3 February | March 2017
PinPointe Magazine
3
4 November | December 2022
PinPointe Magazine
4
PinPointe Magazine
5
Contents ON THE COVER: Happy Holidays from Pinpointe!
Serving the Community Coles Crossing
8
10 8 Cypress Entrepreneur Puts Family First 10 The Season of Giving All Year Long 13 Ask the Doc: Dysphagia 14 Best of Cy-Fair: Eji’s on Main
14
PinPointe Magazine
7
Ginger Westra
PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Cypress Entrepreneur Puts Family First By Patricia Hudson
C
ypress 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 Ashton’s monthly service because it makes you look at vintage clothing waiters and waitresses in a different show 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
8 November | December 2022
(from left) Jewels, Ginger, Kinslee, and Lily
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 you. Brag a bit! 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 works at Cypress Trails Hideout, and has her own company, Jewels’ Character Appearances. “Making a
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.
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.
If given a few hours to yourself, how would you spend them?
Orin Swift wine tasting with the managers at Passerella
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?
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.
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. 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.
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 PinPointe Magazine
9
by Liz Arrington s October winds down in Houston- the days start to feel a little more chilly, a little more cozy, and a lot more festive. It’s a time where many of us are able to reflect on the year behind us, and take stock of all we have and all we hope to gain.
A
For many people, this is the season of giving. As we reflect on our lives with gratitude, we are often impressed with the desire to give back. Abundant Thanksgiving meals are a luxury while there are so many families in our community struggling to put food on the table all month long. All the gifts and extravagance of the Christmas season fill our spirits with joy, while so many go without. Gratitude has the incredible power to soften our hearts to the needs of others. Traditionally, there are a number of ways to give back during the winter holiday season. You’ll begin to see opportunities to serve and contribute to local nonprofits, food pantries, and assistance programs. Schools, churches and community centers usually host
large food drives, gift drives, or sponsorship opportunities to help provide support for families in need. This spirit of giving is synonymous with the holidays, and Cypress really shines in the way that our city comes together with Texassized generosity. I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to giving back, it’s not something I do nearly often enough. Or, it feels that way at the end of the year when I’m counting my blessings and realizing I could have given more. Like most busy parents juggling an overwhelming amount of tasks and responsibilities week after week all year long, the months absolutely fly by. I’m guilty of saying, “Life will settle down as soon as…..” over and over while life proceeds to never actually settle down. For most of us- just getting started is the most daunting aspect of giving back. Time and money seem to be the two things I never have enough of, so the idea of adding anything that is going to demand MORE of these two precious resources absolutely stops me in my tracks. Recently I sat down to brainstorm ways that I can make an impact that works with my busy life instead of comparing myself to others around me. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking the small steps that open yourself up to the opportunities that are around you. Here are some of small steps you can take: ●
● ●
●
10 November | December 2022
Find and follow causes and organizations that resonate with you on social media, or join their mailing list. These groups are very good at letting people know exactly what they need, and often it’s simple things that make a big difference. Talk to that one friend. You know the one. The one who is always posting about their latest project or cause? They can often point you in a good direction for starting out. Or, they’ll welcome you to join them! Think outside the box. Most local groups often rely on volunteers or have a very small staff. Do you have skills that could support their goals? Graphic Design, writing, social media posts, photography, web design, analytics, these are all high level skills that can overwhelm and slow down progress in the non-profit sector. Involve the whole family! Even young children enjoy giving back and caring for others. Whether it’s a monthly volunteer opportunity locally, a project you can work on together at home, or simply having discussions about helping others and causes that are important to your family.
Giving back in a way that is personal, meaningful, and specific can be so incredibly rewarding. There is room in your life for it, and with a little creative thinking you can absolutely find a way to incorporate ways to give back into your life all year long!
PinPointe Magazine
11
12 November | December 2022
ASK THE DOC:
Feel Like You Always Have Food Stuck in Your Throat? You May Have Dysphagia The irritating and even painful sensation of having something stuck in your throat can happen to Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs anyone. But, if it’s persistent and causes you chronic irritation, coughing, and difficulty in swallowing your own saliva, it could indicate a serious medical condition. If you’re struggling with these symptoms, you may have dysphagia. Up to 700,000 Americans suffer from this condition each year. Our gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, at GastroDoxs in Houston, Texas, is available to diagnose and treat uncomfortable and potentially dangerous dysphagia. Here’s what you need to know about dysphagia
Dysphagia defined Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing foods or drinks. A one-off case of getting a piece of food caught in your throat is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if you have difficulty swallowing or moving food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach regularly – for months even – it is likely dysphagia. Dysphagia can affect anyone of any age, but is particularly common among older adults and people with certain conditions like: • Nervous system disorders, including stroke, head injury, dementia, or multiple sclerosis • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) • Cancer, including mouth and esophageal cancer Dysphagia can be painful and make it almost impossible to swallow at times.
