#girlswhohtx

Hump Day is here! Here’s list of some things to try on this fine Wednesday.

1. Go catch a matinee movie. Or stay in and watch a classic, like Pootie Tang.

2. Try a new wine.

3. Make a new playlist full of songs you can shave your legs to.

4. Wait patiently for the candy to go on sale. Hey, it’s not expired right? Plus it means snacks for the Black Panther premiere this week.

5. Have a solo sing-a-long to your favorite songs that came out before you were born.

6. Run yourself a bubble bath with ALL the essential oils. My faves are Lavender and Eucalyptus. And turn on that playlist you made.

7. Unplug. Once work is over, it’s all about you. How are you gonna focus on yourself if you keep answering those emails? Put the phone down.

8. Make dinner. You may have to go to the grocery store, but a steak does sound good. With some asparagus and possibly a sweet potato.  

9. Take nap or go to bed early. It’s been a long week. I know you need rest, because I need rest. **Use fresh sheets and bed spray to make it that much better.**

10. What a better day to Hulu and chill. Have you finished watching all the Living Single episodes? Start there. Grab your wine.

And remember: treat yo’ self ;). After all you made it halfway through the week. What better way to celebrate because it has been a long one.

You probably expected this one, but how can we not highlight this amazing black woman that we all can take a number from? For eight years, Michelle Obama was our mother, motivational speaker, style icon, and our First Lady. (I’m obviously just speaking for us; not too sure about those in [redacted]’s America.)

Before she was so many things to us, Michelle Obama was a Harvard Law School graduate and a pillar in the Chicago community. She used her experience and knowledge to get involved with non-profit organizations and higher education in the Chicago area. When she decided to help run the inauguration campaign of my President, Barack Obama, she put her professional work within the Chicago community aside. As the First Lady, Michelle Obama implemented many programs revolving around health and education that continue to influence us today.

We all remember the infamous speeches that Michelle is known for. As a woman of strength, she exudes confidence in everything that she does. In a time where young black children only knew an African American family in the White House, she made sure to represent the best of us. She conveyed that there was nothing, as black women, that we can’t achieve. She, along with my President, were the epitome of hope to those who look just like them.

I am thankful that I am able to experience the ongoing work of Michelle Obama and the footprint that she will leave on this earth.

This month we honor Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama.

Written by: Spencer

Located in the Museum District, The Houston Museum of African American Culture has an intimate vibe and features the works of talented artists through engaging its viewers and encouraging knowledge throughout the community. The exhibits often expands between two months, a little over 30 days, and even hosts 3^rd party events when the museum is closed.

Last month at the HMAAC, we attended A Mardi Gras Indian Celebration! featuring Terrance Grasper, Big Chief of the White Eagle Tribe, and the traditions circling around Mardi Gras. It was interesting to hear about the history behind Mardi Gras traditions, rather than what we usually denounce to Bourbon Street and Grenades. The presentation highlighted the frontrunners of their Mardi Gras tribe and the year round work that goes into preparing for that final day when they decide which Chief of the Tribe is the ‘prettiest’ as Mr. Grasper tells it. We also heard from the second line band, The Hustlers, and even some two stepping. The energy was high, filled laughter and conversation.

This month we will be attending BLCKMARKETHOUSTON’s #FirstFriday event at the Houston Museum of African American Culture. The event is held on the first Friday of every month, obviously, and you can find out more about featured artists on their Instagram at BLCKMARKETHOUSTON.

Be sure to check out the upcoming exhibits at the Houston Museum of African American Culture at www.hmaac.org. The museum has limited hours so be sure to plan ahead before visiting. Make it Girls Night, or a Date Night, but there will be guaranteed fun. Talk to us, let us know how it goes.

Written by: Spencer

We’ve all heard the songs, and the many remakes. With suggestive lyrics and hard-hitting rhythms, Three 6 Mafia has solidified their position as southern hip hop cultural icons with a career that spans well over 20 years.

The Memphis based collective originally included Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo, Lord Infamous, Koopsta Knicca, Juicy J, and DJ Paul; now the group consists of the latter two. Often, they are described as part of the horror core rap sub-genre, alluding to the fact that their lyrics involve anything graphic and slightly on the darker side. (However, that might not be much of a shocker considering their group name). This is a very important staple in their catalog because it was not very common then for a rap group to talk about things people usually would expect a heavy metal band to write about.

