UpClose Magazine - May 2026

Women in Business

Breaking Barriers at the Car Dealership:

Women Find Opportunity at Every Level at Classic Chevrolet

by Alisha McMillen

Three women are making their mark in different departments at Classic Chevrolet, with locations in Sugar Land and on HWY 6. Lisa Ward, Heidy Ortega, and Jasmine Morales are changing the ideas of what to expect from someone in the car business.

Lisa has been with Classic for about five years. Employees, customers, and community are her main focus. “Our motto is ‘Relax and Enjoy the Difference,’” she says. “It’s easy because we have a great product, but you have to be resilient to be in the auto business in general and you have to be even more resilient to be a woman in a male-dominated field.”

That said, Lisa explains, “We have a great team – everyone has a smile on their face and is ready to jump in and help. We’re all a big family and treat each other with respect, always.”

Heidy feels the same as Lisa, saying, “My co-workers are very supportive. We all treat each other like family. The job can be challenging with long hours, but we do get time

off to balance our work/family life. I just like being here. The management is great and they give me ownership of the job to do it the right way.”

“Some people are surprised to be talking to a female sales consultant at first,” Jasmine explains. “But I know the products and the processes to make it a smooth transaction. And the people I’m surrounded by are very helpful. We don’t succeed unless we all succeed together. We provide great service and see a lot of repeat buyers.”

The common message is that Classic treats all of its employees with respect and with a family feel, which trickles down to the way customers are treated. Come to Classic, Relax and Enjoy the Difference.

A Great Classic Experience

Mary Favre has known Ray Aguilar, manager at Classic Chevrolet, for about 15 years. “I was a Ford girl, but when Ray came back to Classic, I said I’d buy from him. He’s trustworthy, which is very important when buying a car.”

Like most buyers from Classic, Mary cites the high standards the management sets for all its employees. “The service is incredible. They all meet that certain standard displayed by all Classic employees. The bar is set high. I love the ease of sales and service, the friendliness, and the cleanliness of the dealership.”

“Classic also gives back to the community like no other. Over the years, they’ve supported the community by sponsoring events, and even hosting events for nonprofits and others in their showroom. It’s a real blessing to have them in our community,” Mary concludes.

Classic Chevy Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-9000

classicchevysugarland.com

Classic Chevy 8100 HWY 6 South Houston, TX 77083

281-983-9807

classicchevyhwy6.com

In Real Estate, Experience is Everything

With more than 50,000 active real estate agents in the Houston area, almost 11,000 of those right here in Fort Bend County, how do you choose the best agent when buying or selling a home?

“I know everything there is to know about Fort Bend County and I bring that to the table for every conversation, negotiation, and transaction I’m involved in,” says Cathy Stubbs, leader of the Cathy Stubbs Team. “I’ve accumulated unparalleled experience and wisdom over my 30+ years in real estate. I have achieved a formidable tenure in the business and can offer invaluable information to my clients.”

“Cathy’s knowledge of real estate is unmatched – she lives and breathes it, and there’s no one more dedicated or hardworking. She’s a tough, savvy businesswoman who leads with strength and confidence, but she also has a soft heart and a genuine love

for helping people, and is truly the heart of the Cathy Stubbs Team,” says Tracy Beyl, who works alongside Cathy every day.

“Over the years, I’ve researched and analyzed every aspect of the business and fine tuned it all. I’ve adopted the most current technology, combined with maintaining the personal touch that is required in this field,” Cathy explains. “I’ve created a winning strategy to attract houses and get them sold.”

With the continually changing landscape of real estate, it can be hard to find a complete real estate business. “There are so many facets of the industry that must be covered. At the Cathy Stubbs Team, we have developed a complete company,” Cathy explains. “I bring my experience to my extremely successful team so we can work together to get the job done – all with a smile on our faces.”

“Cathy works tirelessly to create a competitive, successful, supportive, learning environment for all of her team,” says Tracy Weiss, another team member. “The best word to describe her is tenacious! Cathy is persistent

yet kind, determined yet understanding. She does not give up.”

Cathy’s commitment to her community has resulted in people recognizing her as one of the most successful agents in the area.

“I’ve been in Sugar Land for a long time and know everybody. That’s our ‘secret sauce’ –the vast amount of people we know and communicate with frequently. We love working together with other Realtors to close a deal.”

Cathy feels extremely fortunate to live and work in one of the most beautiful communities in the world. Join her in Sugar Land by calling her team today!

