Erica K. Cummings, DDS, MAGD, D-ABDSM is a board-certified general and cosmetic dentist crafting gorgeous smiles throughout The Woodlands. With 18 years of experience as a dentist, Dr. Cummings is proud to own a practice that treats its patients like family.
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I was sitting one evening on the patio of a trendy downtown spot, book in hand, when I found myself unexpectedly moved by an act of kindness. It was one of those slower “winter” months in Texas— maybe even February—and a certain languidness hung in the air. My book, a collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald works, kept me company. So, I failed to notice when a stranger paying at another table quietly instructed our waitress to cover my bill. Only later, when I asked for my check, did I discover the gesture.
What struck me most was not the generosity itself—we’re in the Bible belt after all—but that it was done anonymously. There was no recognition, no waiting to receive thanks, just blessing someone else.
An act of “local love,” if you will.
When I first learned that was the theme for our February issue—Love Local—it occurred to me that that’s what we strive to do in every issue: celebrate all there is to love about The Woodlands, and the people and places that make it so special. It’s our mission to share these “love letters” so that you feel encouraged, connected, and inspired to explore more of this idyllic place we all call home.
This month, however, we also invite you to take that idea a step further by embracing a “local love” challenge of your own. Perhaps it’s taking a cue from the story above and anonymously blessing someone in the community. Or maybe it’s forgoing shopping online and, instead, visiting a local boutique, meeting its owner, and asking for their guidance. After all, our tree-lined streets and winding trails are not the only ties that bind us in The Woodlands.
With that mind, we are delighted to share this February edition with you. Inside, you’ll find a spotlight on how The Woodlands Christian Academy's LOVE Week encourages students to live out God’s love, a profile on a local custom boot shop—Valentine’s gift anyone?—and a spa round-up, ideal for a couple’s day date. This issue also features three thoughtful Q&A’s with familiar faces in our community, including The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s Aaron Cox, Beth and Bob Ferester, and Nicole and Doug Freer.
We hope you come away from this issue with new local loves. Happy reading!
ALEX GRAY, MANAGING EDITOR
PUBLISHER
Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Alison Bridges | alison.bridges@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Alex Gray | alex.gray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Dawn Allen
STAFF WRITER
Travis Hager
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Arielle Alston | arielle.alston@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
The Woodlands City Lifestyle woodlands@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dawn Allen, Aunika Anderson, Travis Hager, Carol Mowdy Bond, Alex Gray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Presley Daniel February 2026
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
WHO YOU CHOOSE MATTERS.
Led by Haley Garcia, named one of the Top 10 Most Trusted Real Estate Agents in Texas, MSN’s Top 10 Self-Made Women, CEO Weekly’s Top CEO, and a Houston Business Journal 2025 Women Who Mean Business honoree, our team brings proven leadership, trusted expertise, and unwavering advocacy to every move you make. Partner with the team proven to lead at the highest level.
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Photography Provided by The Woodlands Art Council
Sea & Lemon doesn't just serve plates, they serve stories. Their food is inspired by the bold flavors of the Pacific coast and generations of Mexican tradition. Their recipe book is built on family legacy and inspiration from road trips from Ensenada to Mazatlán. Culinary craftsmanship is of the utmost importance and every meal is served with purpose, passion, and art. Now open at 25750 Kuykendahl Rd, Suite E in Spring.
Photography: Stock Image
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Photography: Stock Image
Dr. Leah has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. Dr. Leah Zils is set to take over Dr. Cagle’s dental practice, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of exceptional dental care established by her predecessor. Dr. Zils attended the University of Arkansas on a soccer scholarship before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Texas A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then graduated from UT School of Dentistry in Houston and hit the ground running with her dental career.
She has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. She is certified in laser dentistry as well as oral sedation. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Zils looks forward to welcoming new clients into the practice, where she can apply her extensive education and experience to provide top-notch dental care.
The highly anticipated 2026 The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. At the conference, business leaders will gain insight and knowledge on the trajectory of our economy – and learn about ways to prepare for the upcoming growth. Enjoy global, national and local speakers as they inform local business owners about local and national economic trends. woodlandschamber.org.economicoutlook-conference
Photography: The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
Are You Ready to Buy or Sell a Home?
HOUSTON MARKET INNOVATORS bring their expertise to The Woodlands !
Nicole and Doug Freer run a top-producing real estate group bringing expertise and an impressive track record of over 1,100 homes sold and a half billion dollars in sales in 2024. With a background in Finance and Real Estate Investment, their team is able to correctly price and market your home to sell for top dollar!
