At 16, (soon-to-be 17), Kendale Walker is a young woman with a talent for singing, songwriting, acting, and, oh yes, modeling. Her parents, Robbie and Jennifer Walker and siblings Ashlee and Tanner couldn’t be prouder of their up-and-coming artist. We were able to catch up with Kendale and her mom to ask what fuels this talented teen.
Mom and Dad, when did you first suspect you had a budding singer on your hands?
“We were at a grand opening and her job was to hold the door open, she would sing ‘Come on in’ to the tune of the frozen song, “Let it Go”, and customers kept telling us she could carry a tune. We really had no idea whether or not she could, so we decided to put her in some voice lessons and it took off from there. She was just seven years old at the time,” recalls Jennifer, her mother.
Kendale, from whom did you inherit your singing talent?
“My dad would say it’s from his years of singing in the shower! But I really feel like I inherited my singing talent from my great-grandmother. She was a singer in the church choir years ago, but my grandpa also loves to sing karaoke whenever he gets the chance.”
What made you decide to pursue a singing career?
“I had always wanted to sing the National Anthem at an Aggie baseball game as a little girl after watching someone do it at a Texans game on TV. When the opportunity finally presented itself, I had the best time! It wasn’t until afterwards that I realized that I wanted to start writing my own songs. I started doing it more and more frequently and kept working on singing covers as well. One day, a friend of my mom’s heard me sing and really encouraged me to start singing more in public. My mom contacted several local restaurants, breweries, and bars to get plugged into their live music line-up. Although some were skeptical at first because of my age, they still gave me a chance and it’s kind of blossomed from there. Now, I still sing whenever I get the chance, including singing the National Anthem at the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamos, and Houston Dash games. I just need to sing at a Texans’ game! Of course, the restaurants and breweries helped me to get my start! I have also performed at the Houston Rodeo…, not the big stage yet, but a girl can hope for it to happen one day.”
What genre of music do you cover?
“I love covering country, of course, and I really love any old 70’s and 80’s music, because of my mom.”
Favorite musical artists?
“I would have to say my all-time favorite is Reba McEntire, but I also love Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Maddie and Tae, Danielle Bradbury, Dylan Scott, Taylor Swift and SO many more I could name…! Megan Moroney is a current fav, as well!”
When did you first begin composing your own songs?
“My very first song I wrote was when I was 8 years old. It was called Shooting for the Stars. It’s about encouraging people to follow their dreams and work hard but stay humble while doing it!”
What inspires your songwriting?
“It’s definitely changed over the years. I started writing to try and encourage others. Now, as I’ve grown up, I feel like I definitely write a lot about my life experiences because it really helps to get things off my chest. Sometimes, I’ll even write about things happening around me, so there’s definitely a lot of people that either have songs written about them or from their point of view!”
Do you play an instrument?
“I play the guitar and piano and accompany myself when I sing.”
How involved are you in your high school theatre arts programs?
“I am in theatre. I love the stage,” shares Kendale.” Her mother proudly adds, “Last year, Kendale was in Mary Poppins as Ms. Andrews and Bird Woman, and Spit Fire Grill as Percy Talbot. She was an Outstanding Singer Finalist, Tommy Tune Nomination for Bird Woman.”
How did your interest in acting begin?
“I feel like my acting interest began when I started doing theatre at one of my high school’s shows back when I was in third grade. I was part of ensemble in “Meet Me in St Louis,” and I loved it!”
Parents, how do you provide support for Kendale’s music career?
“We try to support her as much as possible, we go to every show she sings at and every performance she has.”
Have you been signed by a talent agency?
“Yes, I am signed with two agents: one in Texas and one in California.”
What are your future plans for your singing/song writing career?
“My future plans are to continue working hard, singing whenever I can, continue writing and acting every chance I can get, in hopes of one day being on the big stage. And maybe even getting seeing my name in lights!”
Mom, with such a busy schedule, how does Kendale fare academically?
“Kendale attends Cypress Woods High School, where she is a very good student. Her favorite subject? Good question; I’m going to say English,” muses her mother. “She is taking college courses and will graduate high school with an Associates’ Degree.”
Do you have college plans, Kendale?
“I do plan on going to college. As to where I want to go, I am leaning towards Belmont in Nashville, or Tennessee State! I plan to double major in Business Management and Music Business.”
