AN INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Katie Eick, CEO & Founder of Rockin' Pets, Rollin' Vets & Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
What were your biggest challenges in 2020? Well, the onset of Covid would have to be our biggest challenge. Before we knew too much about how it was transmitted, we enacted mask mandates and changed the way we interacted with each other and our clients. We shortened our hours and paired off into groups of two so that if one group got sick or exposed, we would have other groups intact to be able to continue working.
<p><strong>How did you adjust and overcome obstacles?</strong> We kept a sense of humor and lightness, despite the grave circumstances of the pandemic. Thankfully, pets help with keeping spirits light! So that aspect of our work kept us going. </p><p><strong>What's the secret to staying hopeful and forward-looking in tough times? </strong>I will quote Mr. Rogers: "Look for the helpers." </p><p>We are a practice full of helpers. Everyone continued to show up, despite circumstances. Everyone performed their jobs with grace, dignity and determination. Witnessing this group of individuals going about their jobs with the level of dedication they have shown has been humbling and also makes me incredibly hopeful. Even in the face of a global pandemic, our staff came to work every day, happy to be there, ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. These are the helpers, and I could not be prouder to have them on our team! </p><p>All I need to do to remain forward-looking is to see them hard at work every day. They make me believe that one day life will be back to the way we once knew it, and possibly be even better because we'll have gained a deeper sense of gratitude than we knew before.</p><p><strong>What did you learn about yourself, your business or your community that might inspire others? </strong>It was inspiring to me to see how people adopted animals in record numbers. Since they were home and had the time, people opened their homes and their hearts to homeless animals. This act alone reminds me of the goodness of humans and inspires me to be a better one. It also reminds me of the healing power of animals, and how their companionship can change everything for an individual. There were — and still are — many individuals who live alone, work remotely and remain relatively isolated from the community. Those who fit that criteria, but also had a companion pet, seem to have weathered the quarantine storm with less anxiety, isolation and hopelessness. </p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>What's new for 2021 that you're excited about? </strong>So much! Vaccines are rolling out so life is closer to getting back to normal. We are in a rapid expansion phase and have so much changing with our growth plans this year! We are excited to see where this year takes us and how many animals and people we get to help along the way.</p>
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At Glam, In-Person Symphony Ball, VIPs Celebrate an Arts Community Set to Rise from the Ashes
Mar. 1, 2021
Symphony-accompanied ballet dancers perform at the Royal Phoenix Ball.
As Covid vaccination numbers soar — as does general optimism for a new post-virus era —Houston society is again dressing up and stepping out, cautiously, to support the arts and other causes. Saturday night, they made the scene at the Post Oak Hotel, for a grand in-person black-tie bash in support of the Houston Symphony's educational and community-outreach programs.
<p>The evening also celebrated the fact the Houston Symphony is said to be one of the only major orchestras in the world to have been giving live performances (and live-streamed ones) almost nonstop since the pandemic hit last year. </p><p>Themed the "Royal Phoenix Ball," with an uplifting message about rising from the ashes of a devastating year and hitting new heights, per the plight of the mythical bird, the covid-savvy ball raised more than $800,000. The temperatures of the 114 guests were taken upon entry, and they were politely monitored for mask-wearing when they weren't at their tables dining or sipping Singapore Slings at the sexy "Dragon Fly Bar" erected near the ballroom entrance. Guests were also given a virtual option, to take in the live-streamed festivities from home.</p><p>Event coordinator extraordinaire Richard Flowers turned the hotel ballroom into a chic, moody, tropical-esque club with tabletops set with bold florals and regal avian motifs — and an elevated, black-mirrored stage on which ballet dancers performed for guests including Jesse and Betty Tudor and real estate executive Beth Wolff. Ben Chavez, the Houston-raised Broadway star, also entertained, accompanying himself on a piano under a multi-colored spotlight.</p><p>Dinner by Chef Jean-Luc Royere was lovely, many guests remarked. It included a salad of heirloom tomatoes and micro basil and moved into an elegant surf-and-turf main course of filet mignon and roasted red snapper. For dessert: an almost too-pretty-to-eat domed almond tart with strawberry ganache and garnished with gold leaf. Wine pairings, uniquely substantial by banquet standards, were provided by longtime Symphony patrons John and Lindy Rydman and Lisa Rydman of Spec's Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods. </p><p>Phillips 66 was the presenting sponsor of the ball for the seventh year in a row. Auction items included a one-of-a-kind Phoenix brooch with multi-colored emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamonds from Nini Jewels — and a jewelry pull donated by Tenenbaum Jewelers. Guests included John Mangum, Eric Lindsay, Bobbie Nau, Robin Angly, Miles Smith, Vicki West, Ralph Burch, Fran Fawcett Peterson, Cheryl Byington, Leslie Siller and Alan and Elizabeth Stein.