How Three Local Artists Are Shaping The Woodlands’ Creative Landscape
White Raven Photoworks, The Woodlands He’s a man of few words. But Dennis Chernov expresses himself through art, and his creative journey began in the heart of his homeland, Siberia. He first connected with drawing and painting. Then he transitioned to photography with all of its artistic options.
“I could do realistic genres, I could do surrealistic, mystic,” says Chernov. “I could combine styles or use an original image to build on, and see where creativity would take me, and start over if I am not satisfied with the result.”
These days, Chernov also uses photography to create concepts for his drawings. And he leans into altering the visible world and expressing mood, saying, “Creating art is a form of traveling between different dimensions. I express what I cannot describe with words through images.”
From Eurasia to the U.S. Chernov worked as a translator for volunteer teams who arrived from Texas to work in Siberian orphanages. Before immigrating to the U.S. and making Houston his home, he did commission paintings. Then after his arrival, he offered designs, drawings, photography, and custom commissioned works of art.
Heavily involved in design and photography since becoming a U.S. citizen, Chernov has created city portfolios such as stock photos that cities used for travel promotion. He has also done everything from custom accent walls to custom library designs, from promotional portraits to city portfolios that were featured in travel magazines, and from custom chalk art walls to paintings and custom furniture.
On top of it all, Chernov supports the Houston area’s vibrant arts community and encourages the public, saying “Go out and visit galleries. See people’s art. You might get inspired to do something amazing.”
Chernov’s art portfolios may be found on social media platforms. Find White Raven Photoworks on Instagram and Facebook.
“I think any artist would tell you that we walk through the world filing away ideas for later.”
- Marlo Saucedo
Visual Art Narrative, The Woodlands
Marlo Saucedo spent many childhood days as a maker and writer. She fashioned dinosaurs out of modeling clay, and she wrote and illustrated little miniature books about animals she researched. At age 11, she was thrilled when she won a scholarship based on an outdoor sketching competition. Saucedo’s prize was an art class for three summers, and through the experience, she learned various mediums that ranged from paper mache to pastels.
Handwritten Art
These days, Saucedo’s art is taking flight in new directions. Viewers may literally read her art. That’s because she uses handwritten words to tell stories in visual art narrative form. Known as micography, the form has been around since the 9th century.
“My art is handwritten, where words become form, in any language,” says Saucedo. “These words might form a skyline, trees, a portrait, or a sparrow.”
Saucedo’s pieces lend themselves to commissions for a family or company, where memories and goals or values may be recorded in unique and permanent pieces of art. Hers is a deep understanding of collective storytelling and its powers. She also creates unique community art, of which she says, “Everyone signs or writes on the piece, and I finish it out to
become a recognizable silhouette. My work may also be created as a way for every individual in a group to have representation in one single work of art. This kind of piece is created to represent many people as one group, or become a unique memento of an event and everyone who attended.”
Saucedo’s career portfolio includes working with nonprofits, with New York City artist management, and writing music articles for periodicals. She also spent time in the legal tech world.
“I think any artist would tell you that we walk through the world filing away ideas for later,” Saucedo says. These days, her sweet spot comes with seeing, “a collector’s face when the piece we imagined together is finally complete and hanging in its home, and knowing that the artwork—its form, its words— means something special to that person, family, or business is the most fulfilling part of what I do.”
Saucedo’s work is displayed all around Houston in places like Google Cloud, HPD Mounted Patrol, Boulevard Realty, UTHealth Houston, and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. She illustrated the American Story concert season with five original works. She also teamed up with an artist and a poet for a project connected to George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s (IAH) Terminal redevelopment.
Look for more of Saucedo’s upcoming airport-related projects with the Houston Airport System’s IAH, Hobby, and Ellington Field. To learn more, head to MarloSaucedo.com .
Texas Singer-Songwriter, Folk Guitarist, Author
As a small child, Lorrie Parise fell in love with the guitar. She even gave it a special name, “Den-tin,” because to her, that’s the sound guitars made.
“I did not know the word ‘guitar,’” says Parise. “My parents didn’t understand at first, until one day I pointed out exactly what I meant.”
When she was age 10, her parents bought her first guitar, promising that if she kept playing, they would eventually invest in a better model. By age 15, she had her second guitar, and she’s been playing ever since.
