Conroe, TX May 2026

“Behind every great man, there is a surprised woman.”

Pearson

The Architects of Elegance: Celebrating the Women of Montgomery County

This month’s issue is dedicated to the strong women of Conroe and the greater Montgomery County. These visionary leaders balance professional roles with a profound commitment to grace, philanthropy, and the timeless family values that serve as the bedrock of our community.

So to you, women of Montgomery County, we cele brate your stories. Leading with courage and care, we see you, we honor you, and we are inspired by the world you are building for all of us. There is so much good that you do that we can barely scratch the surface in a few pages. We found a handful of smart and powerful women that we feel honored to introduce to you. Don't worry, guys, it's the "Men's Issue" next month.

Have you ever wanted a pink hard hat? Well, for our "Can Do" team of lady construction workers, that is required equipment. They roll up their sleeves to support Habitat for Humanity’s vital mission. You didn't think it was just men building all those houses, did you?

Next, we turn our spotlight to a very special milestone. We are proud to honor Coral Gooch as she celebrates her 20th, or Platinum, Anniversary with the Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW.) Her two decades of dedication have paved the way for countless women to find their path to success, and we are better as a city for their leadership.

Our cover features a truly inspiring collection of notable women leaders in our community who are quite literally helping us create a more beautiful future. We will give you a quick introduction to each of them shortly. Please enjoy meeting our notable women for May 2026: Andie Monet, Donna Dorrell, Annie Fletcher, Kristine Marlow, Vicki Johnson, and Katie Wenglikowski.

Join us in celebrating the incredible women in the magazine, as well as all the unsung heroines who prove every day that with a "Can Do" spirit, we can build a stronger community together.

KEVIN BRATTON, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Kevin Bratton | kevin.bratton@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

Andie Monet | andie.monet@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Chris Staples | chris.staples@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Mellonhead Photo | melonheadphoto@yahoo.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chris Staples, Kevin Bratton, Habitat for Humanity

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Melonhead Photo

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?

Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction

inside the issue

Carol’s Sisterhood of Businesswomen

MCABW Turns 20, Carol Gooch Founded Montgomery County’s women’s network of encouragement, education, and opportunity.

Women Building Homes and Hope Can Do Crew keeps showing

for Montgomery County families Women

Notable Women of Conroe adorn our Women’s Issue cover including (left to right):

Andie Monet, Donna Dorrell, Vicky Johnson, Katie Wenglikowski, Kristine Marlow and Annie Fletcher (sitting).

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The 19th Annual Home & Outdoor Show was a roaring success. See www.Texwoodshows.com for more. 2: The Firm Meadery’s Mead sampler was offered at The Rotary Club’s Wine & Beer tour. 3: Having fun at HealthSource Harpers Preserve Ribbon Cutting party 3/9 4: Tastefest 2026 provided unlimited tastings with 40+ local food and beverage vendors. 5: SHSU placed a record 99%+ of Osteopathic Medical students into residency programs on Match Day. 6: Crunch Gym Conroe opened 3/17, featuring Red Light Chambers boosting healing, energy, and reduced inflammation. 7: Mindful Health’s ribbon cutting in Conroe celebrates their new comfy outpatient clinic.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Legacy of Courage Half Marathon to benefit disabled Veterans

This race benefits The Outdoor Disabled Veterans Program, through Knowledge Point Network Location; Russ Poppe Family Park 11675 Grant Rd Houston, TX US 77070 All finishers of all distances will receive a medal and shirt. The park area is beautiful.  Race Distance: • 1 Mile • 5K

• 5K Ruck: an exciting challenge for participants who want to add some intensity to their race • Quarter Marathon • Quarter Marathon Ruck • Half Marathon   • *12 & Under are only $15! runsignup.com/Race/TX/

Monster Truck Wars! at Lonestar Expo Center

Monster Truck Wars returns  May 16, 2026 The event features car-crushing trucks, Quad Wars, and the opportunity to ride in a real monster truck.