On the cover:

May brings UpClose Magazine’s

Successful Women in Business

issue.

Every year, we are more impressed by the amazing women showcased in these pages. Their commitment and drive to make their local businesses succeed is unparalleled. Let’s celebrate Fort Bend’s extraordinary women together this month.

john@upclosemagazine.com

How Consumer Psychology Drives Beautiful Results at Social Reach

by Alisha McMillen

Research shows that consumer psychology drives over 95 percent of purchasing decisions, heavily influencing statistics through emotional triggers, cognitive biases, and social factors.

While studying at the Universiof the Arts London, LuzMarie Garcia, co-founder of local digital designers Social Reach Consultancy, developed a strong foundation design and consumer behavior, which now shapes the way she approaches every project.

University of the Arts London a top-ranked, public collegiate university specializing in arts, design, fashion, and performing arts. Ranked globally for Art and Design, it has strong focus on fostering a global creative community.

“My unique background in graphic design, consumer psychology, and analysis lets me develop beautiful

designs that are strategic and drive results,” LuzMarie says. “I understand why people make decisions, how to communicate digitally to consumers, and am able to analyze the resulting data to show proven results.”

Last year, LuzMarie and Jason Tello opened Social Reach Consultancy to give clients something in-between the large agencies with high-costs and the less expensive shops that don’t offer ongoing support services. “Our biggest focus is website design, and we also offer assistance with digital advertising, branding, graphic design and SEO,” Jason explains.

“Because we’re a small shop, we are very relationship-driven,” LuzMarie adds. “We listen closely to each business’s goals, challenges, and vision so we can build a website that truly supports their growth. From there, we design and develop the site, offering ongoing support for future marketing needs.”

Social Reach is poised to help service businesses, retailers, restaurants, nonprofits – anyone wanting a vibrant and fresh website.

University of the Arts London

“We enjoy helping small to medium local businesses where the impact is clear and immediate,” LuzMarie says. “I love blending creativity, marketing, and data to help these businesses thrive. I love being part of that growth.”

Social Reach Consultancy 281-978-1847

302 Cobia Dr., Katy, TX 77494 socialreachco.com

SUMMER NINJA CAMP Non-Stop Fun, Flexible Care: is Here!

by Alisha McMillen

Summer is coming fast. Do you have plans to keep your kids busy and active? Summer Ninja Camp offers fun, flexibility, and affordable pricing, all at its convenient Sugar Land location.

The 9,200 square foot facility is located near Sugar Land Town Square. This huge area gives kids the space and activities that will keep them busy. And send them home tired!

“We are very flexible with our registrations. Parents can sign their kids up for a day, a week, or the whole summer. Our early care and after care programs give parents options for busy days,” says owner Bob Gifford. “We even take late and day-of registrations, whenever the camp has space available.”

Welcoming your children, ages four through 13, the program runs June 1st to August 11th from 9am3pm. Bob has

Fun activities at Summer Ninja Camp:

• Rock wall climbing

• Zipline

• Ninja equipment

• Rope swing

• Dodge ball

• Basketball

• Bounce house

• Warped walls

• Balance beam with Jedi

Sword Fighting

• And more!

offered summer camp programs for 30 years, so he’s worked out the kinks to make the program exactly what kids (and parents!) want – all in a safe environment, with a low ratio of 1:10 teachers to students.

“Safety always comes first for us,” Bob says. His is a true family business, focused on kids. “I started Safety America in 1994 when there wasn’t anything out here in Sugar Land – the mall wasn’t even here yet. I had a ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy,” he explains.

Bob expanded his youth-centered businesses 15 years ago to include Sugar Land Gymnastics and Dance, with Sienna Gymnastics and Karate opening shortly after. He recruited his three daughters to manage his three programs. Each program has been extremely popular with children from as young as 18 months old, all the way up to Olympic hopefuls.

In addition to summer camps, Safety America also has karate classes, ninja warrior classes, and birthday parties, which are all offered year-round. All Summer Ninja Camp participants receive a free class certificate for karate classes, gymnastics classes, or ninja warrior classes.

Registration is now open for all summer camps on the Safety America website. Some camp times fill up early, so sign up now!