“Alongside music, I discovered how much I loved writing songs and stories,” says Parise. “Singing came naturally, and folk music became my focus because of its honesty and storytelling spirit. For me, the guitar, songwriting, and folk singing have always been intertwined with my love of words, and the joy of sharing them.”
With an understanding of Hispanic and American cultures, Parise says music comes from the heart and is shaped by real experiences and emotions. Her life, family, friends—and their stories, struggles, and joys—inform her work, and it’s in music where her creativity truly flows.
“Music is a cathartic experience that allows me to express emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken,” says Parise. “When I write a song, I feel as though I am capturing a moment in time, turning it into something that can be shared and remembered. Performing brings those words and melodies to life.”
Parise is also a writer. Her first book, Biography of an Everyday Couple, tells the true story of her parents and explores family loss. Her second book, 25902, is on tap to be released this spring, and she hopes it will give her grandchildren an understanding of their family’s history and encourage them to carry forward the family legacy.
Look for her new songs, including Three Beautiful Souls, as well as her first The Woodlands City Lifestyle magazine article in March. Learn more about Parise and find out where she’s performing next at LorrieParise.com
A Loving Local Valentine’s Guide
ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOBE STOCK
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift—one that says “you deserve to be pampered” without a hint of cliché? Treat a loved one (or yourself ) to a thoughtfully curated spa day featuring three beloved local favorites: a confidence-boosting sculpting session, a rejuvenating facial experience, and a full-body unwind. From science-meets-self-care to indulgent relaxation, this trio delivers a memorable day of renewal.
1. Contour Body Imaging: Sculpt with Confidence
Start your day with something a little different: a session at Contour Body Imaging. Here, body contouring meets gentle wellness—offering non-invasive Cryo T-Shock treatments that use controlled temperature changes to reduce cellulite, tighten skin, and smooth stubborn areas. Their offerings include targeted contouring, red-light therapy (LumaRay 360) designed to support skin health, and lymphatic drainage massage to help you feel refreshed from the inside out. It’s a great option for the loved one who appreciates both beauty and science working hand in hand.
2. 3-2-1 Skin Glow Med Spa: Glow from Within Next, head over to 3-2-1 Skin Glow Med Spa to nurture the skin you’re in. Known for personalized consultations and customized medspa treatments, 3-2-1 offers everything from revitalizing facials to microneedling to laser treatments, tailored to your specific goals. Whether it’s a deep-cleansing facial to kick off the glow or a more advanced rejuvenation session for long-lasting radiance, their expert team listens first and treats second—exactly the kind of thoughtful care you’d hope for on a spa day.
3. Woodhouse Spa - The Woodlands: Deep Rest & Relaxation
Cap the day with true relaxation at Woodhouse Spa in The Woodlands, nestled in beautiful Market Street. This award-winning sanctuary specializes in the kind of spa indulgence that feels like an escape: sumptuous robe and locker room amenities, a serene relaxation lounge with hot tea or even a signature mimosa, and an array of massages, advanced facials, and body treatments to soothe every inch of you. From a deeply calming Himalayan salt-stone massage to a luxurious HydraFacial or a detox body ritual, this is where tension melts away and bliss takes its place. Gift cards here are a perfect Valentine’s treat, letting your loved one choose exactly how they want to unwind.
Why This Trio Works as a Gift
This thoughtfully sequenced spa day offers a full experience: start with empowerment and body confidence, move into skin-nurturing glow, and finish in restful serenity. Whether you’re planning a romantic day together or gifting a solo self-care escape, these three local gems bring something special to every moment—celebrating inner confidence, outer glow, and complete relaxation.
Pro Tip: Book ahead, especially for Valentine’s week, and consider gifting a Woodhouse Spa card that lets your loved one customize their ideal follow-up visit.
ARTICLE BY TRAVIS HAGER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADOBE STOCK
Old Town Spring carries a particular charm in the early months of the year. Cool air, open storefronts, and a gentle anticipation as Houston edges toward rodeo season. It’s the time of year when boots come down from the shelf and Houstonians decide whether they’re ready for the dust, music, and long nights at NRG Park.
While many run out to a local store for a new pair of boots, those in the know head to Buffalo Custom Boots and Repair, a fourth-generation family business on Gentry Street, now led by Ana Cerrillo. Her family’s leatherworking legacy stretches back decades, rooted in quiet skill rather than spectacle. Among Houston’s discerning boot owners, the shop is considered a trusted artisan rather than a retail stop.
