Living The Authentic Life

In this inspiring episode of Living the Authentic Life, we sit down with Lesha Elsenbrook, Chairman of Reflections on Style, and Captain Michelle Walker of The Salvation Army to talk about one of Houston’s most impactful fashion fundraisers. For years, Reflections on Style—hosted by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary—has brought together fashion, philanthropy, and the Houston community to create...

This week on Living the Authentic Life, we sit down with Jennifer Koller, an international University Admissions Counselor and Certified Coach helping students discover their purpose and find the right college fit. From Switzerland to the U.S., Jennifer shares insights on studying abroad, building authentic success, and guiding the next generation toward lives filled with curiosity, connection, an...

In this episode, we sit down with Jayne Johnston, Vice President of Patient Access at Memorial Hermann and the 2025 Chair of the Women’s Resource Power of the Purse event — a signature fundraiser supporting free financial education and career development programs for women and girls across Greater Houston. Jayne brings her passion for purpose-driven leadership, her belief in community impact, and...

What does it really take to lead through discomfort, transform industries, and leave a lasting impact on your community? In this episode, we sit down with Alfred Lindseth, Principal of CI5O Advisory Services and former Fortune 100 executive, to explore the intersection of leadership, technology, and philanthropy. Recognized as one of Time Iconic’s Top 10 Influential Business Leaders Transforming t...

In this special live podcast recorded at our Fall Into Fashion charity event, we were honored to welcome Anne Neeson, Executive Vice President & CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation, and Caitlin McVey, MBA, RN, CPHQ, CLSSBB, Associate Vice President of the Memorial Hermann Institute for Nursing Excellence. Anne shared an inspiring overview of Memorial Hermann’s mission and impact in our communit...

This week, the Contessa sits down with longtime friend and Houston community leader Tracy Dieterich — a philanthropist, activist, husband, and proud girl dad whose world revolves around his family and his passion for giving back. From his roots in a modest household to becoming Senior Vice President, partner, and shareholder in the commercial insurance industry, Tracy has always believed we have a...

What does it mean to pursue authenticity in science, wellness, and life? In this episode, Donae sits down with longtime friend and jewelry industry leader Danny Shaftel, whose family founded Shaftel Diamonds in 1978, to talk about his latest venture: Proliven Labs. Born from a frustration with inconsistent sourcing and lack of transparency in the peptide world, Danny created Proliven Labs to raise...

What does it take to turn hardship into purpose—and purpose into impact? This week on Living the Authentic Life, we sit down with Anna Reger, Founder & CEO of FlipLok, serial entrepreneur, humanitarian, and one of Houston Woman Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024. From growing up in a challenging Houston neighborhood to overcoming childhood trauma, Anna’s journey is fueled by resilience a...

What does it really mean to age with energy, grace, and confidence? This week on Living the Authentic Life, we welcome Sharon Feanny— a trailblazing yoga teacher, wellness leader, retreat host, and author who has spent more than 30 years transforming the way women approach health, healing, and longevity. At 60, Sharon embodies everything she teaches. From navigating an autoimmune condition and anx...

In this heartfelt and stylish episode, the Contessa sits down with her one of her dearest longtime friends in Houston’s fashion industry, Katherine Le, for a conversation that spans decades of friendship, fashion, and life’s biggest blessings. 💖 Bonded over a love of handbags and high style, Katherine’s journey has been anything but conventional. From finance to fine jewelry, she’s never been tie...

Step into the world of Chic Boutique, where fashion meets philanthropy in the most stylish way! In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Jarrell, Chic Boutique Gold Chair for the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary "Reflections on Style" event, to discuss the upcoming pop-up shopping experience that’s truly one of Houston’s best-kept secrets. 📍 Chic Boutique Details: 🛍 Location: 3403 Richmond Ave...

