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228th Edition
HONORING the life and legacy of
“Poppa D-MARS” Booker T. Davis, Jr.
August 19, 1940 – August 3, 2026
We Love You “POPS”! Mr. D-Mars
04-05
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D-MARS.COM AUGUST PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE “ I have learned
that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed”
– Booker T. Washington
CERTIFIED:
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Minority Supplier Development Council
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This edition of d-mars.com Business Journal is especially meaningful to me and my family as we honor the life and legacy of my father, Booker T. “Poppa D-MARS” Davis Jr., who recently completed his earthly journey. My father was a man who believed that success wasn’t simply measured by what you accumulated, but by the lives you impacted along the way. He taught me that hard work wasn’t optional, integrity wasn’t negotiable and family was life’s greatest blessing. Those lessons became the foundation not only for the man I am today, but also for the values that guide our family and the work we do every day through Vaskey Media Group. As an entrepreneur, truck driver, coach and mentor, my father understood that leadership was about showing up, keeping your word and never being afraid of honest work. Whether he was coaching young athletes, building a business or encouraging those around him, he led by example. He believed that if you worked hard, treated people with respect and remained faithful, opportunities would follow.
METRO
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
City of Houston
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
“Poppa D-MARS” Booker T. Davis, Jr.
CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd CREATIVE MANAGER
SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Chivon Jones
COMMUNITY 06 Choose Your Impact. Twenty-Five Years Later, One Legacy Continues to Change Lives INDUSTRY EXPERTS (11-20) 11 Research Our Experienced Industry Experts to Help Navigate Your Business Needs
Grady Carter
10 Wellness as a Business Strategy: Why Black-Owned Companies Are Investing in Healthier Workplaces
Carneal Addison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
23 W hen “I’m Just tired” is More Than Being Tired 24 Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure as You Age
BUSINESS
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
23 You asked, Eye Doctors Answer: Common Eye Health Questions Explained.
DBE
HHF CB/LB
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• Top 50 Black Professionals
24 Easy Ways to Fuel Your Busy Lifestyle With Lean Protein
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• Online Expert Directory
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Dad, thank you for believing in me, teaching me and showing me what it truly means to lead with character. Your legacy lives on through your family, your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and the countless people whose lives you helped shape.
OUR SERVICES
the life and legacy of
Eugenie Doualla
WEB DESIGNER & DEVELOPER
To everyone who has extended prayers, words of encouragement and expressions of kindness during this difficult time, thank you. Your love and support have reminded us that a person’s greatest legacy is not measured by wealth or titles, but by the countless lives they touch.
HUB
HONORING
MR. D-MARS
George Gustin
While our family mourns his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived… a life defined by love, perseverance, service and an enduring commitment to helping others succeed.
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER & CEO
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
HISD
Many of the principles that have guided the growth of d-mars.com Business Journal were first taught to me by my father long before this publication ever existed. His quiet strength, unwavering work ethic and determination to build something meaningful continue to inspire me every day.
26 The Business Emergency Fund: How Much Cash Should Your Company Keep?
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POPPA D-MARS OBITUARY
Booker T. Davis, Jr. The Man Behind the D-MARS Legacy
HONORING the life and legacy of
“Poppa D-MARS” Booker T. Davis, Jr.
August 19, 1940 – August 3, 2026 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
From the playing fields of East Texas to entrepreneurship in Houston, the man affectionately known as “Poppa D-MARS” built a legacy rooted in family, hard work, faith and helping others succeed. Long before there was a D-MARS brand, there was Booker T. Davis Jr. There was the young athlete from East Texas who learned about competition playing alongside his brothers. There was the coach who spent countless hours on football fields and baseball diamonds teaching young athletes that what they did after the game mattered just as much as what they did during it. There was the businessman who understood the value of hard work and wasn't afraid to take a chance on himself. And there was the father whose lessons about discipline, integrity and family would eventually become part of the foundation his children carried into their own lives and careers. Davis, affectionately known as “Poppa D-MARS,” died Aug. 3, 2026, just 16 days shy of his 86th birthday. But for a man who spent more than eight decades building, teaching, coaching and pouring into others, his story is measured by far more than the years between his birth and death. It can be found in the family he raised, the businesses he helped build, the athletes he coached and the countless people who still remember his contagious smile. “My father left a legacy that will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said his son, Keith “Mr. D-Mars” Davis. “We will continue to honor
the lessons he taught us and pass them on to future generations.”
AN EAST TEXAS FOUNDATION
We Love You “POPS”!
Born Aug. 19, 1940, in Leggett, Texas, Davis was the son of Allie Pearl and Booker Davis Sr. He grew up in Leggett and Livingston in a family where discipline, perseverance and integrity weren't simply talked about. They were expected. Athletics became one of the earliest places where those lessons took root.
Davis attended Dunbar High School, excelling in football and baseball, and the competitive spirit he developed playing with his brothers eventually evolved into something larger: a passion for coaching and mentoring young people. Over the years, he coached football, baseball, women's softball and numerous Little League teams. The victories mattered, but the lessons mattered more. Davis used sports to teach teamwork, discipline, preparation and character, values his own children say he practiced as much as he preached. In 2024, decades of that work were recognized when Davis was inducted into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame. For a man who had invested so much of himself in young athletes, the honor represented more than recognition of a coaching record. It acknowledged the generations of young people who had passed through his care.