Though Buffalo Custom Boots offers belts, leather goods, and a curated selection of pre-made boots, repair work is its cornerstone. Ana approaches each pair with preservation in mind—restitching, resoling, conditioning, and reshaping boots that often hold years of personal history.
However, the shop’s most compelling offering is its fully bespoke boots, crafted from any leather a customer can dream up. Exotic hides, traditional cuts, modern silhouettes—it’s all on the table. As Ana often tells clients: “Your only limitation is your own imagination.”
For proud Houstonians, this isn’t indulgence; it’s legacy. A pair of custom boots becomes part of one’s personal aesthetic—timeless, tailored, and built to age gracefully.
With the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo only weeks away, the workshop is already humming. January and February bring in those who want their favorites refreshed or a new pair made to stand out in the Wine Garden, at concerts, or during corporate nights at the Rodeo. Modern rodeo style has grown more refined—cleaner lines, elegant stitching, muted tones with subtle flair—and Ana’s work fits seamlessly into that evolution.
Her boots aren’t showy unless requested. More often, they signal confident restraint: naturally finished leathers, precise craftsmanship, and a weight that speaks to an old-world tradition. For anyone preparing a polished rodeo wardrobe, a visit here is as essential as a trip to the hatter.
Beyond rodeo season, the shop remains a cornerstone of Old Town Spring’s artisan identity. Step inside and you’ll find a place where the time-honored craft is personal, where Ana knows not just your name but also how your heels tend to wear down, and where handmade still means something.
As we gear up for our biggest and favorite season, Buffalo Custom Boots offers more than footwear—it offers heritage, artistry, and a reminder that some things are best made slowly and made well.
For those who prefer to “Love Local,” consider swinging by Old Town Spring to ensure your boots—and your style—are rodeoready. After all, as Ana puts it, the only limit is your imagination.
“Your only limitation is your own imagination.”
-
Ana Cerrillo, Buffalo Custom Boots and Repair
Artfully Pens Forgotten History
ARTICLE BY AUNIKA ANDERSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ARMIN CARATAO
From the elegant whorls on canvas, storytelling on stage, and rich tomes of literature, the arts encompass many forms and yield countless benefits. They inspire us to remember the past, understand ourselves, and navigate the modern world. For that reason, it’s essential to curate a love for the arts in the next generation, and The Signatures Author Series, hosted by The John Cooper School, does just that. Proceeds from the impactful community event support the school’s Fine Arts Council and a literary beneficiary, Books Alive—two programs committed to enriching young lives through the arts.
The annual event features visiting author book sales and signings, raffle drawings, and an elegantly immersive, literary-themed luncheon with a presentation by the keynote author. Previous authors have included Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jodi Picoult, and Nicholas Sparks. With names like these, the event is truly a book lover’s dream—while also giving attendees the opportunity to nurture the arts for years to come and spark their own creativity.
The 21st annual event, held in December, spotlighted keynote speaker Fiona Davis, a New York Times bestselling author. Best known for her historical fiction novels that center around New York City’s beautiful architecture, Davis began her career as an actress in NYC and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia Journalism School.
“Every step I took ended up helping me when I started writing fiction,” says Davis.
Her background in journalism enabled her to curate richly researched works with three to five months of research and copious interviews, while her theatre experience was “training for being an author—plays are just dialogue.”
“I never imagined that I would be an author,” says Davis. “I loved reading, but I couldn’t imagine writing an entire book. Eventually, in my mid-40s, I stumbled upon a story that I just thought would be a really good book, and I published my first book at 49. I always say…it's never too late to write.”
Davis’s collection of eight novels uniquely blends history, mystery, and dual timelines.
“I love historical fiction, and I love mystery, so kind of joining those together is really fun,” says Davis.
She finds inspiration from the “lost contributions that women have made to history. Showing women whom we may have forgotten—we may have forgotten their names or who they were” and sheds light on their story through her fiction.
“I may take a real woman and play with her story a little bit,” says Davis. “In the author's note, I always make it very clear it's based on this person, and you should read more.”
Transporting the reader from the Gilded Age Frick Mansion in The Magnolia Palace to The Dakota in The Address or The New York Public Library in The Lions of Fifth Avenue, her books move you through the rich histories of these iconic buildings. With immersive details, she invites readers to view captivating landmarks with fresh eyes and inspires an immediate desire to jet-set to NYC.
“All of my books have something to do with the fine arts— they’re an important part of everyone’s life.”
