example, fabric is double in price what it used to be. Thank goodness I am a fabric hoarder and have amazing fabrics that I’ve kept for 20 years.” Dao’s sense of humor and candor Fashion designer Chloe Dao
Submitted photo
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