Nicole Betts Multimedia Journalist Austin, TX

PaperCity Magazine • 16th October 2021

Houston Middle Schooler and Her Guru Mom's Remarkable Dance Journey Gets the Movie Treatment

COVID-19 cause a lot of distress for Kaavya and her family because the dance performance was postponed and her grandparents couldn't come.

Most dance students perform their arangetram between the ages of 16 and 18, but Kaavya's dance skills are so advanced that she performed hers at age 12.

Kaavya has been practicing Bharatanatyam, the oldest form of indian dance, since she was just five-years-old and started preparing for her arangetram at age 10. (Photo by Thiru Arumugam)

Lavanya Rajagopala

PaperCity Magazine • 28th September 2021

Houston Entrepreneur Bends the Rules of Streetwear — Why A Herd of Bison is a Local Brand to Know

A Herd of Bison is currently an online store, but there will many more pop up shops In the future.

Many of A Herd of Bison's designs originate from the daily struggles and successes of life.

Creator Kareem Day has been designing garments and footwear since he was just a little kid and decided to start A Herd of Bison clothing brand in 2018.

A Herd of Bison is a streetwear clothing brand designed for both men and women of all ages.

Looking to spice up your fall closet with something different

PaperCity Magazine • 27th August 2021

Texas Scientist Turned Shoe Designer is Obsessed With Comfortable High Heels — These Getaway Sticks Don't Hurt

Not only are Getaway Sticks shoes comfortable, but they are also stylish and elegant. (Photo by Getaway Sticks LLC)

Getaway Sticks shoes come in a variety of styles and colors perfect for any occasion. (Photo by Getaway Sticks LLC)

Getaway Sticks Shoes is an online store that has athletic foam in their wedges to provide maximum comfort. (Photo by Getaway Sticks LLC)

Founder of Getaway Sticks Shoes Steffie Tomson created her own company after she kept having foot discomfort after a long work d

PaperCity Magazine • 20th August 2021

Young Entrepreneur Profile — This 25-Year-Old Who Owns Her Own PR Firm is Shaking Things Up

Whitney Allen of Talks Brands has worked a lot with local female-owned businesses in the lifestyle industry, but with the rebranding she hopes to expand globally. (Photo by Whitney Allen)

The COVID shutdowns in the spring of 2020 slowed down business for Talks Brand Group, but that did not stop owner Whitney Allen as she started fostering a big online presence on social media to reach out to clients. (Photo by Abiel Esau Garcia)

Founder of Talks Brand Group Whitney Allen places her focus on th

PaperCity Magazine • 6th August 2021

Bringing Live Dance Back to Houston and Austin — Ishida Dance Company and Its Former Prodigy Founder Keep it Creative

Ishida Artistic Director Brett Ishida stuided creative writing and poetry at UCLA, and all of her coreography is based on poetic narratives.

Ishida Dance Company presents Faraway, So Close, a show-stopping performance that will evoke emotion and depict different stories.

Ishida Artistic Director Brett Ishida has been choreographing ever since she was little, and after spending time in Austin she decided it was the perfect spot to open her own dance studio.

This month Ishida Dance Company, an

PaperCity Magazine • 7th July 2021

Your Inner Fat Girl Embraces Real Women With Loungewear and a Push for Positivity

Your Inner Fat Girl's online clothing store recently released a crop top made with one of Zara's classic white T-shirts to celebrate the company's five-year anniversary. (Photo by Shabazzborn)

Since the launch of her iconic Fat Girls Taste Better T-shirt, Natalie Tate has made a name for herself with thousands of followers on Instagram. (Photo by Shabazzborn)

Natalie Tate — better known as Taste on her food, fashion, and lifestyle blog — started her own Instagram account in 2016 to disguise a

PaperCity Magazine • 19th May 2021

Reimagining the Kimono — Houston Fashion Designer Teams Up With Asian Artists

Kimono Zulu focuses on modern styling and reimagining ways to style a kimono. (Photo by Quy Tran)

Kimono Zulu collaboration with Katsola for this creation. (Photo by Jenn Duncan)

Tina Zulu’s kimonos have been featured at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Shop and worn by stylish celebrities including Nene Leakes.

For the "The Beatles," Kimono Zulu collaborated with Houston nonagenarian artist David Adickes working with founder Tina Zulu's collection of vintage kimonos.

The owner of Kimono Zul

PaperCity Magazine • 9th May 2021

Young Texas Fashion Entrepreneur Tackles Maternity Clothes — Something for New Moms

The nude mesh dress from White Flag Clothing can easily be dressed up or down for any occasion. (Photo by Mavricioh)

Tai Bowen wanted to create a maternity line because she knows how difficult it can be for pregnant women to find comfortable, stylish clothing. (Photo by Mavricioh)

The black jumpsuit is Tai Bowen’s favorite piece from the collection, because the snap buttons make breastfeeding easy. (Photo by Mavricioh)

Tai Bowen created her maternity line because she knows how difficult it is

PaperCity Magazine • 10th April 2021

Apollo 13 Gets Another Houston Moment at NASA — a New Monument Debunks Plenty of Myths

The Apollo 13 spaceflight was the third mission to land on the moon in 1970. An explosion in one of the oxygen tanks caused the spacecraft to perform an emergency landing.