Whether she’s writing about the glamorous jazz clubs in her first novel, The Dollhouse, or the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in The Spectacular, Davis weaves some form of art into every page through masterfully crafted mystery storytelling, ensuring her novels carry you effortlessly through each chapter.
The Stolen Queen , Davis’s latest novel, will transport you through time to explore the lost history of an ancient female pharaoh and guide you through the halls at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, “a place where pop culture and ancient history collide,” says Davis.
She describes the book as “Indiana Jone s meets Thelma & Louise meets The Devil Wears Prada .” Through the glamour of modern art to the mystery of ancient mummies, the novel ultimately examines “what is erased from history—and what deserves to be restored.” Drawing on these important conversations about art and historical artifacts, The Stolen Queen inspires readers to expand their knowledge and engage with the past in new ways.
With one-of-a-kind storytelling that delivers both a gripping narrative and reclaimed historical insight, Davis’s books deserve a place at the top of any to-be-read list.
Whether on the page, the canvas, or the stage—inspiration is never far when the arts are allowed to flourish—both in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
TWCA’S LOVE WEEK ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO LIVE OUT GOD’S LOVE
What happens when faith moves outside the classroom?
From February 9–13, 2026, upper school students at The Woodlands Christian Academy will live their week defined by action rather than routine. During the school’s annual LOVE Week, they will commit to putting faith into motion beyond the campus.
ARTICLE BY
DAWN ALLEN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
I spoke with Aaron Marez, TWCA’s upper school coordinator of spiritual development, to learn more about the history of LOVE Week and what’s planned for the future. Marez shared that for 2026, the core message he hopes students glean is, “to love the body of believers, known as the Church, and to become the Church for others, wherever they are...”
LOVE Week began in 2021 as one chapel service exploring the expression of God’s love in students’ lives. Building on that foundation, the initiative expanded into a full week of sessions in 2022. By 2023, it had grown into five days filled with worship, messages, breakout groups, and special guests. A celebratory worship concert featuring Christian rapper Hulvey closed the week.
Marez recalls LOVE Week 2025 as particularly meaningful, when students packed 50,000 meals for Mission of Hope in Haiti—a heartwarming expression of love and service. He shared that hands-on projects give students the chance to see the tangible effects and real-world impact of faith made visible.
The 2026 theme, Love the Church, Be the Church!, emerged after staff prayer and reflection on student spiritual growth. The theme encourages students to understand both the global Church and the biblical call to serve within a local congregation.
Local youth pastors are invited to lead 2026 breakout sessions, giving students the opportunity to engage with local church leaders. Marez shared that TWCA hopes these assemblies encourage students to deepen their involvement with their faith community—whether attending church services more regularly, participating in small groups, or encouraging their families to do the same.
Participation in LOVE Week provides students with spiritual, social, and even academic growth, Marez explained. Students gain confidence in leadership, strengthen relationships with peers, and develop habits of service that carry beyond the walls of the academy.
Looking forward, Marez sees students taking an active role in planning and leading future LOVE Week events.
“Organic faith in action,” he explains, “has the potential to create a lasting culture of service, love, and spiritual growth within the school body. The goal is to foster students who live God’s love outwardly, impacting their families, peers, and community.”
Marez reflects: “Events like LOVE Week offer more opportunities to encounter Jesus in ways outside our normal rhythms. Sometimes our hearts need a shock to bring them back to life; other times they need a few chest compressions to resume pumping for the Lord; and on yet other occasions they need a fresh workout to strengthen how we live and express our faith.”
Through intentional worship, service projects, and community engagement, TWCA’s LOVE Week provides students with a living, breathing framework for faith, exhorting them to live out God’s love—both on campus and in the broader community.
CHAMBER PRESIDENT AARON COX SHARES HIS VISION FOR THE WOODLANDS
ARTICLE BY DAWN ALLEN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Aaron Cox helps shape the business climate that fuels the community’s growth and quality of life. For our Love Local issue, Cox shares what drew him to The Woodlands and how his vision positions the community for what’s next.
YOU BECAME PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE WOODLANDS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN SEPTEMBER 2024. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS POSITION?
“When making career moves, it’s about more than title or compensation—it’s about quality of life, family, and the character of the community. I explored opportunities across Texas and in other states, but very few truly stood out. The Woodlands did.