Safety America Karate

281-980-3030

2595 Cordes Drive

Sugar Land, TX 77479

karatesugarland.com

The Heart of Pax Et Vita: Where Patients Come First

Meet Mary Dean, Alternate Director of Nursing for Pax Et Vita. She’s just one of the amazing people working to help others manage the endof-life process. In Latin, Pax Et Vita means peace and life, which is the perfect description for the team of Fort Bend caregivers who honor those important words with every patient they encounter.

What is Your Role at Pax Et Vita?

“I handle Quality Assurance and Compliance, and also help patients navigate the ongoing changes with Medicare requirements and guidelines. End of life can be so scary, and it’s often harder on the family than the patients. We’re here to support, listen, and make that burden a little easier.”

by Nicole Grace

to know everything about nursing overall, but also about all of the end-of-life requirements, both clinical and administrative.”

What Do You Love About Working at Pax Et Vita?

“I’m a single mom with two kids, and Pax Et Vita is so family-oriented, they understand and work with my challenges. I have been with Pax Et Vita for years, but left twice for other opportunities. I kept coming back because it is such a special place. We cover the admin side and patientcentered requirements, and are good at collaboration and respecting each others opinions. We all work well together.”

What’s the Pax Et Vita Difference for Clients?

Is Nursing Different When Dealing with Hospice?

“When it comes to nursing, hospice is a whole other level of nursing. Not everyone can do it. Our nurses understand grief and how it’s displayed in mourning people. And we all have

“That family-oriented spirit spills over into how our patients are treated – they are always thankful for us being there at the hardest time in their lives. Our bereavement specialists follow up with the family, we go to funerals, and we get a lot of thank you notes. We do not have a lot of turnover – we have people who

LA Cajun Table Hosts UpClose Women in Business with Bold Cajun Bites

by Alisha McMillen

UpClose Magazine and LA Cajun Table teamed up to add some spice to the magazine’s 2026 Successful Women in Business Photo Shoot & Mixer.

Restaurant owner, Louis Lyons, welcomed 40+ guests into his upscale but relaxed restaurant, providing Cajun food that brought everyone back for seconds at the buffet line. Louis learned his love of all things Cajun as a manager at his in-laws’ longtime Houston-area restaurant, LA Crawfish Shack. “My love for the art of food and developing new dishes started there. I learned to think outside the box to develop new dishes and flavor profiles,” he says.

“When we tasted Louis’s food, we knew we wanted to share it with all of Fort Bend County,” says John McMillen, publisher of UpClose Magazine. “He offers the staples of Cajun cooking, like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and gumbo, but also interesting dishes like traditional Yakamein and honey pineapple glazed salmon, flavored with Cajun spices.”

For this event, Louis and his team set up a spread of food that included their famous boudin balls, fried shrimp rolls, seafood and pork egg rolls, fried broccoli, blackened zucchini strips, chicken bites, and a sampling of the chicken and sausage gumbo.

The team from Pax Et Vita loved the food. “I really liked the broccoli – the preparation and flavor was really good,” says Janet. Her colleague, Leslie, adds, “The seafood and pork egg rolls are unique with an amazing dipping sauce.”

Susan from Lone Star Floors says, “I like spice and the gumbo has some of that good heat. I loved the egg rolls and was surprised by how good the broccoli was.” Her daughter, Serene, adds, “It all has very good flavor you can really taste the Cajun.

have been around 10 years, is very unusual in this field.”

Why Choose Pax Et Vita During the Difficult Times?

“With a coverage area that includes Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties, Pax Et Vita also offers home health, home care, for you or your loved ones. We make sure the patient always comes first, getting the utmost quality care. Even with the complex Medicare rules, if a patient needs service, the patient gets service.”

Pax Et Vita Hospice & Home Care & Bio Home Health Services, Inc. Hospice: 346-901- 0194 Home Care: 281-690-7284

830 Julie Rivers Drive, Suite 602 Sugar Land, TX 77478 paxetvitahc.com

Keren, says “I don’t want to go all the way to Houston for good Cajun food, so this is perfect. The seafood and pork egg rolls were delicious. We’re planning to meet here for dinner with our husbands soon.”

Like the Women in Business guests, restaurant diners find his space welcoming and comfortable. “People tend to stay awhile. It’s a comfortable, peaceful environment.” Louis says. “We genuinely seek to provide a high level of service with great pricing and generous portions.”