Although Apollo 13 was a failed mission, it turned out to be a great success story, because NASA controllers worked around the clock for more than five days to ensure the crew’s survival and safe return. (Photo by Warwick Adventures)

The Apollo 13 sculpture is the center’s newest addition to Rocket Park, as part of its NASA

PaperCity Magazine • 29th March 2021

Texas Artists are Inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris — See the Creative Works

Mostyn Law Firm founder Amber Mostyn commissioned the artists to share their personal interpretations of Kamala Harris.

Artist Rico Edwards used a darker shade of blue for "Vice President Kamala" because he believes that Harris is strong subject matter and wanted to portray her strong influence on society.

Artist Tra' Slaughter's "46" reflects honor, grace, appreciation, and representation, all rolled into one piece.

When Artist Linda Simien Kelly worked on her portrait "The Identity of Chang

PaperCity Magazine • 25th March 2021

Taking a Houston Art Adventure — This Black Artist Creates Art in Neighborhoods Too-Often Ignored

Reginald Adams' mural "Sacred Paths," located in the Third Ward at Columbia Tap Trail, depicts eight African-American activists. (Photo by Reginald Adams)

In Midtown, Reginald Adams' mural “I Can’t Breathe" depicts George Floyd, an African-American who lost his life due to racial discrimination and police brutality. (Photo by Reginald Adams)

Reginald Adams' “Barack Obama” mural marks the Obama's visit to Houston for the 2008 primaries. (Photo by Reginald Adams)

Reginald Adams' "Freedmen's Tow

PaperCity Magazine • 3rd March 2021

Black-Owned Houston Distillery Makes Cocktails More Accessible With Eventful Mixology Class

While they mingled across the tables, guests munched on American bites including hamburger sliders, hot wings, and an assortment of cheeses. (Photo by Julian Cavazos)

The secret ingredient added to the cocktails was a shot of Highway Vodka, a liquor infused with hemp seeds. (Photo by Julian Cavazos)

Nicole Betts and Whitney Allen at the Exquisite Taste Mobile Bartending Class. (Photo by Tommy Ereli)

As beginner mixologists made their first tropical drinks of the evening, a DJ pumped up the pa

PaperCity Magazine • 3rd March 2021

Overlooked Beaumont's Restaurant Week and New Art Festival Bring Some Unexpected Event Power

Don't miss out on Patty’s Mexican Restaurant's Birria quesadillas' paired perfectly with a classic frozen margarita. (Photo by Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Enjoy some great deals at some of locals favorite restaurants such as J.Wilson's, Sweet Basil and 1701 BBQ. (Photo by Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Attendees can enjoy a date night with deals at 5 Under Golf Center where you can dine and play all day long. (Photo by Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Another fe

PaperCity Magazine • 8th January 2021

Inside Montrose's New Interactive Street Art Wonderland — Hip-Hop Artist and Local Entrepreneur Unveil Playhaus II

The Graffiti Hallway painted by artist and designer Gino Vian is the perfect setting for your next instagram post. (Photo by Nicole Betts)

Playhaus II combines street and contemporary art to create a unique gallery experience for guests. (Photo by Alexis Ho)

Playhaus II is a COVID-safe experience for guests of all ages to enjoy hip art and fresh music. (Photo by Nicole Betts)

Playhaus II is an Instagrammable paradise, with colorful rooms that are perfect for unique selfies.

Black Lives Matte

PaperCity Magazine • 28th December 2020

Houston's Newest Museum is an Interactive, Otherworldly Playground — Step Into Seismique

Tampa-based Joshuah Jest's "Brainwash" is an ode to the father of video art, Nam June Paik. (Photo by Madeline Coats)

Seismique promises a safe, fun experience for guests. Masks are required, hand sanitization stations are available, and all interactive elements are routinely sanitized by a misting system. (Photo by Madeline Coats)

Austin artist Aerica Raven Van Dorn’s “Europa” is a dynamic mural that changes its appearance based on the light exposure. (Photo by Nicole Betts)

The 200 LED glob

PaperCity Magazine • 25th December 2020

Immersive Art Wonderland Gives River Oaks District Extra Holiday Power — Stepping Into a Holidaze

The “I'll Have a Pink Christmas” installation is an ode to the one and only Christmas queen, Mariah Carey. (Photo by Nicole Betts)

“The Dining Room” was heavily influenced by The Nutcracker and The Liberace Mansion. (Photo by Nicole Betts)

Stand under "Happy New Year" vignette and experience a mediative moment to yourself. (Photo by Sasha Vermeil).