</p><p><br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="2978" data-rm-shortcode-id="8099a308f8d1f427f81b09c1bcd1579b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTEwNjU2MH0.cGMNWAXkpPWLlq2_XcNLdIbRzHFONWSsPA0qL4-PTJQ/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="4474" id="f58d5" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Eric and Lisa Lindsey, and Lindy and John Rydman</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="2726" data-rm-shortcode-id="2ff855bf0e91a07e2c4c850ac97f4120" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc2NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTgzOTM3Nn0.pqNJ3zhi64rXcpb8MTBRF2fJW-5M5oAtTitbRsWjWHM/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="4096" id="ddfd3" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Jesse and Betty Tutor with John Mangum</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="4123" data-rm-shortcode-id="51644a8bd384880d1460f8c1003a247d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDczMjY3MX0.nKdAjABLop4oO4KeSsol8hvF-hzvv-ng3Ax3ck146Zs/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="2744" id="aaf2c" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Ralph Burch and Vicki West</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="3514" data-rm-shortcode-id="94b079d4b9b8db62535c025c38ad8bce" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc2OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzkzNzI5N30.FRRYX5Vx79IybVknSwZBiu8EeJKf6h3ixXHn7XbLESQ/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="2339" id="be2d6" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">The evening's Singapore Sling signature cocktail</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="2730" data-rm-shortcode-id="04686528426f048c83b862230e5aced6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc3OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NzA1NDk3MX0.4VFQEgsJ4pzH8ZTi23cX3FhVTQ1hGLWs36lwBcBAicI/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="4102" id="76723" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Alejandra Ruedas, Hector Villareal and Anna Dean</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="2976" data-rm-shortcode-id="42ec9b9d50bfe6aae1353d96dda99e5c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzOTI0OTA2Nn0.3Qm8fAljW7NXVn0nGyYM7w1nEtxglDUg2MU6Gl_Xgj8/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="4471" id="a2575" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Centerpieces by Richard Flowers</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="4238" data-rm-shortcode-id="5f4ee1f9b7afcc42c07a53bb3d2185b1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc5NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyODUwNjE0OX0.Z6gbBlPdw0WWZTIJyefYKW49dY2P0gYQr_LDfMuRJIs/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="2821" id="a7341" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Rita and Hans Graf</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="3879" data-rm-shortcode-id="90a73881fca44864f058ef93d72d30f7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc5Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NjE3MTk4OX0.IR_mkFWHKjSbPBJQZr5T1lkU8JjHO2YUxUxwV6sU91s/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="2582" id="d086a" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Beth Wolff, Bill Stubbs and Cheryl Byington</small></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img class="rm-shortcode" data-height="2952" data-rm-shortcode-id="ba67bdad7a552cff8060b0404349bcff" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNTcwMzc5OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMjIyMTY0M30.RvSScqGY3Uwd8rsiQLSjAaLmo5-_XxQo2MlcIK1uTgI/img.jpg?width=980" data-width="4435" id="32be1" type="lazy-image"/>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">A Symphony violinist gives a moving performance.</small></p>
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Tommey Walker's Houston design for Gucci
A just-announced collab between Gucci and Detroit designer Tommey Walker will benefit 11 nonprofits across the country, including the sustainable design house Magpies & Peacocks here in Houston.
<p>Gucci's Changemakers program launched in 2019 to support social change and create opportunities within African American communities in 11 cities nationwide, and, for the first time, now has a charitable capsule collection to support the initiative. </p><p>Walker's label, Detroit VS Everybody, is known for its simply designed hoodies, tees, joggers and more, with white block-lettered statements such as "Everybody Vs. Injustice." His line for Gucci will include exclusive t-shirt designs for each of the Changemaker cities, available for $390 each in boutiques and on Gucci.com beginning today. </p><p>The Changemaker Impact Fund announced its 2021 winners in all 11 cities last week; Magpies & Peacocks is the Houston recipient. Gucci announced that a donation in honor of the VS Everybody collab will also be made to the 2020 winners, including H-Town's creative-writing org <a href="https://witshouston.org" target="_blank">Writers in the Schools</a>.</p><p>"My partnership with Gucci is a dream come true, not just for me and my team, but also for celebrating the city of Detroit's cultural richness and innovation," says Walker of the new line, adding that the two brands share "the same unifying ethos, to bring people together for a greater good and to transform a feeling into a cultural moment."</p>
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