May 16, 2026: • Location: The Lone Star 9055 Airport Rd, Conroe, TX 77303 • Key Features: Shark Attack, Locomotive, T-Rex, and Kids Powerwheel Races • Pre-Show Pit Party: meet the drivers, see the trucks up close before the 12 PM Matinee or 6PM Show • Tickets: Available online, according to AttendStar.

Airway Dentists in Woodforest opens up

Airway Dentists are a different kind of dentist. They combine modern dental technology with a wholebody approach to care. Whether you’re looking for Invisalign®, sleep apnea treatment, or preventive support, they provide dentistry that helps you achieve long-term health. The new Woodforest office is located just a few minutes North of The Woodlands and Southwest of Conroe at 923 Pine Market Ave Ste. 500 Montgomery Tx, 77316. Dentist Dr. Kelsi Parker is pictured here.

Photography provided

Carol’s Sisterhood of Businesswomen

MCABW Turns 20, Carol Gooch Founded Montgomery County’s women’s network of encouragement, education, and opportunity.

In Montgomery County, strong communities are rarely built by accident. More often, they are built through years of encouragement, service, and steady follow-through. Few people embody that better than Carol A. Gooch, Founder and Executive Director of the Montgomery County Association of Business Women.

For 20 years, Gooch has helped create a place where women in business can do more than exchange cards and handshakes. Through the Montgomery County Association of Business Women, known as MCABW, women have found education, mentorship, friendship, and a practical way to grow both personally and professionally. In a region that continues to expand, that kind of support system matters.

Gooch founded MCABW in 2005 after hearing the same message from friends and colleagues following her graduation from Leadership Montgomery County in 2003. They told her Montgomery County needed a professional networking group specifically for women. She spent the next year completing the paperwork and laying the groundwork, then launched the nonprofit association with 52 women. Two decades later, the mission remains clear: create a place where like-minded business women can learn, connect, and succeed.

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

That work reflects the larger pattern of Gooch’s life in Montgomery County. Her career has centered on education, counseling, and empowerment. She has served as a teacher, school counselor, psychotherapist, consultant, trainer, and relationship coach. Since 1988, she has worked professionally in mental health in the Montgomery County area, holding licenses as a professional counselor, chemical dependency counselor, and marriage and family therapist, along with additional certifications in grief, loss, and compulsive gambling counseling.

Her commitment to the community extends well beyond her own organization. Gooch has served with local chambers, civic groups, boards, and nonprofit organizations including Leadership Montgomery County, Interfaith of The Woodlands, United Way, and Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Montgomery County Women’s Council of Organizations, Inspiring Wise Texas Women, and Innerfaith Disciple House.

Along the way, Gooch’s leadership has earned broad recognition. She has been named Woman of Distinction by MCABW, Inspiring Wise Texas Women, Alliance for Mental Health, and, in 2025, Innerfaith Disciple House. She was also voted one of Montgomery County’s top 10 most influential women in business and received the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award through the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce.

Still, the real story is not the awards. It is the impact.

MCABW offers monthly morning, lunch, and evening meetings that give members repeated opportunities to connect in meaningful ways. Educational speakers and member presentations bring practical insight, while a unique member-to-member mentoring approach supports women through both personal and professional challenges. The MCABW Foundation extends that mission even further by awarding college scholarships to deserving female high school seniors in Montgomery County.

For local readers, Gooch’s story offers a clear reminder that community grows stronger when women invest in one another. Mentorship matters. Connection matters. And leadership rooted in service can create a ripple effect that reaches businesses, families, schools, and nonprofits across the county.

Gooch remains grateful for the people who have helped sustain the mission. “I want to thank the community, members and past members for all their support for 20 years,” she says. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to have founded and directed an organization where all business women can meet together and form personal and professional relationships with each other. Having a business sorority in Montgomery County is a blessing for so many.”