Cindy from Clutch City Insurance says, “The boudin balls are great!” Her colleague, 346-391-5987

3355 Highway 6

Sugar Land, TX 77478 lacajuntable.com

Timeless Grounds, Lasting Legacy:

Fort Bend’s Historic Morton Cemetery Continues Its Story

by Alisha McMillen

Huge oak tree canopies. Chirping birds. A gentle wind coming off the Brazos River. And the occasional train traveling its daily route through Richmond. This is the place where Fort Bend’s history is documented by the people who rest here. It’s the historic Morton Cemetery located in downtown Richmond.

“These are the people of Fort Bend County,” says David Kaack, Manager of the Morton Cemetery. “They’re the people who made Fort Bend what it is.”

Among the names you’ll find throughout the cemetery markers are the George, Ryon, and Davis families, all crucial contributors to the economic development strong sense of community here. You’ll find Jane Long, the Mother of Texas, buried here, as well as Walter Moses Burton, not only Fort Bend’s first black sheriff, but the first black sheriff in the United States. Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of Texas rests here, plus Hilmar G. Moore, the longestrunning mayor of the City of Richmond and in the United States. Seventy-two War veterans and 235 total veterans are in the cemetery.

But you don’t have to be a Fort Bend historical figure to rest here. The cemetery has 4,100 occupied spaces, many of them on the historical southern part of the cemetery. But it also has 1,400 available spaces open community members.

The cemetery celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. In 1825, the property was owned by William Morton, one of Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 settlers. “Santa Anna’s army camped on this property on the way to San Jacinto,” David explains.

In 1944, The Morton Cemetery Association, a nonprofit (c)(13), was created to manage and oversee the cemetery. The association consists of members who own a burial space or are a family member of a person interred in the cemetery.

“Morton Cemetery is one of the oldest burial grounds in the State of Texas and is uniquely special from an array of perspectives. We know not of a more tranquil, peaceful, and always immaculately maintained cemetery than our beloved Morton Cemetery,” says Samuel Golden, Morton Cemetery Association director. “For years, we admired Morton and are beyond grateful to have been afforded the privilege of acquiring final resting places in this most historic cemetery. We, our children, and grandchildren treasure it and will be forever grateful.”

The Morton Cemetery 281-239-3648

401 N. 2nd St. Richmond, TX 77469

mortoncemetery.com

New Aliana Clinic Opens Doors to

Comprehensive

Primary Care

by Alisha McMillen

Currently, over 74 million people live in 7,488 primary care shortage areas in the U.S., according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The Southeast Texas region, which includes Sugar Land and Richmond, has been identified as having projected critical shortages in general internal medicine and geriatrics.

Brothers Dr. Salman Aly and Dr. Sarfraz Aly, the leaders of the Capital Health & Wellness clinics, which also specialize in wound care, infectious disease, and medical aesthetics, are doing something about that.

“We’re excited to announce the opening of our new Capital Health & Wellness Primary Care Providers location that will serve Aliana and the surrounding areas,” Dr. Salman says. “With a successful and firmly established primary care location in Sugar Land off Hwy 59 and University, we made the decision to extend this fundamental care to other nearby areas as well. That’s our vision – to provide primary care and effortless hospital admissions when needed to people who are currently challenged with finding appropriate care for themselves and their loved ones. There’s a huge need out there.”

Aliana itself has a population of approximately 12,500 residents. People living in the surrounding master-planned communities like Harvest Green, Waterside Estates, and Long Meadow Farms, will all find this a convenient location.

Capital Health & Wellness Primary Care Providers is managed by physician Dr.

Amy Gandhi, who has a special interest in women’s health, including acute care, obesity management, post-hospital care, and regular primary care needs.

“This area has a lot of elderly patients, many of whom are women, who need primary care, especially for conditions like diabetes, blood pressure control, cholesterol issues, and metabolic conditions,” Dr. Gandhi continues.

She explains that the area also has a large population of residents who speak Gujarati, which she speaks herself. “It makes it easier because I speak their language,” she says. “I’m familiar with that culture and can guide them in diet and nutrition for their specific situation.”

“It’s all about community at Capital Health & Wellness,” Dr. Gandhi explains. “My patients are more than just names – I get to know them and I know their family members. Everyone at Capital Health & Wellness provides that kind of personal experience.”

Dr. Gandhi welcomes all patients, ages18+, to the clinic. The Aly brothers’ ongoing expansion plan will have Capital Health & Wellness rooted in 10 to 12 clinics by 2035 to help them fulfill their vision of helping our community stay healthy.