Mr. D-Mars
A BUSINESSMAN WILLING TO BET ON HIMSELF The same drive Davis brought to athletics followed him into business. After moving to Houston, he learned the trucking industry while working for Budweiser-Anheuser Busch. But eventually, working hard for someone else's company wasn't enough. Davis took the entrepreneurial leap and created Davis & Sons Moving and Staffing. The company provided moving and staffing services to businesses throughout Houston and across Texas, while also giving Davis something that mattered deeply to him: an opportunity to create jobs for other people. Later, he joined his sons in launching D-MARS Trucking Service, which served major oil and gas industry clients, including Shell, Exxon and Weatherford. It became another family enterprise and another example of what Davis had spent years teaching his children: Work hard. Build something. Take care of your family. And when possible, create opportunities for somebody else along the way.
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August 2026 | 5
POPPA D-MARS OBITUARY
Booker T. Davis, Jr.
Tributes
He retired at 67, but the lessons remained.
lessons extended far beyond sports.
His son Keith Davis, known professionally as Mr. D-MARS, said his father's influence wasn't rooted in grand speeches. It came from watching him live the principles he expected his children to embrace.
“Thank you for your sacrifices, for teaching us the meaning of family, and for instilling the importance of hard work and education,” they wrote in their tribute. “Our bonds will never be forgotten.”
“Thank you for the love, guidance and values you instilled in each of us,” he wrote in a tribute to his father. “You taught us that hard work, integrity and family are the foundation of a meaningful life. More than your words, it was your example that shaped who we are today.”
Those bonds were at the center of Davis’s life.
Those words help explain why the D-MARS name represents more than a business identity for the Davis family. Behind it is a father who spent decades modeling the work ethic and determination his children would carry forward.
COACH AT HOME, TOO For all his business accomplishments and years of coaching, Davis’s most important team was the one at home. He coached each of his children in their athletic pursuits and later watched with pride as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren continued the family's athletic tradition. His daughter Yasmine, affectionately known as Peaches, and his grandchildren remembered a father and grandfather whose
He cherished his children, James, Malcolm, Kevin, Keith, Booker T. III and Yasmine, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And throughout the years of raising children, coaching teams, building businesses and navigating life's inevitable challenges, there was Daisy. His wife remembered Davis not through his accomplishments, but through the intimacy of the life they shared. “You were the love of my life, my greatest blessing, and my best friend,” Daisy wrote. “Every smile, every journey and every day by your side is a treasure I will hold close for the rest of my life.” She ended simply: “I love you, Sweetie. Always and forever.”
MORE THAN A NAME Boney said being present for the Davis family following Booker's death was important precisely because of the relationships Davis spent his life cultivating.
“Poppa D-MARS was a funny man who always made me laugh with that contagious smile of his,” said Jeffrey Boney, who joined family and friends in honoring Davis. “He was a family man and a man who always handled business. It was clear how much he was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.” It is a sentiment that fits the life Booker T. Davis Jr. lived.
SHOWING UP MATTERED. He showed up for his wife. He showed up for his children. He showed up for young athletes who needed a coach. He showed up for people who needed employment. He showed up for his sons as they ventured into business. And as his family expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he kept showing up, cheering for another generation with the same enthusiasm he had given the first. His faith remained central throughout his life. Among his favorite passages was Psalm 23, with its promise of guidance through both green pastures and life's darkest valleys. Today, the businesses continue. The family continues. The lessons continue. And so does the name. But perhaps the greatest measure of Booker T. Davis Jr.'s legacy isn't that people remember “Poppa D-MARS.” It's that the people who knew him best are still living what he taught them.
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6 | August 2026
COMMUNITY
SEPTEMBER IS SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH
“ Awareness alone is not enough. Awareness must lead to education. Education must lead to action.”
CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT Twenty-Five Years Later, One Legacy Continues to Change Lives
— Devard Darling
CELLebration Lunch & Learn, an educational gathering that reflects the Foundation’s belief that knowledge is one of the most powerful forms of medicine. The Lunch & Learn News Provider brings together clinicians, patient advocates, caregivers, researchers, healthcare partners, and community leaders to hat does one life look like 25 years later? discuss emerging therapies, patient resources, health equity, and practical strategies that empower individuals living with Can one life continue changing lives sickle cell disease and trait. long after it’s gone? For the As By d-mars.com
W
One Foundation, the answer is an undeniable yes. As September marks Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Houston has an opportunity not only to recognize one of the nation’s most common inherited blood disorders but also to celebrate the extraordinary legacy that continues to educate, empower, and inspire families around the world.
EDUCATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THE FOUNDATION’S WORK. Throughout the year, the As One Foundation reaches families through initiatives such as Operation Hydration, which promotes hydration and athlete safety; SCALATE AS ONE, a virtual patient and family education series that fosters learning, support, and connection; and GIVE BLOOD, GET TESTED, which encourages blood and marrow donation while increasing awareness of sickle cell status and the importance of donor diversity.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the passing of Devaughn Darling, the Florida State University football player whose death during football conditioning drills on February 26, 2001, brought national attention to the importance of sickle cell trait awareness in athletics. What began as one family’s unimaginable loss has become a movement that continues to save lives. These programs all share one comFounded by Devaughn’s identical twin brother and former NFL wide receiver Devard Darling, the As One Foundation has transformed tragedy into purpose, empowering families globally through life-saving sickle cell education, advocacy, and support. Houston has long been recognized for its excellence in healthcare, innovation, and philanthropy. This September, our city has another opportunity to demonstrate its leadership by standing with individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.