That may be the best way to describe what she has built: not just a network, but a business sisterhood.

WOMEN BUILDING HOMES AND HOPE

CAN DO CREW KEEPS SHOWING UP FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILIES

ARTICLE BY CHRIS STAPLES

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

In Conroe’s Cedar Creek neighborhood, progress often arrives in work boots and hard hats. On build days with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas, those hard hats are pink. The sound of hammers, laughter, and steady encouragement is a familiar sign that the Can Do Crew is back on site.

For more than 15 years, this all-women volunteer team has shown what can happen when service meets skill, leadership, and consistency. What began in spring 2011 as Habitat MCTX’s first Women’s Build has grown into one of the organization’s most visible and impactful groups, helping create safe, affordable homes for local families while modeling what women can accomplish together on a construction site.

The group was launched by Barbara McGregor and Marguerite Ference during the early days of Cedar Creek, Habitat’s all-Habitat neighborhood in Conroe. There was no detailed playbook, just a clear willingness to get to work. That practical spirit still defines the crew today. Over the years, members expanded their role from volunteering on build days to helping fundraise and fully sponsor homes, pairing hands-on labor with the financial support needed to bring each project across the finish line.

This spring, the Can Do Crew is completing its eighth Habitat home in Cedar Creek. That means eight families now live in homes shaped by the group’s determination, generosity, and teamwork. Each house stands as a reminder that affordable homeownership begins with people who are willing to invest time, strength, resources, and heart into their neighbors’ future. Their current project is also part of an important transition. It is one of the final four homes to be built in Cedar Creek before Habitat MCTX begins construction in its new Marble Creek neighborhood in Magnolia.

Their impact is easy to measure in completed homes, but the fuller story is in the way they show up. Regular build days can bring more than 30 women to a site in a single morning. Some arrive with construction experience. Others

learn as they go. What unites them is a willingness to step into demanding work, encourage one another, and keep returning.

That steady commitment earned the Can Do Crew recognition as 2024 Building Hope Gala honorees, but the group’s influence extends well beyond awards. Their presence has become an invitation for other women to volunteer, learn new skills, and take on meaningful roles in community building.

“Being part of this mission has shown me that real impact comes from people willing to roll up their sleeves and serve,” said Tina Rivera, Can Do Crew member and Chair of the 2026 Building Hope Gala.

For Conroe readers, the takeaway is simple. Community impact is not abstract. It looks like neighbors fundraising, framing walls, lifting ladders, and creating stability for families working toward homeownership. The Can Do Crew has spent years proving that service can be both practical and deeply personal.

To get involved, volunteer with Habitat MCTX, support a future build, or follow the organization’s next chapter as home construction begins in Marble Creek. Visit habitatmctx.org/volunteer.

THEIR ADVANCED TREATMENTS BEAT MY CANCER

From diagnosis to treatment to recovery, your dedicated Houston Methodist cancer center team uses leading research, cutting-edge technology and the latest treatments to create a personalized care plan for you. At eight cancer center locations throughout the Greater Houston area, you’ll find the cancer expertise to help you feel whole again.

That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. For you.

houstonmethodist.org/cancer 713.790.2700

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

ARTICLE BY KEVIN BRATTON

MELONHEAD PHOTO

WOMEN BUILDING COMMUNITY

STORIES OF HEART, SERVICE, AND THE LADIES BEHIND THE IMPACT

“When a community comes together ...  it has the power to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.”

CEO of Montgomery County Food Bank

A LIFE OF SERVICE, FAITH, AND LEADERSHIP

Kristine Marlow

Since 2020, Kristine Marlow has led Montgomery County Food Bank through a period of remarkable growth, strengthening its role as a cornerstone of support for neighbors across the community. With a focus on collaboration and impact, she has helped expand the organization’s reach and deepen its connection to the people it serves.