“With the population growing so fast, especially those in the 65+ category, our community needs more physicians. Our goal with Capital Health & Wellness is to serve the increased population with primary care while also increasing the range of hospitals our practice can admit to when necessary,” Dr. Salman Aly concludes. Five

6903 Brisbane Ct #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Always accepting new patients at all locations

Capital Internal Medicine Associates 832-886-4774 cima-docs.com

Capital Infectious Disease Associates 832-886-4994 cida-docs.com

The Wound Docs: Capital Advanced Wound Care 979-488-9438 cawc-docs.com

Allure Aesthetics 346-309-4955 allureaestheticsmd.com

United Community Foundation 281-853-5555 ucftexas.org

Other locations open now: Bay City, Wharton, and Telfair

And coming soon: Needville, Sweeney, and Richmond/ Rosenberg, which will include non-profit access

How a Local Jeweler is Turning

Old Pieces into

by Alisha McMillen

Stories NEW

At Better Bling Studio, the staff believes that every piece of jewelry and every person who wears it has a unique story worth telling.

As full-service jewelers, they take pride in their services, from everyday watch and jewelry repairs to the artistry of custom designs. Their work is driven by a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of jewelry and the sentimentality it holds.

“I knew I wanted to be a gemologist in high school. It’s unbelievable that such amazing colors can come out of the earth,” says Britt, owner of Better Bling Studio.

The team at Better Bling, which includes master goldsmith, Omar, helps customers

rethink existing jewelry pieces to give them their own story. “For some items, their story just needs to be reframed. It’s so gratifying to see our clients’ faces when they see their upscaled pieces that fit their personalities,” Britt explains.

Better Bling provides a wide range of jewelry services, including jewelry and watch repairs, refurbishing, bridal designs, appraisals, custom designs, engraving, ear piercing, and more.

“We have an impressive collection of fine jewelry, vintage jewelry, stainless steel, and sterling silver fashion-forward designs,” Britt

says. “Customers come back again and again ... they even come from out of state! We have customers in states like Florida, California, New York, and Louisiana. They trust us to treat their projects with love and care.”

Better Bling is conveniently located on HWY 90 in Stafford, making it accessible to clients in Sugar Land, Sienna, and Houston. It sits in the old Fort Bend community theatre building, which brings a unique personality to the shop itself. Britt loves coming in to work every day.

“You never know what projects will come in,” she says. “We love co-creating with our clients and bringing their unique visions to life.”

Better Bling Studio

281-969-5912

2811 N. Main St. Stafford, TX 77477

BetterBling.com

DENTAL Health: Pro Tips for Parents

Why is it Important to See a Dentist Twice Every Year?

“As everyone knows, brushing and flossing help prevent cavities. But it doesn’t always prevent 100 percent of dental problems,” Dr. Khan explains. “Catching dental problem areas early is important for the health of your child’s teeth. With the many fast changes your child’s mouth goes through, coming twice a year to check for cavities and any spacing or growth problems is very important.”

Keep Little Smiles Bright for Summer and Beyond

by Alisha McMillen

“It’s so important to have children’s teeth checked twice a year. Young teeth change quickly and addressing issues early is the key to healthy teeth,” says Dr. Faisal Khan, founder and owner of Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental. “During the school year, it can be difficult to schedule your child’s checkup when the calendar is packed with school and after-school activities. Summer provides the perfect time to visit the dentist for school-age

Why is Summer the Perfect Time for a Checkup and Cleaning?

Summer brings a more relaxed schedule for children, visits less stressful. And if you time it just right, schedule your child for a winter visit during their too, requiring no missed school days for your child. Set your child up for a successful school year taking care of problem areas during the break. someone has a toothache, it affects their produc tivity and desire to complete required activities,” Dr. Khan explains. “Having a summer appoint ment can catch these problems in plenty of time to fix the issue before school starts, resulting in happier and more productive students.”

During the appointments, the dentist will check for cavities, look at the patient’s gums, and use x-ray technology to ensure issues that cannot be easily identified are addressed early. In some cases, children may have problems with their baby teeth and adult teeth as they erupt. Identifying these issues earlier makes it easier to use orthodontics and other treatments to correct their smile.

“Preventive measures like fluoride treatments and dental sealants can decrease the likelihood of cavity formation,” Dr. Khan says. “You can get these treatments during your regularly scheduled appointments.”

Children will become more comfortable with the dentist and staff when they visit twice a year. “Building a trusting relationship is important when dealing with children and their parents. Having that relationship will help young patients experience less stress when dealing with dental issues.”

At Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, Dr. Khan has a team of associates to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics, including Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Khadija Khan, and Dr. Anna Feng, as well as an oral surgeon and an anesthesiologist. Dr. David Tang supports him at Memorial Pediatric Dentistry. “We always strive to help children grow up with healthy teeth,” Dr. Khan continues. “Taking care of little teeth early is truly worth the effort.”

Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental

Dr. Khan, Dr. Ritwik, Dr. Khadija, Dr. Feng 832-579-0960

7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 grandparkwaypediatricdental.com

Memorial Pediatric Dental

Dr. Khan, Dr. Tang 281-822-6600

791 Town & Country Blvd., Suite 210 Houston, TX 77024 memorialpediatricdds.com

The Heart of Alan’s Plumbing

Meet the Behind-the-Scenes Team That Keeps Things Flowing

“Wby Nicole Grace

e wear several ‘hats’ in the office every day,” says Katie McFarland, a longtime friend Burkhalters who works in the backoffice at Alan’s Plumbing. Alan and Jennifer Burkhalter are the founders of the dynamic plumbing company that started more than 30 years ago. “We answer calls and schedule client appointments, we pull city permits and coordinate inspections for jobs, and we keep track when routine vehicle maintenance is needed. We also make sure plumbing licenses are up to date, market the company and plumbing work on social media, and even sometimes have to put on our ‘tech support’ hat to resolve technical issues with ipads, phone systems, and scheduling software.”

The back office is the front line for all plumbing calls. The ladies may pick up the phone to a panicking customer who came home from work to water pouring out of their ceiling. “Before any information is taken, we calmly walk the

customer through the first step – getting to the main shut off valve to the house and turning it off to contain the leak,” Katie explains.

are the oil that keeps the machine running. Nothing gets done without them,” says Luke Burkhalter, son of Alan and Jennifer, and longtime plumber with Alan’s Plumbing. “If our company was the human body, they would be the heart.”

“The wonderful ladies are everything and more. They are where it all starts, the first experience our customer has with our company,” says Beau Burkhalter, also a longtime plumber and Burkhalter son. “They care for this company like it’s their own. We couldn’t do what we do without them. They are the heartbeat of the company.”

When someone needs a plumber, they usually need it fast. Scheduling appointments can be harder than these ladies make it look. “Coordinating a visit around our clients schedules requires a lot of flexibility on our side. Sometimes clients have to leave work early to meet us, or we have to coordinate around their kids’ school schedules or an important doctor appointment. We do our best to ensure our plumbers are available and arrive within the agreed time frame, even if it’s early in the morning or after office hours,” Katy says.

For 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing company here in Fort Bend. Alan’s Plumbing works like a welloiled machine, in large part thanks to the ladies in the office.

Alan and his brother, Chris, work alongside the team of plumbers that includes Beau and Luke (youngest brother Jake does plumbing sales), longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, and Anthony, and apprentices Nick, Noah, and PJ.

“We absolutely love our plumbers!” Jennifer concludes. “It’s easy to supthem when we know our plumbers out in the field every day with the mentality Alan ingrained in them from beginning: do the right thing, proquality plumbing, AND service for community we all live in and love.”

United for Hatchi: Three Fort Bend Women Join Forces to Save a Life

When Kindness Sets Us Free Ukukakulwa

Fby Alisha McMillen

ort Bend resident LaDonna Abouabsi and her dog Hatchi faced a situation no dog lover wants to experience. After a disturbance on LaDonna’s property, Hatchi was confiscated by authorities and put on the euthanasia list.

“For me, it started as a favor for a friend. I got a text from an animal rescuer friend (Claudine Vass with Fort Bend Pets Alive!) asking me to contact LaDonna about her situation,” says Barbara Tatum, a local attorney. “My specialty is wills and estate planning, but I’m a crazy animal lover I have three dogs, two rabbits, and six cats – and when I heard Hatchi’s story, I jumped in to help.” With the euthanasia list, they had to act fast – they only had 10 days to file an appeal.

D’Angelo, a former congressional staff and campaign manager, who is now an rescuer, joined the battle by using social media to get Hatchi’s story out to the

“Leisha posted online and mobilized widespread community support,” explains. As a result, a strong grassroots movement rallied behind Hatchi LaDonna.