Celebrate the New Year in style and capture the perfect picture for Instagram. (Photo by Madeline Coats)

Make sure to check out Holidaze this sea

PaperCity Magazine • 22nd December 2020

Longtime Houston Restaurant Family Returns With a New Tex-Mex Spot in Oak Forest — Valencia's Tex-Mex Garage Makes a Mark

Rotisserie chicken with chipotle smashed potatoes and roasted corn on the cob at Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage

Happy Hour offers specials on cocktails and drinks Monday through Friday, 11 am to 6 pm.

The eclectic bar features an LED -lit tequila wall offering premium brands such as Don Julio 1942.

While Ricardo was battling cancer in 2017, the Valencia family sold all their restaurants except for Cyclone Anaya’s Austin Domain location.

Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage, which opened at the end of Octobe

PaperCity Magazine • 16th December 2020

Austin's Vegan Sushi Girls Create Buzz With Pop-Up Series — Now These Entrepreneurs are Trying to Turn I.S. Sushi Into a Full Restaurant

The I.S. Sushi pop up event at Austin vegan restaurant Counter Culture was a huge hit, and all sushi rolls sold out.

The Healthy and Wealthy Roll is filled with cream cheese, mango, and jalapeño rolled with rice seasoning and micro-greens on a bed of sweet chili sauce.

I.S. Sushi is not just any kind of sushi — it's nutritional, balanced, and filling.

The signature dish at the pop-up was The Super Chef Roll. Compared to a classic California roll, it's filled with a rainbow of vegetables inclu

PaperCity Magazine • 1st December 2020

Millennial Entrepreneur's Striking Texas Fashion Brand Attracts Serious Celebrity Attention, Showcases Positive Body Images

Fashion Designer Tacharra Perry wants to make an impact on the fashion world by modeling different ethnicities and body types.

On Black Friday, CHAR introduced a matching cheeky sweat-short set perfect for lounging around during the holidays.

CHAR's high cut metallic cheeky shorts were pulled by Beyonce's wardrobe stylist and featured on the popular Instagram account Black Owned Everything.

Millennial fashion designer Tacharra Perry started designing shorts in high school to pay for her expen

PaperCity Magazine • 7th November 2020

Twentysomething Texas Fashion Blogger Starts Her Own Online Clothing Brand — the Story of White Flag

White Flag Clothing's C'est La Vie collection features pieces that are perfect for a night on the town.

Whether they're rocking a signature sweatsuit or an elegant dress, Tai Bowen wants her shoppers to feel confident and beautiful.

Tai Bowen takes pride in her creative process, carefully choosing designs that will encourage customers to build their own style.

Two years ago, Tai Bowen moved to Houston to pursue fashion and now lives with her beautiful daughter and husband.

White Flag Clothin

PaperCity Magazine • 23rd October 2020

Young Dallas Entrepreneur Creates a Custom Gift Boxes Company — Pep & Party Keeps Things Lively

The team at Pep & Party Co. understands that life is busy and aims to make the gifting process easier for us all.

Pep & Party Co. creates custom gifts and curates boxes that incorporate clients' favorite things or represent what they stand for.

The Pep & Party Co. Christmas line offers a variety of options, such as a CupBoot, the perfect teacher gift.

A graduate of The University of Oklahoma, Annie Bradshaw dreamed up Pep & Party Co. in her college dorm during her sophomore year, when she onl

PaperCity Magazine • 19th September 2020

The Heart of Houston Takes Centerstage at River Oaks District — Walking "Huestone"

James M. Faria and Robert T. Wright co-invented AstroTurf, which was first used in the Houston Astrodome.

For the project designed by The Matter Creative Studio, creative director Matt Johns teamed up with production designer Chantelle Adams to create a fun and safe place for the Houston community.

The "Heights" installation, which represents a Victorian house in the Heights, includes a ceramic cat from the '70s.

"Scrubs" gives thanks to the hard work of healthcare professionals during the CO

PaperCity Magazine • 14th September 2020

Viral TikTok Star Fights the Diet Culture, Promotes Body Positivity — Brittani Lancaster's Mission of Good

To continue talking about eating-disorder recovery and body positivity, Brittani Lancaster has announced that she will start a podcast soon.

TikTok has a community of body-positive advocates, and Brittani Lancaster has become especially close with former D1 varsity athlete and self-love advocate Victoria Garrick online.

Everyone has bad days, and when Brittani Lancaster feels down about her body. she loves to visit a local coffee shop to brighten her day.

Inspirational young woman Brittani La

PaperCity Magazine • 4th September 2020

Houston Public Library Expands its Free Curbside Pickup Program, Turns to Unicorns and Dinosaurs

For a limited time, children under the age of 18 can now apply for an online e-card to access Houston Public Library e-resources.

Houston Public Library posted a social-distance dance video online featuring Rory the Dinosaur and Sparkles the Unicorn, who spread awareness about COVID-19 to children.

Houston Public Library provides a broad selection of books for kids, teens, and adults.

While on-site programs are currently canceled due to COVID-19, children can still enjoy HPL events hosted vir