Other symptoms that suggest dysphagia Of course difficulty swallowing or inability to swallow are major indications of dysphagia. Other symptoms include: • Pain while swallowing • Drooling • Hoarseness • Frequent heartburn • Persistent sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest • Sensations of regurgitation of food or stomach acid • Gagging or coughing while swallowing Dysphagia can cause unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. Patients can also develop aspiration pneumonia from food or liquid entering the airway as they attempt to swallow. The food or fluid introduces bacteria into the lungs. Choking is another possible effect of dysphagia. Food may block the airway when a patient attempts to swallow.
What to do about dysphagia The first step is to get a diagnosis. If you or a loved one has symptoms of the condition, consult with Dr. Pothuri. He’ll do a thorough exam, review the patient’s medical history, and evaluate symptoms. He can then determine which imaging tests are necessary for full diagnosis. X-rays with a contrast material, dynamic swallowing studies, CT scans, and endoscopy are options. Treatment for dysphagia depends on the severity and nature of the condition. You may undergo learning exercises to coordinate swallowing muscles or to restimulate the nerves that trigger the swallowing reflex. For people with dysphagia due to a tight esophageal sphincter or stricture in the throat, Dr. Pothuri might use a special strategy to expand and stretch the esophagus. If GERD causes your dysphagia, medications can help control stomach acid and your symptoms.In severe cases, surgery may be required. This is true if you have narrowing or blockages caused by bony outgrowths or cancer.
If you think you are suffering from dysphagia contact Gastro Doxs today at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment with Dr. Pothuri and his team online at gastrodox.com.
PinPointe Magazine
13
Eji’s on Main Opens Brick and Mortar in Waller
S
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT Chef’s Tasting
by Patricia Hudson
everal months ago, I received an invitation to attend a Chef’s Tasting and Open House in Waller. Normally, I would have passed, but as the invitation was extended by Chef Dustin and Gina Reed, I made it a point to make the drive. You might recall that we previously featured Eji’s Culinary, named for Dustin’s Grandma Emma Joy and Grandma Irene, in homage to the treasured memories of food and family shared at their tables. The French Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, together with his wife Gina’s own memories of food, family and friends at her Italian Grandma Sedita’s house every week, provided the foundation for Eji’s Culinary Catering and food truck enterprise. The food truck has gone by the wayside. In its place is a charming brick and mortar where Chef Dustin strives to source fresh local ingredients from local farms and small businesses within a 250-mile radius. Eji’s on Main held its Grand Opening on August 20, 2022. “Dustin and I chose Waller because of the charm and unique qualities of the town. We fell in love with the building that is our new home the minute we saw it. The building was built in 1929; it was a feed store originally. We tried to keep as much of the original building as possible when planning our kitchen build out,” explains Gina.
14 November | December 2022
The Eji’s concept of food service continues to revolve around delicious down-to-earth meals made from scratch. “Eji's on Main offers a three-fold approach. First, customers can come in and order hot food made to order from the counter and take it to go or take it next door to Location Six Brewery. We encourage the latter, as you can enjoy a beer while supporting two small businesses at the same time. Second, we offer prepared meals in our cooler to take home and heat. You will see meals such as Maw Maw's lasagna, Grandma's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, and Eji's Chicken N Dumplins'. In a rush during lunch? Just grab one of these meals and take it back to the office to heat up, or come in and get meals for the whole week,” comments Gina. “Lastly, we Dijon Thyme Pork Tenderloin are offering some of our
Mini Bread Puddings
space to other local, small businesses to sell their products. We currently have vendors who make hand poured soy wax candles, handmade clay earrings, shea butter and kombucha. We are always searching for new small businesses that we can help promote and get their name and product out to the local community.” The Chef’s Tasting showcased a delightful selection from Chef Dustin’s repertoire: Dijon Thyme Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry balsamic onion jam and sherry mustard cream, “Yard Bird” of buttermilk fried chicken breast, Chappell Hill hickory smoked
bacon, Pure Luck goat cheese, balsamic roasted tomatoes, spring mix, shaved red onion, cilantro lime aioli, and fougasse, and Eji’s Umami Burger, Texas Gyulais (Wagyu) beef patty, fried duck egg, gruyere cheese peanut butter jalapeno bacon jam on a potato bun. Equally delectable offerings of side dishes were sampled and savored. Dustin and Gina have kept their irresistible Mini Bread puddings on the menu; I couldn’t decide which was my favorite: the Lemon Blueberry or the Triple Chocolate! Want to share the Eji’s on Main Experience? Consider booking a Chef’s Table Chef Dustin and Gina Reed Dinner with your friends and family. It’s worth a drive out to Waller. Eji’s on Main 2322 Main Street Waller, TX 77484 713-423-7976 info@ejisculinary.com www.ejisculinary.com
Download the Magazine for FREE! CYPRESS MAGAZINES Your locally owned and run source for events, food, shopping, school news, and the people of Cypress! Enter your email address
SUBSCRIBE
Sign up for our newsletter at
!
FREE
WWW.BESTOFCYFAIR.COM Like us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
WWW.ISSUU.COM/INTOWNMAGAZINE PinPointe Magazine
15
16 November | December 2022