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 at: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
Recently I’ve seen and heard from a lot of local moms who are looking for some very important things for their children. Community. Support. Friends! This need for connection is an experience that each generation of new mothers face- and one of the most common things I talk about with the moms I see every day.
I sat down with Karen Bastian, president of MOMS Club of NW Houston, to talk about this need and how she found her community in MOMS Club.
I’m not sure a lot of moms in our area know that groups like this exist! Can you give us a little background?
MOMS Club stands for Moms Offering Moms Support. It was founded in 1983 by an at-home mother in California, as a way to connect with other at-home mothers and organize activities for moms and kids to participate in together.
The mission of MOMS Club is simply getting support from other moms. To have a place to meet, build new friendships, get support and help when needed- all with the kids included. Each chapter is boundary based, so you don’t have to go far for playdates and activities, and the kids get to grow up together!
How did you first find MOMSclub and what initially made you want to get involved?
A friend told me about it when we were moving from South Carolina to Philadelphia for my husband’s job. We didn’t know anyone, and I was desperate to feel connected and make new friendships for me and my son. What I didn’t expect were the fun playdates and activities in the area that we never would’ve known about otherwise! When we found out we were moving to Cypress, I immediately lo oked up the local chapter here and joined! Since then I have added two more children to my family, and MOMS Club has been there for me through it all!
What are some of the benefits of being a member of an organized group like MOMS Club versus just parenting in the wild?
There are so many! One major benefit is it’s not all up to you. Every month, we fill the calendar with new and fun activities and playdates. Everything we do includes our children, with the exception of a monthly Moms Night Out (which is so important too). Aside from the activities, the support is the other huge benefit. To be able to discuss any issues you may be having with your children, to ask for advice, to know that many of us have experienced the same thing. I have personally received so much support over the years in different stages and challenges of my life as a mom, knowing that I have the support of that community is the best gift ever! Do you have any advice for new moms out there who might be looking for community, or are interested in getting involved in a group like MOMSclub?
Don’t hesitate and wait. Don’t worry that you won’t be accepted. Don’t worry that your kid is too “fill in the blank” for you to join. Everyone is welcome, and we are all moms! We get it! Odds are someone else in the group has experienced or dealt with the same things you might be dealing with, whether that be parenting related, relationally, mentally, etc. Send an email to momclubfnw@gmail.com and let us know you’re interested and we will be happy to connect with you!.
Thank you for your time, Karen!
Liz Arrington and Karen Bastian are mom friends and neighbors in Cypress.
Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at songfulbeginnings.com
2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 9am-5pm
The Berry Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas. 2023 Shop ‘til You Drop Marketplace
Annual fundraiser for Scholarships and nonprofits in our community. 300+ booths & 250+ vendors. Free parking and free admission. No strollers, wagons, rolling carts. cy-fair-womens-club.portalbuzz.com
“Bet” Against Child Abuse Poker Tournament
Saturday, September 9, 2023
18224 KZ Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Wine tasting, delicious food and more! Buy your table at www.familytiesfrs.org/casino-night. Family Ties, Family Resource Services is a children’s and family crisis center providing services to address child abuse issues.
2023 Tunnel to Towers 5k Run & Walk
Saturday, September 9, 2023 • 7am-4pm
John Paul Landing Park, Environmental Education Center
9950 Katy Hockley Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Join the Greater Houston Community as we come together to NEVER FORGET those we lost on September 11th, 2001, our first responders and military who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and our heroes who continue to make extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty every day! runsignup.com/Race/TX/Cypress/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkCypressTX
34th Annual BBQ Cook-Off
HLS&R Houston Metro Go Texan Committee/Cy-Fair Subcommittee
September 29, 2023 • Noon-10pm, September 30, 2023 • 8am-8pm
The Parking Lot • 850 US 290 Business • Hempstead, TX 77445
Vendor Booths, Live DJ, Live & Silent Auction. For info contact Christy McCarthy at 832-381-4080 or metrogotexancookoff@gmail.com
Fairfield Family Night Out
Sunday, October 1, 2023 • 4-7pm
Fairfield Central Park • 15015 Heath Green Circle • Cypress, TX
Bounce Houses, Live DJ, Food Trucks, Face Painting, Games, Fire Truck
Cy-Fest 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 10am-2pm
Lone Star College-CyFair • 9191 Barker Cypress Rd • Cypress, TX
Cy-Fest, a free family-friendly community celebration for all ages, returns with a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, book mobile, bounce houses and food trucks, just to name a few. www.lonestar.edu/cy-fest
5th Annual A Taste of Cy-Fair
Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 5-8pm (4pm VIP Entry)
Lakeland Village Center • 10615 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Loads of food, wine, beer, music, a silent auction, and festivities! Proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope to help local families and residents in need. Purchase tickets at: atasteofcyfair.com
Cy-Fair Fire Fest
Saturday, October 7, 2023 • 10am-2pm
Cy-Fair Station 11 • 18132 West Rd. • Cypress, TX
Join us for a fun-filled day for the family with live demonstrations, Kidz Zone, Smoke House, Local Vendors, Food Trucks, and more!
Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
Owners Lini Correa and Martin Garcia had a dream and a vision. That vision is now an upscale reality located at 16010 West Road, Houston, TX, 77095. Salt & Sugar Gastro Bar is a compilation of classy lines, craft food, and contagiously delicious cocktails. "We are an international restaurant with a great influence in Italian and French cuisine, live entertainment and the best cocktails in town."
Lini and Martin grew up in their native country of Columbia; Lini has lived in the Cypress area for over 10 years. While this is not Martin’s first business enterprise, it is their beloved flagship. In time, they have plans to replicate this eatery throughout Houston and surrounding areas.
What I’m most excited about this newly sculpted eatery are the Chefs: Executive Chef Osman Moya and his Sous Chef and Leamsi Granadilla. One can describe this dynamic duo of lifetime friends as two peas in a pod. Executive Chef Moya packs an impressive culinary track record with over 22 combined
years in the industry with his formal training from the Venezuela Culinary Institute to Florida, and now they’ve landed in our humble Cypress community. While Moya and Granadilla share an expert eye in culinary presentation and elevated flavor design, their passion is truly in crafting big flavor essence from natural local ingredients.
This high-end little gem in the middle of an older established neighborhood is the perfect people temperature for Chef, and he adds, “I bring my Sous Chef with me always, we’ve been together since grade school, and I trust him in the kitchen. His nickname is ‘Chickie,’ like the little bird.” This drew a fond laugh from Moya.
What’s most impressive in my honest opinion, is that Chef Moya dropped out of high school and spent his time doing nothing for nearly a year. He was watching Gourmet TV when a commercial for the Venezuela Culinary Institute flashed across the screen. A lightbulb flashed on and he ran to tell his parents that THIS was what he was going to do, that he was going to be a Chef. His parents made him promise to finish his culinary training. Chef not only finished, but that light bulb has burned brightly every second since. Moya finished his culinary training before looping back around to finish his high school diploma. He’s been commanding and orchestrating mainstream kitchens ever since.
When I asked Chef if he could do anything else in the world, what would that be, and Chef replied with conviction, “A Chef, every single time.”
Go and check them out folks, and welcome the Salt & Sugar team to the neighborhood. Kaylynn, a phenomenal staff waitress, recommends the Angus Tenderloin, it’s her personal favorite. But to explore their food and craft cocktail menu of offerings is to take a journey into the realm of sophistication, without having to drive into downtown Houston. Full Menu: saltandsugarhtx.com.
Metta Archilla-Ishida is a contributing PinPointe Magazine writer and founder of Metta's Local Eats FB group. On Metta’s Fork is a local Mom and Pop commercial kitchen that brings a touch of Southern comfort dinners incorporating fresh local ingredients to your table. The creator of “Mah Pahs” (a savory spin on a crusted pie) with local favorites such as the Sausage or lem-Chicken Mah Pah topped with a loaded smashed potato. But what steals the show are her ANYTIME Quiches from a Pulled Pork and Potato Hash, to Garden Vegetable and Feta, and all between. The Quiche menu rotates weekly as do their hearty Stews and Soups. This is family mealtime at its finest where all you do is heat and eat. On Metta’s Fork can be located on Facebook and services the Cypress and surrounding areas. Or you can reach out to Metta Archilla directly via her Facebook social media page. #onmettasfork