EVERY FAMILY HAS A STORY. EVERY SUPPORTER HAS A REASON. EVERY BUSINESS HAS AN OPPORTUNITY. THIS SEPTEMBER, CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT. That invitation comes to life on Monday, September 21, 2026, when the As One Foundation hosts its 4th Annual SICKLE CELLebrity Golf Tournament at Quail Valley Golf Club in Missouri City. More than a golf tournament, the event serves as a catalyst for education, partnership, and hope. Business leaders, healthcare professionals, athletes, advocates, and community members will come together with one shared purpose: improving the lives of families affected by sickle cell disease and trait. Golf provides a unique environment where business leaders, healthcare professionals, community advocates, and families can build relationships that extend far beyond one day on the course. Those relationships become partnerships, and those partnerships become opportunities to educate more families, strengthen communities, and save lives. Held in conjunction with the tournament is the SICKLE
mon belief:
• Awareness alone is not enough. • Awareness must lead to education. • Education must lead to action. That philosophy has guided the Foundation for nearly two decades and continues to shape every event, partnership, and conversation. This year, the Foundation is inviting the Houston community to embrace a simple yet powerful challenge:
Twenty-five years after Devaughn’s passing, his legacy remains stronger than ever. Not only in the conversations happening around sickle cell disease and trait... Not only in the policies that continue to improve athlete safety...
25 YEARS OF IMPACT
The As One Foundation • Nearly two decades of serving the sickle cell community • Thousands of individuals educated through community outreach and events • Life-saving hydration and athlete safety education through Operation Hydration • Patient and caregiver empowerment through SCALATE AS ONE • Blood and marrow donor awareness through GIVE BLOOD, GET TESTED • Transportation assistance helping patients access critical medical care • Research, advocacy, and policy leadership advancing health equity • Corporate and community partnerships improving lives across Houston and beyond
CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT. For some, that may mean sponsoring a hole at the golf tournament.
Not only in the families finding education and support...
For others, it may mean registering a foursome, attending the SICKLE CELLebration Lunch & Learn, donating an auction item, volunteering, becoming a Community Partner, or making a charitable contribution.
But in every person who chooses to become part of something bigger than themselves.
For healthcare professionals, it may mean educating patients.
Twenty-five years ago, one family’s unimaginable loss changed the conversation around sickle cell trait in athletics.
For business leaders, it may mean investing in healthier communities. For every reader, it simply means finding your place in a mission that continues changing lives one family at a time. Because you don’t have to play golf to choose your impact. You simply have to care. The number 53 appears throughout many As One Foundation events and initiatives. While it represents Devaughn Darling’s football jersey number, it has also become a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and hope—a reminder that one life can continue inspiring countless others.
Today, that same legacy continues to change lives through education, advocacy, partnership, and hope.
Choose Your Impact! Sponsor • Golf • Learn • Volunteer • Donate Support the As One Foundation’s mission of empowering families globally through life-saving sickle cell education.
This September, the question isn’t whether you can make a difference.
THE QUESTION IS...HOW WILL YOU CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT?
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August 2026 | 7
COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY
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82nd Edition
WELLNESS AS A BUSINESS STRATEGY:
WHY BLACK-OWNED COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN HEALTHIER WORKPLACES
10
INSIDE
23
23
You Asked, Eye Doctors Answer: Common Eye Health Questions Explained
When “I’m Just Tired” Is More Than Being Tired
27
How to Eat Your Way Through Austin: A Food Lover’s Guide Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
10 | August 2026
HEALTH & WELLNESS
WELLNESS AS A BUSINESS STRATEGY:
WHY BLACK-OWNED COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN HEALTHIER WORKPLACES
increasingly part of the discussion.
By d-mars.com News Provider or generations, success in business has often been associated with sacrifice: long hours, missed vacations, working through illness and pushing through exhaustion because there was always another deadline, another client or another problem that needed attention.
F
But a growing conversation among entrepreneurs is challenging the idea that burnout should be considered the price of ambition. For some Black business owners, employee wellness is becoming more than an occasional office perk or an annual conversation about health insurance. It is increasingly being viewed as part of the infrastructure of a successful company, with employers considering everything from mental health days and flexible schedules to wellness stipends, fitness benefits and stronger boundaries around time away from work.
The philosophy is relatively simple: A company cannot operate at its best if the people responsible for running it are exhausted.
The Society for Human Resource Management’s 2026 Mental Health Snapshot found that workplace stress and anxiety continue to be significant concerns for American workers. At the same time, employers are grappling with how effectively they are supporting workers’ mental health and whether employees are actually using the benefits available to them. That makes wellness not simply a human resources issue, but a management issue. For Black-owned companies, the conversation can carry additional significance. Many entrepreneurs are building businesses while navigating limited access to capital, smaller staffs and the pressure to do more with fewer resources. Those same pressures can easily trickle down to employees. Creating a healthier company culture, therefore, does not necessarily mean copying the benefits packages of corporations with multi-million-dollar HR budgets. It can begin with smaller policies that acknowledge that employees have lives outside of work.
RETHINKING WHAT A BENEFIT LOOKS LIKE
And the numbers suggest employers have reason to pay attention.
