Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson
Al Torres
Oct. 3, 2024
How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.
Who do you credit? I credit my family, my community, and my spiritual connection. Houston is a place where opportunities exist. I did my MBA at Rice University and my Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology at UPenn. I am so grateful for the enriching communities of Rice and UPenn where they genuinely want to see their students thrive. These institutions have become my springboard from which I feel I could jump with the knowledge and confidence to launch the concept of Define Living. And, without any doubt, I give credit to my family and friends. I used to get a lot of inquisitive looks when I would talk about launching a fitness brand or a franchise brand. However, I now feel very loved and supported by the people closest to me when I tell them about a new project that I am focusing on. They can sense my passion, and that is contagious.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others?
Here are several:
1) Swim in your own lane.
2) Learn as much as you can about your industry while getting paid by someone else.
3) Starting your own business is risky, time-consuming, and challenging, but your passion will take you far.
4) It’s okay to be skeptical, but avoid becoming cynical.
5) As Mother Theresa stated, “What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.”
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? I am so happy with how well our first Define Living has been received. I worked hard to build a program that was transforming and accessible. To know that we are attracting a group of people who are diverse in every sense of the word while elevating their wellbeing is incredibly motivating for me each day. This inspires me to bring this concept nationwide and add more health and wellbeing to communities across the globe!
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THE WEATHER IS changing, and soon, so will the time! Make the most of that extra hour of sun at Montrose’s Okto. This Mediterranean hotspot, located in Montrose Collective and part of Sof Hospitality — a group nominated for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award in the competitive Outstanding Restaurateur category — is rolling out a new happy hour to enjoy on their urban-chic patio.
Monday Funday — yes, it’s totally a thing — is now in full swing with happy hour prices all day and 50% off all bottles of wine! Regular happy hour runs Monday through Thursday from 5–7 p.m., with $12 cocktails, $10 wines and delicious bites.
Bask in the warmer weather with an Okto G&T ($12), served ice cold with shishito pepper-infused gin, a citrus-y Italian liqueur, and tonic. There's also an espresso martini ($12) and sangria ($12) on the happy hour menu.
Chef Yotam Dolev doesn’t skimp on happy hour food. The Instagram-worthy tuna tartare ($16) is served in a bowl with sweet white soy sauce. And the bread service ($7) includes creamy pistachio butter, olives, and pickled peppers. Cheers!
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THERE'S A MOMENT just before dusk when everything turns to gold—the light softens, the world slows, and indulgence feels not just necessary, but deserved. Welcome to Golden Hour at The Marigold Club, where opulence meets effortless charm and your midweek unwind turns into an exquisite ritual.
From Tuesday through Sunday, between 5 and 6 PM, The Marigold Club transforms into a haven of refined indulgence for their newly launched happy hour. Think half-off champagne by the bottle, caviar service that feels straight out of a Bond film, crisp martinis that demand slow sipping, and a spread of oysters and snacks that elevate the entire affair. Because sometimes, a little decadence is exactly what you need. Enjoy half-off champagne by the bottle, half-off martinis, half-off shrimp cocktail, half-off caviar service, half-off bar snacks, and half-off French fries—each bite and sip is designed to make your evening effortlessly luxurious.
While you are there, discover the intricate mural by Pauline de Roussy de Sales , where hidden nods to The Marigold Club’s story come to life. Delight in the playful crochet art “Sardines on Toast” and “Seafood Salad” by Kate Jenkins , bringing humor and charm to every detail. And don’t miss Sabrina Bockler’s surrealist painting, “Hungry Hearts,” which blends Golden Era Dutch influences with modern themes of identity and abundance. From the hand-painted wallpaper by London’s Degournay to the Murano chandeliers and sconces from Vernier House each piece is a masterpiece in its own right. Every corner of our space is a story, told through art and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re toasting to something grand or simply treating yourself just because, The Marigold Club’s Golden Hour is the perfect backdrop. It’s about savoring the finer things, letting time slip away in the most stylish way possible, and making the evening a little more golden.
So, what are you waiting for? The bubbles are chilled, the oysters are fresh, and your seat is waiting.
*The Marigold Club Golden Hour is available anywhere in the restaurant from 5 – 6 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
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