The chamber’s reputation for meaningful impact and the community’s unmistakable energy sealed the deal. The Woodlands blends the best of Austin and San Antonio— innovation, cultural vibrancy, and a deep sense of connection—yet it has its own unique rhythm. That combination made it clear this was the right place, and the right moment, to take on this role.”
YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH INCLUDES LEADERSHIP ROLES WITH THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY AND TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS. HOW HAVE THOSE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP TODAY?
“My work with both organizations shaped my leadership in two key ways. First, strong business growth is the foundation of a healthy community. A thriving business sector fuels jobs, resources, and investment—and those benefits ripple into education, the arts, volunteerism, and overall quality of life. Leading in that environment taught me the
importance of advocating for business and ensuring someone is consistently protecting their interests and championing the issues that affect them.
Second, the Cancer Society reinforced the power of engagement. You learn quickly that every story of triumph has a challenge at its center—but people rally, and you see how deeply communities care for one another. That perspective guides how I encourage our members to stay connected through professional development, civic involvement, and shared experiences that help their businesses grow.
And here in The Woodlands, that approach fits naturally. Our chamber isn’t only made up of for-profit companies—we have nearly 150 nonprofit members whose work is woven into the fabric of this community. Embracing both sides of that membership is central to how I lead: with an understanding that business success and community wellbeing aren’t competing priorities—they strengthen each other.”
WHERE DO YOU SEE OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN 2026 AND BEYOND?
“Our biggest opportunities lie in staying ahead of AI and rapid technological change. From a chamber standpoint, that means staying true to our mission—bringing leaders together so The Woodlands remains on the leading edge.
George Mitchell’s vision shaped the first 50 years of this community, but we can’t rely on past successes. We need to prepare our young people for the workforce of tomorrow and create space for a shared, forward-looking community vision.
As The Woodlands takes its place as a regional hub for the northern Houston area, the real opportunity is to lead with intention—aligning business, education, and civic partners to drive long-term growth. If we do that well, The Woodlands won’t just influence the region—we’ll help define its future.”
“We need to prepare our young people for the workforce of tomorrow and create space for a shared, forward-looking community vision.”
Meredith Boudousquié Founder
Editor-In-Chief
“Hey, do you want to get married?”
Fifty-eight years later, and that joke from Beth to Bob outside the student dorms of the University of Tennessee seems prescient. Having met on a blind date arranged by their peers, they laughed, “not thinking that we would be married by that time a year later.”
The Woodlands knows the Feresters for their longstanding real estate presence, but few likely know the secret to their long, loving marriage: growing up together in the schools of family life and business management.
Having moved to Houston in 1981 “with four children, a high-interest-rate loan of 17%—which makes me wonder why everyone complains about interest rates of 6-7%— and only one of us working ... something had to happen,” Beth says.
The act of raising their four children—three daughters, Shannon, Courtney, and Rory, and their “free spirit” son, Ryan—while both Beth and Bob worked meant few idle hands.
ARTICLE BY ALEX GRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRESLEY DANIEL
Everyone functioned as a team to keep the household running smoothly, each with their own job. While the Ferester kids might hand out flags on the Fourth of July, Beth authored cookbooks with recipes from her clients.
Bob and Beth led the charge, sharing dinner duties and ferrying the kids to school and extracurriculars, while the older children helped with their younger siblings.
“We made it a game with them, which was actually fun.”
By the early ‘90s, Beth decided to open her own company, and after increasing success, elected to bring on a managing broker to free her to do what she loved most—selling real estate. Bob was the first choice.
“I appreciate Bob's patience and ability to put all of us first, no matter what he has to do in order to do it,” says Beth. “As for Bob, he appreciates—while sometimes finding it difficult—my determination and persistence.”
Having lost her father at just 19, Beth learned early to make the most of time with loved ones and not take Bob for granted.
The Feresters, while loving their work in real estate and having “no intention of retiring any time soon,” are family-focused. They enjoy spending downtime together at their summer home in Maine and keep up as a family via group texts with their children and grandchildren titled, the “Original Six” and “Descendents of Beth,” respectively.
Bob and Beth know they’re blessed.
“The main thing that has made ours a great marriage is that we have supported each other in everything we have done,” Beth says.
For the Feresters, the days of turning monotonous, hard work into playful games for the whole family are far from over. Granddaughter Grace even joined Beth and Bob in the family business six years ago.
When asked about one thing people would be surprised to learn about their relationship, Beth replied: “That we have been married for 58-plus years and [are] still having fun.”