Some businesses are expanding their definition of benefits beyond traditional medical insurance.
Gallup reported in 2026 that just 46% of U.S. workers were considered to be thriving at the end of 2025, the lowest percentage the organization had recorded since early 2022. Gallup estimates burnout-related turnover and lost productivity cost organizations worldwide $322 billion annually. Employees who are thriving, meanwhile, miss substantially fewer workdays because of health problems and are less likely to be actively looking for another job.
A wellness stipend, for example, might help employees pay for a gym membership, fitness class or another approved health expense. Other companies may designate mental health or wellness days that employees can take without having to pretend they have the flu simply because they need time to decompress.
Flexible schedules can give employees room for medical appointments, therapy, care giving responsibilities or exerFor small businesses, where the absence or departure of even cise. Employee assistance programs can provide confidenone key employee can disrupt operations, those numbers tial counseling and other resources. Companies can also can carry even greater weight. encourage workers to actually use vacation days rather than quietly rewarding those who never take them.
WELLNESS IS BECOMING A BOTTOM-LINE ISSUE
Workplace wellness once conjured images of gym memberships, step challenges and perhaps a fruit bowl in the break room. Today, the definition is much broader. Mental and emotional health, care giving responsibilities, financial stress, workload, workplace flexibility and whether employees actually have time to recover from their jobs are
Houston employers already have examples of how broadly wellness can be approached. The Greater Houston Partnership’s employee benefits include a physical fitness subsidy, wellness room, wellness day benefit, employee assistance program, caregiver support and virtual care and mental health resources. The City of Houston’s wellness program similarly includes
health screenings, fitness classes, mental health resources, nutrition education, lifestyle coaching and wellness activities. Small businesses may not have the resources to replicate large institutional programs, but the underlying idea can scale down. A company with five employees can establish a policy discouraging emails after business hours. A 15-person firm can give employees an additional wellness day each quarter. An employer can negotiate a corporate rate with a local fitness center, provide a modest annual wellness allowance or allow employees greater flexibility over when and where certain work gets done. Sometimes wellness costs money. Sometimes it simply requires changing the culture.
THE BLACK WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE MATTERS There is another layer to the wellness conversation for Black workers. Professional environments do not exist separately from the experiences employees bring into them. Workers may be dealing with care giving demands, financial pressures or stress outside the office while simultaneously navigating expectations inside it. For Black entrepreneurs, creating a workplace where employees can acknowledge those realities can become part of building the type of company culture they may not have experienced earlier in their own careers. That does not mean lowering expectations or eliminating accountability. In fact, advocates of workplace wellness increasingly make the opposite argument: Employees can be expected to perform at a high level without being expected to sacrifice their health to do it.
THE GOAL IS SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTIVITY. Gallup’s research has linked employee well-being with outcomes including absenteeism, retention, engagement and performance, suggesting that companies that ignore worker wellness may ultimately pay for it elsewhere. That could mean losing an employee whose workload became unsustainable, absorbing additional sick days or watching productivity decline because workers are mentally checked out long before they physically leave.
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d-mars.com’s Industry Expert Directory is a powerful tool designed to function as a one-stop source to connect Black Industry Experts in Houston to other Experts they can trust. The directory is a great opportunity for Black Entrepreneurs to showcase their expertise, whether that’s through previous projects, photos, testimonials, or even video. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to find other businesses to create meaningful relationships with to collaborate and continue to give back to the community. Each member profile displays key information: contact information, services offered, certifications, company size, geographic reach, past project experience, and more. This is much more than just a listing – each member is interviewed, vetted, and looking to work with others in the Black community in Houston.
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D-MARS.COM BLACK INDUSTRY EXPERTS DIRECTORY
ACCOUNTING / CPA
ACCOUNTING / CPA
Expert Business Consulting, Auditing, and Accounting
Tax and Small Business Consulting, Tax planning, Profit Maximization
Christian Onyemem, CPA Firm, PLLC
Jimerson Advisory Group
ACCOUNTING / CPA
AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
The CPA Strategist
HVAC Expertise in Greater Rosharon Area
Christian Onyemem, CPA, CFE, CAA
Nicole Michelle, CPA
Sheryl Jimerson, CPA
Arnett Mechanical
Nicole Michelle, CPA
Anton Arnett, President
ASSISTED LIVING
ASSISTED LIVING
Respectful Elder Assistance by Patient Caregivers
Compassionate Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Care Assisted Living
Wilson Family Caring Center
ATTORNEY / BUSINESS LAW
ATTORNEY - CIVIL / PERSONAL INJURY
Protecting the Interests of Individuals and Businesses
Dedicated and Caring Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston
Dr. Tayray Jasmine, President & Owner
B. Keith Jackson Attorney and Counselor at Law, PLLC B. Keith Jackson, Founder
Tjwana Wilson, Owner
The Cox Pradia Law Firm, PLLC
Jonathan H. Cox and Troy J. Pradia, Co-Partners
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D-MARS.COM BLACK INDUSTRY EXPERTS DIRECTORY
ATTORNEY - CIVIL / PERSONAL INJURY
ATTORNEY / ENTERTAINMENT LAW
The Law Firm Where Right Wins Over Might
A Full-Service Entertainment Law Firm
The Hall Law Group, PLLC
Attorney Ricky Anderson, PLLC
ATTORNEY - CIVIL / PERSONAL INJURY
ATTORNEY - PERSONAL INJURY
We Believe in Justice, That’s Why We Fight for You
Houston Personal Injury Attorney
Rodney Jones Law Group P.C.
The Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III, PLLC
AUDIO / VISUAL
AUTHOR, SPEAKER & TRAINER
Expert Audio Visual Event Production
Thought Leader, National Speaker, Advocate for Change
Benjamin L. Hall III, Founder
Rodney Jones, Managing Attorney & CEO
Southern Sound & Lighting
Attorney Ricky Anderson, Owner
Willie D. Powells III, President & Attorney
J.D. Garnier, Sr.
Terry Gobert, President
J.D. Garnier, Sr., Founder
AUTOMOBILE
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Drive Central Houston Cadillac
Advanced Background Screening and Drug Screening
Gregory Joseph Jones, New Car Salesman
Bayou City Fingerprinting
Central Houston Cadillac
Brandon Edwards, CEO
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D-MARS.COM BLACK INDUSTRY EXPERTS DIRECTORY
BEAUTY / FASHION
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Personalized Service to Create Your Ideal Beauty Experience
Largest Black-Owned Hair Extension Company in the U.S.
Mary Kay
She’s Happy Hair
Marlene Petry, Independent Sales Director
Warren Broadnax, CEO & Co-Founder
BUSINESS SERVICES
CHIROPRACTIC / WELLNESS
Workforce & Leadership Development, Contractor Coaching
Care for Recovery, Movement, & Everyday Life
Gillian Levi, M.ED, President & CEO
Better Days Chiropractic
Odigo Learning
Dr. Lawson Earl Howard, Jr., Owner and Lead Chiropractor
CHIROPRACTIC / WELLNESS
CHIROPRACTIC / WELLNESS
Emphasizing Preventive Care to Reduce Risk of Pain and Illness
Sports and Wellness Doc Offering a Holistic Approach to Healthcare
Full Circle Chiropractic and Wellness Center
The Wellness Doc Integrative Medicine
CHURCH
CONSTRUCTION
Discover God’s Unique Purpose for Your Life
Highly-Skilled and Highly-Productive Construction for Your Future
Dr. Te’Lila Robinson, Chiropractor
Higher Dimension Church
Terrance H. Johnson, Senior Pastor
Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, RN Chiropractor
Jerrold Construction
Keith J. Davis, Jr., Owner & CEO
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Houston Construction and Remodeling Expert
Achieve a Confident, Beautiful Smile with Expert Orthodontic Care
SOS Construction and Remodeling
Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics
DENTAL / ORTHODONTICS
ENGINEERING
Comprehensive Oral Health Solutions and Creating Beautiful Smiles
Next Level, Innovative, and ClientFocused Civil Engineering Solutions
Lasting Impressions Dental Group
Lentz Engineering, LLC
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Factoring Solutions for Cash Flow Problems
Education for Retirement Strategies, Investments, and Wealth Accumulation
A-Plus Factoring
Marshall Wealth Management
FUNERAL HOMES
HOME BUILDER
Service of Great Pride, Care, and Compassion for Your Family
Commercial, Residential Remodeling and New Home Construction
Steven Reed Sr., Owner
Dr. Alison Scott Cuillier, Owner
MR.D-MARS, President & CEO
Troy B. Smith Professional Services Troy B. Smith, Owner & CEO
Dr. Heather Brown, Owner
Ted O. Uwague, Owner
James L. Marshall, Jr., Owner & CEO
JB Thibodeaux Homes
James Thibodeaux, Owner
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HOME BUILDER
HOSPICE CARE FACILITY
Quality Custom-Built Homes in Heart of Houston
Exceptional Professional Care and Trusted Healthcare Solutions
Mayberry Homes, Inc.
A Hug Away Healthcare, Inc.
Sharone Mayberry, CEO
Dr. Marisa Williams-Reed, CEO & Co-Founder
HOSPICE CARE FACILITY
INSURANCE
Comprehensive, Compassionate, and Individualized Care
Home, Auto, Life, Disability and Annuity Products for Personal or Business
A Serene Healthcare
All-Type Insurance
Shenice Ferguson, Owner
Tony LaBarre, President & CEO
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Houston’s Best Interior Design From Concept to Completion
High-Quality Commercial & Residential Janitorial Services
Evolution by Design
FlaggStone Development Janitorial
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
You Asked, Eye Doctors Answer: COMMON EYE HEALTH QUESTIONS EXPLAINED WHY DOES MY EYE TWITCH RANDOMLY?
By d-mars News Provider
I
f you’ve ever turned to the internet with a question about your eyes – whether it’s dryness, blurry vision or an unexpected eye twitch – you’re not alone. Eye doctors hear these same questions from patients every day.
Dr. Grant: Eye twitching, clinically known as eyelid myokymia, happens when the lower eyelid involuntarily spasms. It often resolves quickly and is commonly caused by fatigue, stress, eye strain or too much caffeine or alcohol. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and managing stress often help. If eye strain is the cause, you may need updated corrective lenses.
WHY IS MY VISION CLOUDY OR BLURRY?
To help separate fact from fiction, VSP network doctors Bradley Grant, O.D., of VisionPoint Eye Center in Illinois, and Sonia Chung, O.D., M.Ed., medical director of TSA at Visionworks in Arizona, answer some of the most common questions.