Most notably, they won an Academy Award for their work on the movie “Hustle & Flow” (2005) for the song, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp”. Also, arguably the best southern body of work, “International Players Anthem”, performed by UGK, and Outkast, is produced by Three 6 Mafia and David Banner. Since then, they have had an MTV show and continue to make music both individually, and as a group.

Music is a vehicle for culture. Often times, southern rappers are portrayed as underdogs of hip hop to outsiders. But for those who are willing to listen, it becomes apparent how much sway there is in our music. Their influence is present in the underground scene in groups like Raider Klan, and also in the mainstream with artists like Cardi B and A$AP Mob. In the big picture, we all like to feel good and flex to some degree, and that’s ultimately the tone of their music. Three 6 Mafia’s ability to adapt and stay relevant is a testament to how far you can get when you just be yourself. Check out the Youtube video below and tell us some of your favorite artists!

Written by: Arie

Spencer - A Student of Life. Uninhibited. Magical.

Arie - A Multipotentialite, (view link for reference). Resilient. A Lovable Cynic. 

What is our mission?

Our mission is to curate a positive space equipped with resources for millennials in an ever-changing world, allowing us to become more culturally aware and inform those who are inspired by us.

When?

Since High School - circa 2010

We met in high school, in Spanish class. Arie helped me pass, because I would not have. Even then, there was always an array of topics that we were discussing, in English. From new music, to her eclectic style, and our easy-going attitudes supplemented by laughable antics. Honestly, we’re hilarious. As outgoing, free-spirit, new-age hippies, we figured that a collaboration between the two of us would be anything but boring. After brainstorming, planning, drawing, scripting, we came up with #GIRLSWHO.HTX.

#GIRLSWHO.HTX -

#GIRLS, being Spencer and I.

WHO, referring to the activity that has our attention at the time.

HTX - in Houston, Texas.

#GirlsWho.HTX is the Houston-born initiative to show that women are more than one thing and that we can exist in many spaces. As a collective we are not only focused on the matters of women, but the growth of the black community and expanding the minds of those who can relate to us. Let us take this opportunity to introduce you to new networks with like-minded people while you sample the many different activities that intrigue us.  

Where?

Houston, Texas - Home of the Trill. World Series Champions. Clutch City.

As Houstonians, we wanted to make an impact in Houston by inviting our community to be a part of our network. We will do this by building local connections, extending the invitation to our peers and contributing to the growth and development of the communities that raised us. 

Why?

A word from Spencer:

Because I can never make up my mind and I’m always interested in trying new things.

A jack of all trades, is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

First, I bet you didn’t know that was the whole quote. Me neither. But secondly, I feel like this describes me. What’s wrong with knowing exactly what I want to do and knowing how to do a few other things as well. As a current Graduate Student in Speech-Language Pathology, I have a schedule that is quite-complicated and a thirst for knowledge. I felt that an opportunity like this would be a creative outlet allowing me to expand my knowledge on opportunities around me and cater to my interest of exploring and pouring this energy into something positive.

One of my goals for this year is to be #Black AF, which means I would like to be aware and more involved in black spaces in one of the most diverse cities in the world. As we have started this journey, we have been looking to get out more and be more involved. You’d be surprised at how many activities you’ve passed, places there are that you’ve never considered, and open opportunities to make a lasting impression on those you come across.

A word from Arie:

I always was interested in doing everything. Currently a student at the University of Houston, I started my college career at the University of Pittsburgh. Being so far from home with no familiar faces really pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to build connections as well as sharpen my opinions about the world. As a result, I came back to Houston with new eyes and a long list of personal goals. 

I’ve never been one to be stereotypical, or to just be contained into one box. I’m always able to laugh at my friends when they struggle to describe me. Coming together with Spencer during the inception of #GIRLSWHO.HTX seemed like the perfect piece to my odd little puzzle. We both are individuals with multiple interests. In the past, I have felt external pressures to just “pick something”. #GIRLSWHO.HTX is a positive space where you don’t have to choose only one thing, when we can experience them all.