LaDonna herself, owner of Art of Skin in the Downtown Historic Richmond District, faced the emotional toll of the long separation from her dog, unprecedented 100 days, as he was confined to Animal Control for the duration the trial. She worked closely with Barbara and Leisha to ensure all legal deadlines were met and to keep her and Hatchi’s story in front of the community.

“In the end, Hatchi was released with no Dangerous Dog or Serious Bodily Harm findings,” Barbara says. “LaDonna agreed to relocate the dog and presented a plan that was accepted by the court.”

LaDonna is thankful for the support of the community and the help of these two women who are so enthusiastic about helping animals. With a dedicated legal advocate, a committed community outreach liaison, and a passionate animal-loving owner, Hatchi’s outcome was changed.

“If someone is facing a legal decision like this, consult an attorney,” Barbara concludes. “With some help, you may be able to save your dog.”

Dr. Henry Kasonde Musoma lives by the idea that kindness sets us free, both in business and in our personal lives. His perspective on leading by kindness has its roots in his upbringing in Zambia as a part of the Bemba tribe. “I believe in being my brother’s keeper,” Dr. Musoma says. “It’s all about taking care of our fellow man.”

A professor who previously taught at Texas A&M and TCU, Dr. Musoma is currently with Tec de Monterrey in Mexico where he developed a leadership program for the university. “I teach my students to stay grounded,” he explains. “I remind people to do business with humanity and in a humble space.”

Coming soon, Dr. Musoma’s book, called ‘Ukukakulwa,’ which explains his kindness philosophy, contains details about his Triple H approach – Humanize, Humorize, and Humilize. “We need to look out for each other, but do it with both humor and humility,” Dr. Musoma explains.

“Living and leading with kindness is a great

virtue to have in life,” says Cathy Stubbs, leader of the Cathy Stubbs Team. “Kindness through leadership is a very timely and powerful philosophy.”

Cathy was intrigued by Dr. Musoma’s system of thought, and brought him to Sugar Land to speak in our community on Thursday, April 16 at Art Museum TX. “He is a dynamic speaker with a great message and endless energy. The audience was captivated, and many guests pre-ordered his book,” she says.

To sign up for Dr. Musoma’s book pre-sale or to inquire about speaking opportunities, contact him at musoma76@gmail.com.

Helping Neighbors, One Bowl at a Time:

Join the Mission

by Alisha McMillen

As we celebrate Fort Bend County’s Successful Women in Business, we must include three women who give their all every day to help their neighbors. East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, headed by Executive Director Stacey Williams, made sure that more than 18,000 children in our county did not go hungry in 2025. Helping her reach that goal are EFBHNM’s Development Director, Megan Leonhardt, and Community Outreach Coordinator, Mandy Bui.

Stacey, Megan, and Mandy are the faces you see in the community, and are the ones planning the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Fort Bend Empty Bowls on June 12th. But there are many, many others behind the scenes, working hard at EFBHNM to help our neighbors.

This year’s Fort Bend Empty Bowls Title Sponsor is Houston Methodist Sugar Land dinner provided at Fort Bend Empty Bowls a simple, but delicious, meal of appetizers, bread, and various soups provided by 10 restaurants. And don’t leave early – you’ll miss the tasty late-night snack as you walk out the door.

“In 2025, the event raised more than $307,000,” Megan says. “Last year, 680 guests enjoyed soup provided by nine Fort Bend County restaurants. This year, we are anticipating 700 guests will attend who will get to sample soups from 10 Fort Bend restaurants. Our goal is to raise $350,000 this year to support our mission.”

Guests can contribute to the goal by purchasing beautiful, one-of-a-kind ceramic painted by generous community members, something at the wine and spirits pull, participating in the dessert auction, bidding on silent auction items, and raising their voices purchase extravagant live auction items. never know who may be experiencing financial crisis or food insecurity. It could be next door neighbor, a family at church,

EFBHNM’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Fort Bend Empty Bowls, a grassroots effort by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns across the country to feed the hungry in their communities. Now in its 17th year, the dinner provided at Fort Bend Empty Bowls includes appetizers, delicious soups, and bread. Various sponsorship opportunities are still available.

17th ANNUAL FORT BEND EMPTY BOWLS

June 12, 2026

Houston Marriott Sugar Land

Tickets: $125 per individual seat (table sponsorships available)

your child’s grade-school friend,” Megan says. “We help our neighbors in need, when they need it. Since 1990, we’ve awarded more than $3 million in financial assistance.”