Dr. Chung: Cloudy or blurry vision can result from dry eyes, eye strain or prescription changes. It may also be related to cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens. Sometimes blurry vision can signal broader health issues, including diabetes, so it’s important to mention any changes during your eye exam. Your eye doctor can determine the cause and recommend the right treatment.
WHY ARE MY EYES ALWAYS DRY? Dr. Grant: Dry eye is one of the most common chronic eye conditions and occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or your tears lack the proper quality. Tears help keep your eyes hydrated, clear irritants and provide stable vision. Dry eye can result from excessive screen time, contact lens use or exposure to smoke and allergens, so it’s important to see your eye doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
WHY DO MY EYES LOOK RED AND BLOODSHOT? Dr. Chung: Red or bloodshot eyes are often caused by allergies, tiredness, dry eyes, contact lens irritation, smoke, other irritants or infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye). Relief may come from preservative-free artificial tears, a cold compress, avoiding irritants and washing your hands before touching your eyes. If redness doesn’t improve or keeps returning, see your eye doctor.
DO I REALLY NEED TO SEE MY EYE DOCTOR IF MY VISION IS CLEAR AND I DON’T WEAR GLASSES? Dr. Grant: A comprehensive eye exam is an important part of preventive care. Your optometrist can detect signs of more than 270 health conditions, many of which have no early symptoms and can affect your overall health as well as your vision. Annual eye exams help answer your questions, identify subtle changes and provide a clearer picture of your overall well-being. To schedule your annual eye exam, find a Visionworks location near you at www.locations. visionworks.com, or locate additional VSP network doctors in your area at www.vsp.com/ eye-doctor. SOURCE: StatePoint edited by d-mars.com
WHEN “I’M JUST TIRED” IS MORE THAN BEING TIRED By d-mars.com News Provider ou wake up tired, push through the morning with coffee, fight the afternoon slump, drag yourself through the workday and promise to get sleep tonight. Then life intervenes: dinner, work, care giving, bills and screen time.
Y
Anemia: A lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue. Women with heavy menstrual cycles, pregnant women and those with gastrointestinal bleeding are at higher risk.
Sleep Apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, morning headaches and daytime drowsiness. Left untreated, it increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Thyroid Disorders: An under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) slows metabolism, causing fatigue, weight gain, cold
THE IMPACT OF STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH Not every cause of fatigue appears on a blood test. Chronic stress and emotional exhaustion take a physical toll, impairing concentration, appetite and sleep.
You wake up the next morning and do it all over again. For many adults, chronic fatigue has become normalized. We blame our schedules, stress, aging or workload. Often, that is the culprit. But persistent fatigue can also signal an underlying health issue.
Mental health conditions like depression also manifest physically through energy loss, sleep disruptions and difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue accompanies conditions ranging from inadequate sleep and chronic stress to anemia, thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, sleep apnea, diabetes and depression.
To evaluate your fatigue, ask: Is this normal for me?
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR Significant changes: such as sudden difficulty exercising, needing daily naps or waking up exhausted despite eight hours of sleep — warrant medical attention. Keeping a log of sleep patterns, weight changes and other symptoms can help your physician determine if blood work or further evaluation is needed.
KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE Adults generally need at least seven hours of sleep each night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But time in bed does not guarantee quality sleep. Work schedules, stress, late-night screen use, alcohol, caffeine and medications can all interfere with rest. An occasional exhausting week is rarely cause for alarm. Concern arises when fatigue persists, interferes with daily activities or fails to improve with adequate rest.
Fatigue is a symptom, not a disease. Common medical causes include:
sensitivity, constipation and muscle weakness. Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin D can deplete energy. Health experts advise against self-diagnosing with over-the-counter supplements, recommending blood work through a primary care provider instead.
Seek prompt medical care if fatigue occurs alongside chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion or unusual bleeding. While society often glorifies busyness, persistent exhaustion is not a badge of honor. When "I'm tired" becomes a daily baseline, listen to your body — it may be asking for medical attention, not just more coffee.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tips to Lower Your Blood Pressure As You Age sion. That’s why it’s important to eat a balanced diet, including vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, dairy and oils.
By d-mars News Provider
A
s you age, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll eventually develop high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In fact, according to one study, about 60% of people get hypertension by the time they reach age 60.
Fortunately, high blood pressure is highly treatable and manageable through a combination of lifestyle changes and, when necessary, medication. Unfortunately, it often appears without symptoms, putting people at risk of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and death, without them even knowing it. “High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer,” said Dr. Jennifer Ziemianin, chief medical officer for HealthSpring. “But we’re not going to be quiet about it. We want older adults to know about the risks and take action to manage hypertension.” The first step is to get your blood pressure checked. The American Heart Association recommends adults get their blood pressure checked at least once a year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, high blood pressure is an upper reading of 130 or above or a lower reading of 80 or above. If your blood pressure is high, you should check it regularly using an automatic, upper arm cuff-style monitor. These monitors are widely available, affordable and easy to use. You can ask your doctor for tips if needed. Although hypertension generally can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed through a variety of measures, Ziemianin said, including the following: Exercise. Moderate activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, can lower high blood pressure. Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise plan. If you belong to a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you may have access to a fitness program at no extra cost to you.