In the lead-up to the month of love, we asked our community to share stories of enduring love. One couple—new to The Woodlands!—came to the fore: Nicole and Doug Freer. As committed to their covenant of marriage as they are to excellence in real estate, the Freers’ started from humble, and unexpected, beginnings. And after years of dedication and commitment, theirs is a union worth celebrating.
TWCL: HOW DID YOU FIRST
NF: Doug and I met working out at this hole-in-the-wall gym in Mission Bend, and I noticed him immediately. I thought he was super cute and started arranging my schedule to make sure I was there during the time that he was. And finally one day, I got the nerve to go up and start talking to him. I gave him my number and said, “Well, if you ever want to go see a movie sometime, give me a call.” I didn’t know that he had found out I was still in high school, so he was not interested. It took him a few days to finally break down and give me a call, but he did. We went for evening coffee at Starbucks, and the rest is history.
ARTICLE BY ALEX GRAY
TWCL:
THAT TIME?
NF: After Doug and I met at the gym, we dated for a year, and after that, we understood that things were going to end. I was going to start my senior year of school, and he was going to go away to college.
I was on summer vacation with my family when I figured out that I was pregnant. So, we got married, and after our son was five months old, [Doug] was able to accomplish his dream of playing college basketball. But there was still a gap that we had to make up financially for him to be able to go to school. So, on top of him going to school full-time and basketball practices and traveling for games, he would also knock doors in the evening selling home security alarm systems and Dish network TV. We were also responsible for bringing home the basketball teams’ practice and game uniforms and washing them in our apartment. All of these things just helped us be able to afford living in our apartment and paying for school. But we still had to be on government assistance those first couple of years.
We grew up together. It was very unique; going through all of those struggles at a very young age together really laid what I believe was this unshakable foundation in our marriage that from that moment, God just continued to build on.
TWCL: WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO PARTNER TOGETHER IN REAL ESTATE?
NF: After Doug graduated college, we came back to the Houston area and he got a job at a bank. He was doing extremely well there when one day, out of the blue, he lost his job. And he came to me and said, “I’ve made a lot of connections. I have a really good resume. I can go get a job at any other bank, or I can start my own business.” And at that time, I encouraged him to start his own business. And he started a very successful loan brokerage business. Through that is when he learned about buying and flipping homes. Over the course of a few years, he had bought and flipped about 15 properties. At that time, he was just googling “Top Real Estate Agent” in whatever neighborhood his flip
was in and having that agent list his home. But after doing so many, he came to me. At the time, I was staying home, and he asked me if I would get my real estate license to save him the 3% listing commission. And so that was the sole purpose of me getting my real estate license! God obviously had other plans because after I got my license, I closed 20 deals my first year in real estate. My second year, I closed 50, and after that, I went to Doug and told him, “I’m going to have to start turning business away because I can’t handle all this business.” I was sending out emails and searches in the middle of the night. And he said, “Well, let’s not do that. How about I’ll leave my business, I’ll get my real estate license, and we’ll start a real estate team.” That decision completely changed the course of our lives.
It’s just been incredible doing this alongside him, and we say it all the time: we would never have grown so large and so quickly in this industry without each other.
TWCL: BETWEEN YOUR MARRIAGE AND YOUR BUSINESS, HOW HAVE YOU GONE ABOUT KEEPING YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT?
For us, it’s about our relationship—our walk—with Christ. Always keeping that priority first and foremost. It’s our relationship with Christ, our marriage, our children, then our business.
TWCL: BOTH OF YOUR PARENTS ARE IMMIGRANTS. HOW DO YOUR CUBAN AND COSTA RICAN HERITAGES COMPLEMENT ONE ANOTHER IN MARRIAGE?
Doug and I both come from extremely, extremely hardworking parents. There was never getting tired, there was never sleeping in, there was never “no.” It was day-in and day-out, you get up and you go to work, and you work hard. That is something that both Doug and I inherited.
TWCL: WHAT IS A LESSON ABOUT LOVE THAT YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY (AND ARE NOW GRATEFUL FOR)?
It is hard to have a peaceful marriage relationship if you don’t have a peaceful relationship with yourself, and it is difficult to have a peaceful relationship with yourself if you don’t first have the peace that comes from God. Throughout our 26 years of marriage, there have been times where I put God first and times when I didn’t. And when I reflect on those years, the seasons that I didn’t were a lot less peaceful in my personal life and my marriage than the times that I did.
