Premier Issue: On Location
Go behind the scenes with ‘Houston CityBook,’ the hot new magazine for the most fascinating town in America!
Aug. 16, 2016
How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.
Whom do you credit? Firstly, God, but also the amazing individuals who came into my life to help show me the way: Jessica Castellano - who took a chance on me and started Zapatero + Bucaram PR with me, her 26 year old business partner — and my sister, FullyRaw Kristina, for allowing us to tell her story! Along the way, every client I have ever had or colleague I have worked with has left me with indelible memories and lessons, and helped me gain a deeper understanding of our ever changing industry!
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? I show up with kindness for all I meet and give more than I expect to receive. I work with passion and persistence, and always try to connect the dots for individuals who need it. I feel strongly that women should support each other, and don’t be afraid to fail. It’s part of the fiber of learning.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? Recently, I have been working with many nonprofit organizations who have given so much to our society. I work with the Global Empowerment Mission who helped bring over $800,000 to Texas during the winter storms, and now has raised over $20M in aid for the Ukrainian Crisis -- acquiring national media such as the Today show, CBS Nightly News, NBC Nightly News, FOX, CNN, and also specials on Anderson Cooper. I am honored to work with celebrity musicians and their non-profit organizations, such as Marc Anthony’s nonprofit, Maestro Cares, to bring opportunities for children to live, play, and learn — across Latin and Central America, and I am also very blessed to have influencers such as: FullyRaw Kristina, Internationally Renowned Multi-Genere viral Violinist, “DEMOLA the Violinist,” Nationally acclaimed beauty Influencer Marlena Stell, disease reversal specialist and MD - Dr. Brooke Goldner, and many more! Excited to expand my international and national portfolio and continue working with celebrity contacts as well as musicians!
Beth Muecke, Justin Garcia
HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.
The first part of the project was on display at a hip rooftop cocktail party that brought out art enthusiasts, creatives and culture lovers. Garcia’s evocative pieces were showcased against Houston’s skyline as guests sipped cocktails from Frio Vodka. And a giant shot wall — also created by Garcia — illuminated in the shape of the state of Texas. Cheers!
Z on 23 is located atop Le Méridien Houston Downtown. The hotel is covering its elevators and room keys with Garcia’s work. In a statement, the hotel said the initiative is part of its “mission to spark inspiration through artistic exploration.”
Garcia has a longstanding connection to the hotel, as Steven Visneau photographed Garcia for an eight-page fashion story in CityBook at Le Méridien when it opened in 2017!
Victoria Bhagat, Jourdan Lugo, Mindy Garza, Diana Yera
Justin Garcia, Kenny Owen, Brian Ching
Bruce Banta-Guevara & Oscar Banta-Guevara
Dimitri Bozonelos, Konstantina Lagou, Justin Garcia, Katie & Mark Canady
Diana Madero, Thea Pheasey, Alejandra Peterman, Hillary Jebbitt
EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.
More than 200 supporters gathered at St. John’s School, where they were greeted with a small feast before dinner even began! There were pumpkin tamales from Cuchara, and tasty apps by Chris Lott at A Bite of Hope; Holly Hearn of Game Girl Gourmet; and Dominick Lee at Augustine’s. All were nicely washed down with two cocktails from newly Michelin-starred Musaafer, and a take on a non-alcoholic margarita sponsored by Cut Above Spirits.
Janna Roberson, Urban Harvest’s executive director, welcomed guests as the first course — which was Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club’s chicken-liver mousse — was served. The meal continued with soft shell crawfish from Joe Murphy of Nobu, and pork-and-roselle salad by Burmalicious’ Suu Khin. The Woodlands’ Amrina served up Truffle Raj Kachori by chef Jassi Bindra, followed by whole-fish Collard greens Rockefeller by Lucas McKinney from Josephine’s. Still hungry? You bet we were. Next up was Culinary Khancepts’ Emily Trusler, who served coffee-cured strip steak with Kobucha squash. For dessert, Jason Gould and Samara Peña of Common Bond made little to-go boxes full of sweet treats!
“We celebrated our 30th anniversary with an evening of community, local food and talented chefs,” said Roberson. “We are grateful for the support of an amazing Houston community and look forward to expanding our impact in the next 30 years!”
The event raised $150,000 that will be used to transform food accessibility in Greater Houston.
Charlie McDaniel, Steve Roberson, Ana Beaven, Karla Contreras, Mithu Malik
Alexander Bradley, Haley Kurisky, Kay and George Kurisky
Scott Howard, Bridget Jensen, Abdissa Gemechu, Jenny Clay Combe
Heather Simpson, Abigail Simpson, James Murphy
Elias Contreras, Jorge Sanchez
Rod Borges, Fadua Borges
Sammy Ford, Sarah Nielsen, Javier Garza