Cut down on salt. As you get older, the body becomes more sensitive to salt. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure. Limit the amount of salt in your diet by choosing low-sodium seasonings when preparing meals. Drink less alcohol. Even moderate alcohol use can increase your blood pressure. The American Health Associations recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Quit smoking or don’t start. Smoking increases your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. It’s never too late to quit. If you have a Medicare plan, you have access to counseling services to help you quit. Additionally, a Medicare Part D plan may cover medications to help you stop smoking. Manage stress. Stress can increase your blood pressure. Medicare and MA plans cover counseling services, including telehealth in some cases, to help you cope with stress. Talk to your doctor about medication. There are several medications available to help lower your blood pressure. You may need to try several types or combinations before you find a plan that works for you. Once you find the right plan, always take your medication as prescribed. If cost is an issue, an MA plan with drug coverage, or a standalone drug plan, helps pay for most blood pressure medications. “Lowering blood pressure, even a small amount, can make a big difference,” Ziemianin said. “That’s why it’s so critical for you to identify high blood pressure early and then work very closely with your primary care physician to develop a plan for managing your hypertension so you can live a longer, healthier life.” For more information about Medicare and MA benefits that can help you lower your blood pressure, visit https://www.healthspring.com. SOURCE: STATEPOINT
Eat a heart-healthy diet. Having a higher body mass index is a risk factor for hyperten-
Easy Ways to Fuel Your Busy Lifestyle With Lean Protein macronutrient,” says Williams.
By d-mars News Provider id you know protein plays a key role in helping you sustain energy throughout the day? So if your idea of a lunch or mid-afternoon snack involves empty calories, it may be time to rethink what’s on your plate. Fueling your body with high-quality, nutrient-rich protein can help you feel your best and accomplish everyday goals, big or small.
D
Registered Dietitian Sarah Williams says prioritizing lean protein throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to support energy, muscle health and satiety. As part of the Fuel Good, Feel Good campaign from StarKist, she is offering insights into the nutritional benefits of lean protein, along with easy ways to prioritize it at home, at work, after workouts, or on the go. Why is protein so important? Protein helps repair and build tissues, supports muscle growth, and keeps you feeling satisfied. “If you’re aiming to build muscle, lose or maintain weight, or simply maintain a healthy body, you’ll want to be sure you’re focusing on getting enough of this essential
The good news is that many high-quality, protein-rich foods contain other important nutrients that support your health. Both tuna and salmon are a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and support brain development in children. They are also among the few natural food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function, along with key nutrients like selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and B vitamins that help support energy metabolism. What are some easy ways to get more protein? Good habits are more likely to stick when you make them easy to execute. Fortunately, StarKist offers more than 20 varieties of tuna pouches that are convenient, ready to eat and packed with lean protein. Every StarKist tuna pouch is fully cooked, perfectly seasoned and delivers 12 grams or more of protein. This combination of convenience, variety and great taste can help you meet your goals. “With so many delicious varieties to choose from, you can keep things interesting every day and not get stuck in a snack or lunch rut,” says Williams.
At snack time, enjoy a pouch or Snack-To-Go kit on its own. At lunch, try a Lunch-To-Go kit, Smart Bowl, or make your own creations by adding a pouch to salads, wraps or desk-side lunches. How can you stay accountable? Staying accountable is easier when you do it alongside someone with the same goals. Whether it’s your spouse, coworker, or best friend, set intentions together and check in at meal and snack times to stay on track. “Keep it rooted in your why. Sometimes just a quick check-in with yourself can help you make choices that actually feel good for you, not just what you think you ‘should’ be doing,” says Williams. The right nutrition throughout the day can make all the difference in helping you stay energized. To fuel your wins, goals and accomplishments, be sure to prioritize lean protein like tuna for smarter snacking and higher-quality midday meals. For more information about the campaign and for recipes and nutritional information, visit StarKist.com. Source: StatePoint
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BUSINESS
The Business
EMERGENCY FUND: How Much Cash Should
YOUR COMPANY KEEP
By d-mars News Provider
F
or entrepreneurs, an unexpected financial hit can come from almost anywhere: a major client leaves, equipment breaks, sales drop, insurance premiums jump or a customer fails to pay on time.
The question is not whether a company will face a cash crunch, but whether it will have enough liquidity to survive. Often called a cash reserve, a business emergency fund provides a cushion to pay employees, rent, utilities, insurance and vendors when revenue falls or costs surge. For small businesses lacking easy access to capital, a reserve can mean the difference between weathering a slump and closing shop.
HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD YOU KEEP? While there is no single rule for every business, a common starting point is three to six months of essential operating expenses. The ideal target depends on the company's business model, revenue predictability and how quickly the owner can cut costs during a downturn. A firm with steady monthly contracts and low overhead may operate comfortably with a smaller reserve. Conversely, a seasonal business, restaurant or company dependent on a few key clients often needs significantly more.
To set a goal, owners should first calculate essential monthly expenses, including: • Payroll and payroll taxes • Rent or mortgage payments
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Business owners should also factor in specific operational risks, such as customer concentration. A company that relies on one client for 40% of its revenue faces much higher risk than one with a broad customer base.
MANAGING SEASONAL DIPS AND RESERVES Slow periods are not always emergencies. Retailers, tax professionals and tourism-based companies often experience predictable seasonal swings. These predictable lulls should be built into annual financial planning, using strong months to bank cash for slower quarters. Emergency funds should remain liquid and accessible, but isolated from everyday spending. Placing reserves in a separate high-yield business savings or money market account keeps the cash safe from routine expenses while providing a modest yield. Emergency reserves should prioritize capital preservation and liquidity over maximum investment returns; payroll funds should not depend on stock market volatility.