TWCL: WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU MOST APPRECIATE IN EACH OTHER, BOTH AS SPOUSES AND BUSINESS PARTNERS?
I think if you look at a lot of successful relationships, each person is the complete opposite of the other. I’m more outgoing than Doug is. I like to put myself out there. I’m creative, and I make decisions with my gut. Doug is very logical and analytical, so we’re very different. However, we complement each other extremely well, and when we’re in a
situation or a conversation, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses to where we can step up and fill a gap when there’s a need. After this long, I think we do it pretty seamlessly. But what I think I most appreciate about Doug—he’s got such a sensitive, tender heart.
TWCL: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ENJOY DOWNTIME TOGETHER?
Because we are both in leadership in the service industry and serving people all day long, our favorite thing to do at the end of the day is to go sit down at a nice restaurant or DoorDash some yummy food and get in bed and put the TV on, but we’ll always eat dinner together.
A little bit more exotic than that would be going to our place in Cozumel, Mexico that we just got in January, our slice of heaven.
TWCL: WHAT IS THE BEST MARRIAGE ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
“Put your husband first, your marriage first, before anything. Before kids, before friendships. Because there’s going to be a day when your kids grow up and leave the house, and it’s just going to be the two of you.”
TWCL: YOU HAVE TWO GROWN CHILDREN AND A GRANDDAUGHTER. HOW WOULD THEY DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
I would hope they would describe it as steadfast, predictable, inspiring…resilient.
TWCL: WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
I think the perception is that I’m a very strong, hardheaded, determined female, and while that is true in a lot of areas of my life when it comes to achieving my goals—when it comes to my marriage, at the end of the day, I may give him a hard time, but I desire and enjoy being submissive to my husband. I love being a woman that has the incredible blessing of being married to a husband who likes to be in charge, take care of her, protect her in every area of our lives, year after year, and—bless his heart—has not gotten tired of me yet.
September 6 & 7, 2025 The Lone Star Convention & Expo Center, Conroe, TX 77303
FEBRUARY 2026
FEBRUARY 6TH
602 Venue - 602 Pruitt Road, Woodlands, TX | 6:00 PM
Grab your best girlfriends and get ready for the ultimate girls' night out at Galentine's Purse Bingo benefitting the Kailee Mills Foundation. Enjoy an evening packed with fun, fashion, and fabulous prizes all while supporting a great cause! give.kaileemillsfoundation.org/ event/2026-galentines-purse-bingo/e667515
FEBRUARY 13TH
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott | 6:30 PM
"Love Your Neighbor" is the the theme of this year's Celebration of Excellence Gala benefitting Interfaith of The Woodlands and its mission to build a more caring community through service. This year's Hometown Heroes honorees include Jim Carman, Laran Cone, Michelle Little, John Powers, Lonny Soza and Elvira Graham, Houston Methodist The Woodlands, and In the Pink of Health. one.bidpal.net/coegala2026/welcome
FEBRUARY 14TH
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:00 PM
On February 14th, get ready to fall in love with the arts at the Rock Your Heart Out Valentine's Gala. All proceeds will benefit The Pavilion’s nonprofit mission to make the arts accessible to everyone. Gala guests will enjoy a special performance by the multi-platinum rock band Barenaked Ladies. 2026valgala.my.canva.site
FEBRUARY 21ST
Montgomery County & North Harris County Heart Ball
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott | 6:00 PM
For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has pioneered scientific discoveries and made bold moves to save lives. The Heart of Montgomery County and North Harris County campaign raises critical funds to ensure this important work continues. The Heart Ball is a fun night to celebrate this important campaign and the milestones achieved. ahahouston.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20252026Montgomery NorthHarrisCountyHeartBall/tabid/1553444/Default.aspx
FEBRUARY 28TH
Start Line Near Town Green Park | 7:00 AM
The Woodlands Marathon is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The flat, fast course traverses the streets of Town Center and our community before finishing on the scenic Woodlands Waterway. Events include the Boston-qualifier marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and 2K Fun Run. Supporters are encouraged to line the race course and cheer on their favorite runners! thewoodlandsmarathon.com
FEBRUARY 28TH
Rob Fleming Recreation Center | 9:00 AM
Don't miss Touch-A-Truck, a free family event sponsored by Soccer Shots. Get up close and personal with all kinds of big trucks, off-road vehicles, first responder vehicles and more! To ensure a fun and accessible event for everyone, there will be a sensory friendly hour from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. The full event runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Recreation/Recreation-Centers
