7.19.21



In the Explosive Houston Market, These Six Districts Are the Hottest 'Hoods Now

Evan W. Black

PRICES ARE UP all over town, and new listing continue to fly off the market in record time. The city's top realtors tell us these six neighborhoods are the hottest of the hot right now.

Interior Dialogue: Star Designer Benjamin Johnson, aka 'Biscuits Australia,' Took Our Crazy Quiz

Jeff Gremillion

BENJAMIN JOHNSON IS a top-tier interior designer and creative director of his own eponymous design studio. And, with more that 112,000 Instagram followers, he's one of Houston's most effective and beloved designers on social media. One of his highest profile new projects meets the public this week, when his two-year collab with Thompson Custom Homes and Robert Dame Designs is toasted at a showhouse event on Wednesday. But before he pulled out the Champagne, he answered our 20 questions.

Part Artist and Part Forensic Scientist, Lartigue Is an Avant-Garde ‘Angel’ of Death and Decay

Daniel Renfrow

"QUEER AND TRANS archaeology lives within the deteriorations of history," reads part of a poem included in a recent performance by Houston-reared trans artist-activist Angel Lartigue. Her work, which she calls "bacteriomancy," often involves using bacteria and fungi — including some gleaned from the occasional human cadaver — to explore ideas rooted in forensic anthropology, biotechnology, race and gender identity.

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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