Cypress Entrepreneur Puts Family First

Ginger Westra

Cypress Entrepreneur Puts Family First

By Patricia Hudson

Cypress resident Ginger Westra has been happily rooted in the community for 14 years. Ambitious and enterprising, this successful entrepreneur has a forged a remarkable business blueprint. Her most important role in life, however, is as a mother to four active children, three of whom are teenagers.

What are some of your best memories growing up?

I remember riding ponies. My sister and I loved them. They’d throw us off, we’d get right back on. Playing in the mud and making mud pies and pretending to have a store. My grandma “Nanny” actually helped us one summer. We took orders and made pizzas; we called it Pizza Express.

As a child, I thought that I would grow up to be…

I was never sure. I was born and raised in Spring, Texas. We grew up very poor. My mother worked three jobs. I helped by taking care of my sister a lot. I didn’t put much thought into it at the time because I was focused on surviving. I started from the ground up and just never looked back.

What kind of jobs did you do before you found your career of choice?

My first job was a sacker at Randall’s. Then I worked at Splashtown in food service. I believe everyone should work in food service because it makes you look at waiters and waitresses in a different prospective.

How did your business enterprise come about?

When I was 18, I knew I had to do something and get a career to build my empire. Never did I know it would turn into something where I make my own schedule. It is very flexible, allowing me to make all my children’s events, which is very important to me. Only one year out of trade school, I built my first salon in 2001. I grew out

of that space and built my open concept salon in 2009. The salon I’m currently in, I built out suites and rent them to hair dressers. Each salon has come with a unique learning experience. Personally, I specialize in hair extensions that can last up to a year, with proper maintenance. “Have the hair of your dreams… tomorrow.”

Your children are a reflection of

Ashton’s monthly you. Brag a bit! vintage clothing show Ashton Westra, 18, is a senior at Bridgeland HS. He started a successful vintage shirt store eight months ago. I love supporting him at his monthly shows. He works from 12-8 daily, and buys inventory on the weekends. His clothing can be found on Instagram @ashtonsvintagehtx. Jewels Westra, 16, is a junior at Bridgeland, where she is a pole vaulter. A Junior Olympics competitor, she trains 3-4 days a week in College Station. Jewels

(from left) Jewels, Ginger, Kinslee, and Lily

works at Cypress Trails Hideout, and has her own company, Jewels’ Character Appearances. “Making a dream come true, one little girl at a time,” some of Jewels’ appearances include Elsa, Cinderella and Barbie. Lily Mullen, 15, is a sophomore at Bridgeland, where she is a member of the National Honor Society. Enrolled in the college academy, Lily will graduate high school with an Associates’ degree. She is a nanny for Bridgeland families. Kinslee Mullen, 8, is a 3rd grader at McGown Elementary. She is my competitive soccer, gymnastics, and cheer athlete. My girls and I are in National Charity League Cypress Gems, a six-year commitment for each. We give back to the community while forming healthy, unforgettable family bonds. We loving serving together; it makes our hearts full. I coached my girls’ soccer teams for seven years. I love to travel with my kids internationally. We do culture tours each place we visit, just to let them see how blessed we are.

What holiday traditions are “musts” for your family?

We always make gingerbread houses together, and I require pictures with Santa until they are 18! We make and distribute bags and blankets for a homeless shelter.

What is the biggest challenge of being a single parent and business entrepreneur?

I would say trying to be both parents. When it comes to their emotional and mental stability, it is crucial that I am there for them. I believe that’s why they are so stable and we are all very close. My advice to my children is to aways do the right thing, even when no one is looking. When you wake up each morning, you are in charge of your happiness, no one else, and money and material things don’t bring happiness.

Your home could be featured in House Beautiful. What hand did you have in the interior design?

Being in the hair business, I feel that stylists have an innate artistic side. I actually designed and decorated my house and salon. Clients frequently ask to hire me. Right now, I’m focused on my children, but that might be a hobby business one day.

If given a few hours to yourself, how would you spend them?

I love having a glass of wine at Passerella in Towne Lake, just to get a way for a moment and regroup. I might pop into a hot yoga class. I am very social and love meeting new people. My parents just retired and moved out to Cypress; I am blessed to have them living close by.

Jewels’ pole vaulting meet with Ginger’s parents

Looking back on your life, would you have done anything differently?

I wouldn’t change anything and have no regrets because I wouldn’t be where I am today or be the person and mother I am. You just have to be the best version of yourself and keep building.

Orin Swift wine tasting with the managers at Passerella

If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.