In 2025 alone, the Food Bank distributed more than 10 million meals, serving neighbors over 90,000 times each month. That same year marked the organization’s 40th anniversary and the completion of an 18,000-square-foot expansion—milestones that reflect both the growing need in the community and the collective generosity that makes the mission possible.

Kristine’s path to nonprofit leadership began in service. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, she served eight years as an Aerospace Physiology Officer and Operational Test Manager. She and her husband, Garth, a United Airlines pilot and fellow Air Force veteran, made Montgomery County home in 1999, where they raised four children who remain actively engaged in their communities.

Her introduction to hunger relief came through her work at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in The Woodlands, where she managed children’s programs and volunteered with the parish food pantry. That experience sparked a calling that continues to guide her leadership today.

Kristine serves on Feeding America’s National Council and contributes to advancing hunger relief efforts at both the state and national level. Locally, she is actively involved with the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber, The Woodlands Area Chamber, and Feeding Texas, and is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery County.

At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when a community comes together with compassion and purpose, it has the power to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.

Katie Wenglikowski

Founder of Interim Healthcare of Conroe TX

COMPASSION, PURPOSE, AND REDEFINING CARE AT HOME

For Katie, caring for others has never been just a profession — it’s who she is.

With more than two decades of experience in nursing, she has spent her life at the bedside, walking alongside patients and families through some of their most vulnerable moments. Her approach has always been rooted in compassion, integrity, and

a deep belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity — not just in hospitals, but in everyday life.

But her path into business ownership wasn’t driven by ambition. It was driven by a moment that changed everything.

While in the process of opening her own home care agency, Katie’s grandmother was hospitalized. Like so many families, they found themselves navigating an overwhelming system — and struggling to find even one hour of care each evening. Despite Katie’s professional background, she saw firsthand how difficult it could be to bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life support at home.

That experience became her mission.

Today, Katie is the owner of Interim HealthCare of Conroe, a locally owned, family-operated agency built on the belief that no family should feel alone when it comes to caring for a loved one. Through personalized support, a holistic approach, and clinical excellence, she and her team provide everything from daily assistance and companionship to skilled nursing, therapy services, and post-operative care — all in the comfort of home.

But what matters most to Katie isn’t just the range of services — it’s how those services are delivered.

She is deeply committed to making sure every client feels seen, supported, and respected, whether they need short-term help after a hospital stay or long-term care to maintain independence. She also has a special passion for ensuring that rural patients and families have access to the care they need, recognizing that support shouldn’t be limited by location.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful goal: to bring peace of mind to families and preserve the dignity of those receiving care.

Outside of her role as a nurse and business owner, Katie’s life is just as full — and just as unique. She is a devoted wife and mother, and her home reflects her love for both family and animals in a way that few can match. Alongside a collection of bulldogs affectionately considered part of the family, she also cares for giant tortoises — a passion that perfectly captures her personality: grounded, patient, and a little unexpected.

She jokes that one day she and her husband may start a rescue called “The Tortoise and the Hare” — though with their growing crew of bulldogs, it might need to become “The Tortoise, the Hare, and the Wrinkles.”

It’s that balance of heart, humor, and dedication that defines Katie.

She leads with experience, but also with empathy. She understands both the clinical side of care and the emotional weight that families carry. And through her work, she is quietly changing what care at home can look like — not just as a service, but as an extension of family.

For Katie, this isn’t just what she does.

It’s what she was meant to do.

“It is all about neighbors, helping neighbors.”

Vicki Johnson

Executive Director of Habitat For Humanity Montgomery County

NEIGHBORS BUILDING NEIGHBORS

Vicki Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Texas (Habitat MCTX). With more than 35 years of experience in community service, nonprofit management, and strategic development, Vicki is a seasoned leader dedicated to mission-driven impact.

Her distinguished career includes serving as the Deputy Director for a national child advocacy organization, District Director for a U.S. Representative, and Chief of Staff for a regional museum, where she launched innovative programs and public awareness campaigns. At the helm of Habitat MCTX, she focuses on fostering collaborative partnerships and expanding the organization’s reach through innovative fundraising and program development.

