Made in Houston

Kennon Evett
ARTISAN SKATEBOARD Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one.
ARTISAN SKATEBOARD Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one.

H-Town is known far and wide for making spaceships and tacos, and how cool is that? Rockets and Tex-Mex aside, however, a range of other audacious objects, proprietary products and otherwise stupendous stuff is developed, dreamed up and done well, here in Houston. Here’s a portfolio of items, from tiny little carrier ships and carbon fibers to great big diamond necklaces, concocted and created in our own backyard. Grab a taco, read on, and be proud of your city.


ABOVE: 

Artisan Skateboard

Jake Eshelman of Side Project Skateboards hand-makes boards in three designs, including this classic cruiser that combines recovered walnut and maple and is finished off with two coats of varnish. It sells for $395, online only. With sustainability in mind, the boards are made in a Bellaire wood shop where much of the discarded wood is sourced — courtesy of Eshelman’s father-in-law and woodwork mentor, who himself rode wooden skateboards around Houston in the ’60s — and are fastened with leather risers in lieu of commonplace plastic. Like an artist would sign a painting, Eshelman laser-etches his company logo on the bottom of each one. 

Art+Culture
‘Natural Passion’ Makes Fourth-Gen Houstonian Sarah Callaway Sulma a Realty Star

AS A FOURTH-generation Houstonian, Sarah Callaway Sulma has a unique and invaluable view of the city. Her deep seated connection to Houston led her down the path to becoming one the city's most well-respected, and renowned real estate agents. Sarah's natural passion for the real estate industry from a young age led her to where she is today. "I know that it sounds cheesy, but it is the truth! I wanted to be in real estate from a young age," Sarah shares. "The late-great restaurateur, Tony Vallone, put me together with real estate legend, Martha Turner, and Martha put me together with Cathy Cagle. The rest is history-13 years of success and counting!" Now with over 13 years in real estate and $55M+ in residential real estate sales, Sarah brings a rare combination of knowledge, skill, and advocacy to each one of her clients.

Keep ReadingShow less

Lance McCullers, Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker

AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes knocked it out of the park this year, bringing in a record haul of $600,000.

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

Hugo Ortega (photo by Gittings Photography)

WHAT STARTED AS a casual watering hole with simple soups, salads and sandwiches — and a popcorn machine in the bar — is now a top restaurant owned by one of the city’s most respected restaurateurs and a James Beard Award-winning chef.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food