BUILDING THE FUND GRADUALLY Saving months of expenses can seem daunting for cash-strapped businesses. Owners should start small, aiming first to cover two weeks of essential costs, then one month, eventually working up to three or six months. Automating transfers by routing a fixed percentage of monthly revenue or excess profits into a reserve account builds the habit over time.
CASH VS. CREDIT While a business line of credit provides financial flexibility, it should not replace cash reserves. Credit must be repaid with interest, and lenders may reduce or revoke credit lines during broad economic downturns—precisely when a business needs capital most. Ideally, a company maintains both cash reserves for immediate liquidity and an established credit line for extra flexibility.
• Utilities and insurance • Debt service and critical technology
WHAT QUALIFIES AS AN EMERGENCY?
• Core supplies, inventory and legal fees If essential obligations total $20,000 per month, a three-month reserve would be $60,000, while a six-month fund would require $120,000.
CALCULATING BURN RATE AND RUNWAY
Reserves should be strictly reserved for unexpected and necessary disruptions, such as severe equipment failure, major client loss, property damage or sudden drops in market demand. Upgrading office space, launching impulsive marketing campaigns or funding unbudgeted expansions do not qualify as emergencies.
Understanding monthly "burn rate"—the cash needed to keep operations running—is critical. In a crisis, nonessential expenses can be eliminated. Burn rate focuses strictly on essential obligations.
A healthy emergency fund gives business owners a critical asset: time. It buys time to replace lost clients, repair equipment or navigate slow seasons without taking on high-interest debt or making hasty decisions.
Once owners determine their burn rate, they can calculate their cash runway. A company with $100,000 in available cash and essential expenses of $25,000 per month has roughly four months of runway if revenue vanishes.
To start, calculate what your company needs to operate for one month, compare it to your current available cash, and begin bridging the gap.
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TRAVEL
How to Eat Your Way Through Austin:
A Food Lover’s Guide
By d-mars.com News Provider
Food lovers can enjoy authentic Northern Thai cuisine at Dee Dee Thai, flavorful Indian dishes at Bombay Dhaba, or one of Austin's most popular bowls of ramen at Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Diners looking for Asian-inspired comfort food can also visit Old Thousand, known for creative interpretations of Chinese-American favorites and dim sum-inspired dishes.
ustin's reputation extends far beyond its live music venues and outdoor attractions. The Texas capital has become one of the nation's most celebrated culinary destinations, offering everything from award-winning barbecue and authentic Tex-Mex to globally inspired cuisine, craft breweries and innovative food trucks. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or planning an extended stay, here are some of the city's must-try dining experiences.
These restaurants highlight how Austin has evolved into a destination where international flavors complement traditional Texas fare.
START WITH TEXAS BARBECUE
Restaurants like Moonshine Grill celebrate Southern comfort food with elevated presentations, while Barley Swine, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, showcases seasonal tasting menus featuring Texas-grown ingredients.
A
No visit to Austin is complete without sampling authentic Texas barbecue. Slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs and homemade sausage are staples of the local food scene, drawing visitors from around the world. Popular destinations such as la Barbecue have earned national recognition for tender brisket and flavorful smoked meats, while The County Line has long been a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and classic Texas barbecue traditions. Whether served on butcher paper or alongside traditional sides like potato salad and beans, barbecue remains one of Austin's defining culinary experiences.
DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST TACOS AND TEX-MEX Breakfast is serious business in Austin, and breakfast tacos have become a beloved local tradition. Locals often start the day at Juan in a Million, an East Austin favorite known for hearty breakfast plates and fresh tortillas. Visitors looking to experience Austin's Tex-Mex heritage can also dine at Matt's El Rancho, one of the city's most iconic restaurants, serving enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and their famous Bob Armstrong Dip. For a more contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, Polvos in South Austin offers a diverse menu featuring interior Mexican specialties, fresh salsas and handcrafted margaritas that continue to attract both residents and tourists.
EXPERIENCE TEXAS-INSPIRED AMERICAN CUISINE Many Austin chefs have embraced locally sourced ingredients while putting modern twists on regional favorites.
For scenic dining, visitors can head to Hula Hut on Lake Austin, where Tex-Mex meets island-inspired cuisine, or enjoy dinner overlooking Lake Travis at The Oasis, often called the "Sunset Capital of Texas" for its panoramic waterfront views.
SAVE ROOM FOR FOOD TRUCKS AND LOCAL BEVERAGES Austin's food truck culture has become an attraction in its own right. Throughout the city, mobile kitchens serve everything from gourmet burgers and tacos to artisan desserts and international specialties. To round out the experience, visitors can explore Austin's growing collection of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Many offer tasting rooms, brewery tours and locally produced beverages that pair perfectly with the city's diverse culinary offerings. From legendary barbecue and breakfast tacos to award-winning restaurants and innovative food trucks, Austin offers a dining experience that reflects the city's creativity, cultural diversity and Texas hospitality. Whether you're seeking comfort food or culinary adventure, every meal provides another opportunity to discover why Austin continues to rank among the country's top food destinations. Source: Austintexas.org
EXPLORE AUSTIN'S GLOBAL FLAVORS Austin's culinary scene reflects the city's growing diversity, with restaurants representing cultures from around the world. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
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