In this collaboration, we hope to inform others of what’s around them, as well as encourage our peers to seek out other opportunities for themselves, or simply just try something new. Let this also be a hub of self-love and service to others.

Follow us on our journey and we hope to see you out in the world. Stay tuned for what we have to come because we’re excited to tell you all about it. 

Peace, Love and H-Town.

Stylish, beautiful, accomplished, Vashtie is someone I have admired for years. She’s been named dropped in songs of artists such as Drake and Chance the Rapper, but some may not know who she is. Vashtie is the ultimate “cool girl”.

What doesn’t she do? She’s a DJ, director, creative consultant and artist. She grew popularity on the New York scene as a DJ in the early 2000′s and she even modeled for Pharrell’s Billionaire Boys Club clothing line. She also has directed videos for artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Solange. In 2008, she launched her clothing line VIOLETTE  and has not stopped going since. 

In 2010, Vashtie was the first female designer to have a shoe released for the Jordan brand. How cool is that? Her style is one to be admired. Growing up immersed in hip hop and skate culture, I’d describe her as tomboy chic, and she has modeled for brands such as Supreme, Puma, and DKNY just to name a few.

I admire Vashtie because she’s successfully been able to build a good reputation, while being friends with very well known celebs and staying true to her craft. She embodies the fact that there are ways to gain success without selling sex or always being in front of the camera. If you want to see what she’s up to follow her on Instaor visit her website to learn more. 

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I put together a food tour (here, spreadsheet from with notes here). This is how it went. 

Firstly, our mission is to explore Houston and encourage others to as well. What better way to do it besides trying new foods? With our list of restaurants on hand, we set out with a couple friends to see what gems we could discover. As large as Houston is, it is no surprise that there are many neighborhoods to explore. The Heights was the subject of this first tour. This area of Houston has a quirky charm with a very easy-going pace. Washington Ave is a business populated street full of restaurants and bars, making it a good choice for hopping place to place. We went on a Thursday afternoon, around the start of happy hour. The goal was to try as many foods as possible without stuffing ourselves or depleting our pockets. Efficientqueens. 

First stop: Urban Eats 

The ambiance was very calm. It wasn’t very busy at that time. We started out with a flight of beer, which came with house selected cheese, salami, and nuts. Next, we ordered the fried green tomatoes and a pear & prosciutto flatbread pizza. Arugula, arugula, arugula. These two dishes were definitely the stars of this tour. We wanted to try something different, and different is what we got. The fried green tomatoes were far from traditional, being that they came stacked with goat cheese, an onion chutney and roasted beets. They were served with a smokey aioli, but they honestly did not need anything else. The flatbread pear pizza was light with the perfect crunch. The pear did not disturb the prosciutto, as they worked together to form a great combo. If it’s not apparent already, I would for sure recommend this spot. 

Next we visited Soma Sushi. 

Still being happy hour, we headed over to Soma. Of course we got into some hot sake. One of our personal favorites, we also ordered edamame. The waitstaff were very friendly, and this place is surrounded by other places I personally enjoy such as Kitchen 713, and MAX’S Wine Dive, which are also featured on our Washington Ave tour list. Nothing on the menu particularly wowed me, but for a casual day out with friends, it is surely worth the time and the happy hour prices. 

Next, we headed across the street for some frozen margaritas. 

After that we somehow ended up at The Galleria, bringing our food tour to an end, or so we thought. We headed over to Diablo Loco Sports Bar where we had the Crown Royal wings and a few drinks. 

All in all, the tour was a great idea. The food led us to the fun. Between us pairing up and sharing dishes, not only did we go home full, but I spent less than $50 doing it, which is good considering we went to four places AND had drinks. The entire experience was positive, and I really had fun finding out about all of the unique menus, even though we did not get to them all in one day. In the future I would like to do more tours like this. 

Is there a particular neighborhood you would suggest? Did you and your friends try any of these places? Let us know! 

Written by: Arie 

/ˈjazmən/ :  jvsmine_bvss :jas

She’s an aspiring DJ and a concert junkie with a passion for pushing the culture forward. She’s been cultivating her brand and interviewing the hottest names and now has a podcast coming soon. Be on the lookout for Jasmine✨ because she’s coming whether you’re ready or not.