Born In The Bend

This week, we're joined by Roger Adamson, CEO of the George Foundation, to discuss the philanthropic efforts and impact the George Foundation has on Fort Bend County, including numerous grants, scholarships, initiatives, and educational programs designed to provide the very best in aid and assistance.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Roger cover:

• History of the George Foundation and its link to the Old Three Hundred
• How funds are arranged and divided up amongst nonprofit recipients
• Portfolios or "buckets" of giving within the community
• Educational opportunities for students of all ages
• Projects assisted by the George Foundation and how they came to be

This week, we're joined by John Kennedy, Field Development Officer at TSTC and Deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church, to talk about what the Texas State Technical College does, who it serves, and how different programs and opportunities continue to be created as they expand further into Fort Bend county.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and John cover:

• John's decision to become a Deacon after years in the Catholic faith
• Transitioning out of a hospitality role into his role with TSTC
• Scholarship fundraising and the Helping Hands fund
• Programs and opportunities offered to students at TSTC
• Fulfilling community needs and placing students in solid careers

This week, we're joined by Jess Stuart, Community Development Executive at YMCA and descendant of the "Old Three Hundred", to discuss his extensive family history in texas, passion for historical preservation, and the goals the YMCA has for our community moving forward.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jess cover:

• Almost 200 years of family history in Texas
• History of the Old Three Hundred
• How Jess developed his own interest in family history and Texas history
• Work Jess has done with numerous groups, nonprofits, and organizations
• YMCA's journey in Fort Bend and what to look forward to at the TW Davis location

Season 2's episode with the ladies of Vintage Hope first aired June 2021, and since then, their business has flourished. After seamlessly transitioning into The Guild's space, Emily, Katie & Elise decided 611 Jackson Street needed to be the permanent home for their business. Starting this February, Vintage Hope will officially take over the space. We're re-airing this fun, and heart-warming episode to acquaint (or re-acquaint) you with the newest gals on the Jax & 7th block!

In anticipation of Season 3 launching on February 15, we're replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Since airing the Fort Bend Museum episode from season 1 in June of 2020, so much has changed! The brand-new museum building has opened, Emily has joined the board of the Fort Bend History Association, and after a two-year pause, plans for the History Association's annual gala, the Lone Star Stomp on Saturday, April 9, are underway. Enjoyed this episode? Support the Fort Bend History Association's efforts by purchasing a ticket to the Lone Star Stomp at www.fbhistory.org.

Emily and Aimee meet with Ray and Sarah Smith, founders of Speakerbox Media and producers of Born in the Bend, to discuss starting their own podcasting business, finding a niche in Houston, and understanding the importance of an audio strategy.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Ray, and Sarah cover:

• How Ray and Sarah met and started their lives together
• What drew them towards entrepreneurship and podcasting
• Where they found their niche and developed their services
• How they formed a partnership with Expansive
• Where they see themselves going and their goals as a business

Aimee and Emily meet Jen Plihal and Peg Turrentine, founders of Three Sisters Farm, and talk about all things farming, harvesting, and selling to the community.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Jen, and Peg cover:

• Growing up with gardening and farming in their childhoods
• Developing a business partnership through mutual passion
• Living off the land and making it work on a budget
• Selling crops and teaching others how to garden and grow
• Dreaming of more commercial opportunities in the future

Aimee and Emily meet with Nilou Gibson, owner of Sweetwater Pies, on part two of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her pie business out of Sugarland, Texas.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Nilou cover:

• Growing up in California and making her way to Texas
• Shifting career paths from nurse to full-time pie lady
• Finding inspiration in fellow bakers and pie-makers
• Keeping up with orders during the pandemic
• Upcoming adventures in classic cake flavors

Aimee and Emily meet with Amna Khalique, owner of Sugarplum Bakery, on part one of a two-part bakery-themed series to discuss running her small bakery business out of Sugarland, Texas.

In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Amna cover:

• Baking during quarantine
• Relocating from Pakistan to America
• Finding the inspiration to bake professionally
• Keeping busy with popular recipe staples
• Dreaming big with the hopes of opening her own storefront