Outside of her professional life, Vicki enjoys traveling and finds a unique escape in audiobooks. She loves how a reader’s voice can transform a routine commute into an immersive journey. She treasures time spent with her family and friends, finding inspiration in both community connection and the stories she discovers in her favorite reads.

As Executive Director of Habitat MCTX since 2018, Vicki Johnson has spearheaded transformative growth, significantly expanding the affiliate’s footprint in sustainable, affordable housing. Under her strategic leadership, Habitat MCTX manages an annual budget exceeding $3 million and oversees total assets valued at over $19 million, while simultaneously driving an ambitious $11 million capital campaign to fund the future of the organization.

Since her tenure began, Vicki has overseen the successful completion of more than 64 new homes and 240 rehabilitation and repair projects, directly improving stability and the quality of life for many families across the county. Currently, Habitat MCTX is finalizing Cedar Creek, a 37-acre, 129-home neighborhood in Conroe on track for completion by Spring  2026. Simultaneously leading, she is leading the next phase of growth: Marble Creek in Magnolia. Fueled by the capital campaign she personally directs, this large-scale development will offer secure and attainable homeownership for more than 200 hardworking neighbors.

Vicki works in partnership with a 15-member governing Board, a 12-member Advisory Council, a dedicated team of staff, and a network of volunteers to cultivate vital cross-sector collaborations with community leaders, donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors for long-standing community-wide change, one home at a time. Together, these relationships build lasting strength and self-reliance for our neighbors in Montgomery County. A champion for innovation, Vicki blends meticulous financial stewardship with bold program strategy. Her resultsdriven leadership has positioned Habitat MCTX as an vital and foundational nonprofit, and establishes her as a standout leader dedicated to  generational change.

Donna Dorrell

Owner of Donna’s Home Furnishings

ROOTED IN FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND A LIFETIME IN CONROE

Donna’s story is deeply woven into the fabric of Montgomery County. Born and raised in Huntsville, Texas, she grew up surrounded by family, small-town values, and a strong sense of community that would shape the rest of her life. Some of her favorite memories

from those early years are simple ones — summers on the Trinity River, learning to slalom ski as a teenager, and spending time outdoors with lifelong friends.

Family has always been at the center of everything she does. Donna is the proud mother of six grown children, plus two bonus sons, and a grandmother to three — a role she considers one of the greatest joys of her life. When she talks about what matters most, the answer comes quickly: her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and the time they spend together. Whether traveling to the beach, enjoying the sun and water, or simply being at home, those moments keep her grounded.

Her life in Conroe is also closely tied to the local business community. As the owner of Donna’s Furniture, she has spent years serving families across Montgomery County — but her work goes far beyond furnishing homes. Donna has a distinct eye for design and a passion for finding pieces that tell a story. She travels and searches well beyond the local market, curating rare finds and statement pieces that help transform a house into something deeply personal.

To Donna, a home isn’t just where you live — it’s a reflection of who you are.

That philosophy shapes the experience she creates for her clients. Alongside her, a team of skilled interior designers helps guide each customer through the process, blending style, comfort, and individuality to create spaces that feel both elevated and lived-in. What began as a furniture store has grown into something more — a place where people come not just to shop, but to create a home that feels like their own sanctuary.

And just as she invests in her customers, she invests in her community.

Donna is not one to seek the spotlight, but her generosity is well known. She consistently supports local charities, schools, and fundraising efforts, often contributing gift cards, baskets, or donations to organizations such as Faith Fighting Cancer, Project 828, Yes to Youth, Golfers Against Cancer, Children’s Miracle Network, Love Fosters Hope, Mighty Oaks Foundation, and the Montgomery County Women’s Shelter. More often than not, her answer is simple: yes.