“Whether it’s a mom trying to stretch her grocery budget, grandparents caring for grandkids, or a young person working hard to stay afloat, EFBHNM is here with support, dignity, and a reminder that no one has to go it alone,” Stacey adds. “We offer food, financial help, and — maybe most importantly — hope.”

MEDICARE CAN BE CONFUSING:

Meet Three Women Guiding Sugar Land Seniors Through the Process

Learning the ins and outs of Medicare coverage can be overwhelming. UpClose sat down with Clutch City Insurance’s Sugar Land specialists – Cindy Posas, Kaushi Shah, and Keren Delaune – to help readers learn about the Medicare process.

CCI agents sell health insurance, specializing in Medicare supplemental insurance for seniors age 65+. They help people decide which plan fits their individual needs, including doctors, hospitals, and prescription drug coverage.

Cindy: I’ve been doing this since 2008 … I’ve grown with the business. The knowledge and background I bring helps me build a great rapport with my clients. I like to work on things from the viewpoint of the beneficiary. What programs are they comfortable with? I had to navigate this process with my mom when she was ill, and I was an advocate for her. So I try to be that advocate for my clients and their families. The rules continue to change for both Part A (free) and Part B (priced based on income), so clients should be proactive – do the work before you need it. Our goal as an agent is to educate people to make the best decisions for their circumstances.

Kaushi: In today’s age, not everyone is retiring at age 65. They want to know about whether they should go with Medicare or stay with their employer’s insurance. They have to consider if they have a spouse or family member attached to their employer’s insurance. Is there a penalty to not applying by age 65? We educate people coming into Medicare coverage – there are many things to consider.

Keren: Everyone can do research, but in the end, your best bet is to speak with a human who is

by Nicole Grace

knowledgeable in the subject. It’s reassuring to speak with an expert, someone who will guide you and lay out all of your options. I want to learn people’s goals and love to hear about what they did before retirement, so I can help them find the best plan that works specifically for them.

These agents will be conducting free Medicare 1010 seminars starting this summer. Visit the Clutch City website for details.

713-870-5044

10333 Harwin Drive, Suite 265 Houston, TX 77036 ccihou.com

by Alisha McMillen

Soaking Tub Steals the Spotlight with Timeless Elegance

Did you know?

The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!

Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love

What a difference a brand new white soaking tub can make!

“This home was built in 1998 and had the original primary bathroom, including a huge, outdated jacuzzi tub,” says Sheila, a Sugar Land resident. “My original vision was to get the big, old tub out and replace it with something elegant, and also to update everything else at the same time.”

Sheila and her husband of 32 years raised their three adult children in this home. In 2019, she found Teri Gilberg, the Re-Modelista, in UpClose Magazine and called her out to remodel the home’s kitchen. She still loves her kitchen. “That’s why I went with Teri again for my bathroom,” Sheila explains. “Teri’s communication is great. I always knew when they’d be here working and exactly what they were working on.”

The primary bath update included an expanded shower, removal of peeling wallpaper, texturing and painting the walls, painted cabinets, replacement of the window over the bathtub, new tiles, new lighting, and more. “We didn’t change the cabinets or countertops, we just updated the paint to give the cabinets new life,” Sheila says.

The shower has a convenient bench, soothing double rain showerhead, and hand-held wand. Its white wall tile and the newly-painted white cabinets contrast with the black countertops, which coordinate with the brand new

iron and glass light fixtures.

The new faucet hardware and lighting adds to the elegance of the room. The big soaking tub under the bright, new window is striking, adding to the sophistication and quiet tastefulness in the area. Trying to stay away from tans, but still remaining neutral, Sheila chose a very pale green in a honeycomb design for shower floor tile.

“I can add accessories of different shades to change up the look of the room,” Sheila says. Designer Louise Ostrander helped Sheila complete her vision with the three hours of complimentary design services provided by Teri.

“Teri’s team was very detail-oriented – both Teri and her foreman, Christian, would come frequently to evaluate the progress and were very adamant that all of the details be addressed. They made sure everything was just perfect,” Sheila says. “I love everything, but the tub is my favorite part. It feels very clean and elegant.”

The Re-Modelista Your Home Renovation Specialist Serving Fort Bend County For More Than 10 Years OFFICE LOCATION in Feather & Nest Interiors 3711 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, TX 77459 832-731-3191 theremodelista.com