She prefers to give quietly, but her impact is widely felt.

Outside of work, Donna enjoys the simple things — long walks, a workout at Lagree, dining out, or cooking at home for her family. She laughs that her best meals are still the classics, especially pot roast and meatloaf, the kind of comfort food that brings everyone back to the table.

While she may not be one for galas or photo opportunities, Donna’s influence is unmistakable. Through her family, her business, and her generosity, she represents a kind of leadership built not on recognition, but on consistency, care, and a lifelong commitment to the community she calls home.

“For Annie, life is about balance — staying active, staying close to family, working hard, and keeping a sense of fun along the way.”

Annie Fletcher

General Manager of Donna’s Home Furnishings

FAMILY ROOTS, NEXT GENERATION ENERGY, AND LIFE AT DONNA’S FURNITURE

For Annie Fletcher, family and business have always gone hand in hand. Raised in Montgomery County and part of the family behind Donna’s Furniture, she grew up watching firsthand what it means to run a local business built on relationships, hard work, and showing up for the community. Today, she continues that legacy, bringing her own energy and personality to the store while helping serve the same families her mother has known for years.

Annie is a proud graduate of Sam Houston State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Her background reflects her lifelong love for staying active and understanding how movement, discipline, and consistency play a role not only in health, but in everyday life. Whether she’s at the gym, on the showroom floor, or keeping up with her daughter, she’s happiest when she’s on the move.

Her most important title, though, is Mom. Annie is a proud girl mom, and her daughter is at the center of everything she does. Growing up in a close, hardworking family shaped the way she approaches life, and she now carries those same values forward — putting family first, working hard, and never forgetting to enjoy the moment.

If you know Annie, you know she brings her own style wherever she goes. She’s just as comfortable in colorful sneakers and a trucker hat as she is helping customers find the perfect piece for their home. She’s a loyal Houston Astros fan, a regular at the gym, and someone who loves discovering music that most people haven’t heard yet — proudly calling herself an enthusiast of underrated bands.

Working at Donna’s Furniture has given Annie the chance to be part of something bigger than herself. What started as her family’s business has become a place where generations of customers return again and again, not just for furniture, but for the feeling of being taken care of. She values being part of that tradition and helping continue the reputation her family has built in the community.

For Annie, life is about balance — staying active, staying close to family, working hard, and keeping a sense of fun along the way. Whether she’s with her daughter, at the store, at the gym, or cheering on the Astros, she brings the same attitude to everything she does: show up, be yourself, and enjoy the ride.

Andie Monet

Serial Entrepreneur & Founder of Billionaire Women Rising

ANDIE — BUILDING BEYOND BUSINESS

Andie Monet’s story doesn’t begin with success — it begins with survival.

At 16, she found herself homeless, abandoned, and navigating a future that offered no clear path forward. But even in that uncertainty, she made a decision that would define the rest of her life: she would build something different. She started her first business, finished high school, and began college — all while figuring out how to survive day by day. What began as necessity quickly became purpose.

Today, Andie is known as the world’s leading Revenue Architect, Industry Disruptor, and purpose-driven powerhouse who has spent more than 35 years working across 22 industries in numerous countries. Her work has supported Fortune 100 companies, the U.S. government, twelve foreign governments, and hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses. She has built systems that streamline growth, scale revenue, and accelerate timelines — often helping business owners reach fiveyear goals in just one or two.

But for Andie, success has never been about money alone. She is known for helping entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom without sacrificing their health, relationships, or quality of life. Her philosophy challenges a common belief in business: that success requires burnout. Instead, she teaches that a thriving business and a fulfilling life are not mutually exclusive — they are meant to work together.

Her career reflects both depth and range. By 20, she was working with one of the largest consulting firms in the world. By 25, she had Hollywood celebrity clients. By 30, she was consulting with governments to rebuild economic and financial infrastructures. Today, she continues to apply those same strategies to business owners at every level, with a particular passion for supporting small and mid-sized companies — the backbone of the local communities as well as our economy.

Beyond consulting, Andie is an international bestselling author, speaker, TV and music producer, as well as TV show host. She has shared stages with leaders like Les Brown and Olympian Ruben Gonzalez, and her insights have been featured across national and international media, including Fox News, the New York Stock Exchange, and Good Morning Kenya.

Yet her work extends far beyond business.

Through global philanthropic initiatives, she is actively creating employment opportunities, empowering individuals, and supporting communities in need. Her mission is not just to build successful businesses, but to create ripple effects — stronger families, healthier leaders, and more connected communities.

At her core, Andie builds everything around people.

She believes that when financial pressure is removed, individuals have the capacity to lead with more patience, kindness, and clarity — transforming not only their businesses, but their lives and the communities around them.

Outside of her work, Andie is deeply committed to her family, her faith, and her personal growth. Whether she’s training for triathlons, serving in her church, building her nonprofit focused on youth leadership and entrepreneurship, or simply hoping for more time with her children, she brings the same passion and intention to her personal life as she does her professional one.

For Andie, success isn’t just about what you build — it’s about how that success allows you to make a difference in people’s lives.

Makers in Bloom Market

The Lake House at Grand Central Park (1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe, TX 77304) | 9:00 AM

Artisanal Vendors: The market features dozens of local small businesses offering a variety of handcrafted goods, including jewelry, artisanal clothing, home decor, and baked goods. • "Market Passport" program of collecting stamps at vendor booths for a chance to win prizes. • Live music from local musicians or a DJ • Pet Friendly:  FREE kids’ craft station featuring activities or sidewalk chalk art.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration with Dancing Horses

Hacienda Mis Padres Mexican Grill 5104 West Davis St, Conroe, TX 77304

Traditional Dancing Horses:  skilled equine performances. • Live Mariachi Music: Authentic musical performances  • Folkloric Dancers: Traditional Mexican dance performances  • Includes: a live DJ and open dancing for guests.  • Specialties: Attendees enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, margarita and beer specials. • VIP tables are available for $50, seats 4, Premium covered patio upgrades available for $100. • Reservations: recommended via Hacienda Mis Padres Facebook.

OPEN AN ACCOUNT ONLINE

CONTINUED

MAY 5TH - 7TH

Conroe Americana Music Festival

Conroe Americana Music Festival

The Conroe Americana Music Festival (by the Conroe Downtown Area Association) is a grassroots event to showcase a mix of genres, including Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Folk, Texas Country, Roots Rock, and Blues.  Duration & Venues: Typically a 3-day event, it spreads over 50+ bands across multiple venues in downtown.  The event features local food trucks, art vendors, and craft booths.

MAY 10TH

Legacy of Courage Half Marathon to benefit disabled Veterans

Russ Poppe Family Park 11675 Grant Rd Houston, TX US 77070 | 6:30 AM

This race benefits  The Outdoor Disabled Veterans Program, through Knowledge Point Network  All finishers receive a medal and shirt. The park area is beautiful.  Race Distance: • 1 Mile • 5K • 5K Ruck: an exciting challenge for participants who want to add some intensity to their race Quarter Marathon • Quarter Marathon Ruck • Half Marathon   • *12 & Under are only $15!  https://runsignup.com/ Race/TX/Houston/LegacyOfCourage HalfMarathonHouston

MAY 22ND

7th Annual Crawfish Critic Cookoff & Festival

Montgomery County Fairgrounds (9333 Airport Rd, Conroe)

Friday – Kickoff Party: Cajun Comedy Cookoff, a live demonstration and show • Saturday – Main Event: SCCA World Championship, over 50 professional cook teams compete •  Attendees can enter All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) crawfish, gumbo, and jambalaya  • Non-stop live music across the weekend  "Afterparty" Saturday 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. • Children aged 11 and younger receive free entry