Ep. #136: Style Secrets with Brittany Rose Wetterer of @StyleItWithBrit – Closet Must-Haves, Smart Shopping & Game-Changing Fashion Tips! On this episode of Living the Authentic Life, the Contessa sits down with stylist Brittany Rose Wetterer from @StyleItWithBrit to uncover the real secrets to mastering personal style. From the two essentials most people are missing in their closets (spoiler: the...

Yoga is more than just movement—it’s a path to healing, balance, and spiritual connection. In this episode, we sit down with Charla Anderson, a Lead Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist, and Master Trainer, to explore the transformative power of yoga. Charla shares how yoga creates space for deep emotional release, self-discovery, and connection to your highest, God-given self. We discuss the impact of...

What if your makeup routine could give you an instant lift—without a single needle or scalpel? 💄✨ In this episode, we sit down with Jentry Kelley, founder of Jentry Kelley Cosmetics, to talk about her journey from an 14-year-old budding artist to a powerhouse entrepreneur revolutionizing the beauty industry. Jentry shares her signature makeup techniques—from bronzer placement to brow lifts—that...

Men’s style is more than just clothing—it’s confidence, perception, and the ultimate power move. This week, we’re sitting down with Steve Springer, custom menswear expert and founder of BLU Fine Menswear, to dive into the world of tailored suits, luxury fashion, and how the right wardrobe can change everything. 💼 From Army Medic to Master of Menswear – Steve shares how his military background sha...

Episode #132 with Jewelry Designer Christina Greene McAllen This week on Living the Authentic Life, we sit down with Christina Greene McAllen, the powerhouse behind Christina Greene Jewelry—the brand known for its stunning turquoise and gold designs that blend Western charm with timeless elegance. Christina shares how her jewelry journey began in thrift stores and craft projects as a young girl, e...

Ep# 131 The Art of Connection with Jeannie & Rob Chandler of Chandler Art Gallery 🎨 For Jeannie and Rob Chandler, art is more than something you hang on a wall—it’s a passion, a conversation, and a bridge between artists and collectors. As longtime art enthusiasts turned gallery owners, the Chandlers share their journey from collectors to curators, driven by their love for art and the artists who...

Episode #130: Taking the Leap: PR, Philanthropy & Power Moves with Whitney Kuhn Lawson In this episode of Living the Authentic Life, the Contessa sits down with PR powerhouse Whitney Kuhn Lawson, founder of Whitney Kuhn Lawson Public Relations. From working in the high-stakes world of network news to launching her own agency, Whitney shares how she built a career alongside some of the biggest name...

Join us for Episode 129 of Living the Authentic Life: A Conversation with Sachin Ahluwalia, Co-Creator of Sachin & Babi. This week we take you on a fashion journey through time talking with Sachin, the creative mind behind the brand Sachin & Babi. We discussed how the brand challenges traditional ways of approaching fashion by creating new rules. They believe fashion isn’t about following trends;...

In Episode 128 of the Living the Authentic Life Podcast, we welcome a truly extraordinary guest: Scarlett James, my Godchild and co-founder of The Scarlett Fund at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center(MSK). In 2014, at just 6 years old, Scarlett was diagnosed with stage 4 T-cell lymphoma and underwent over 2 years of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Her journey, however, didn’t stop with he...

This Week on Living the Authentic Life Podcast: Dive into the world of clean-crafted spirits with Queen Bee Distillery’s powerhouse co-owners, Kim Martin and Catharine Faulconer! 🐝✨ These lifelong friends, and now business partners, grew up together in Tyler, TX and are redefining southern style by bringing a new, clean approach to vodka. After both facing health issues, they set out to create s...

In this episode, we welcome the vivacious Paul-David Van Atta, a name synonymous with high-end events and heartfelt philanthropy. With a career spanning over thirty years, Paul-David has raised millions for charitable causes, bringing people together for a greater purpose. Paul-David shares the story behind his acclaimed initiatives like the “Women of Substance Luncheon,” supporting the Mission of...

In this inspiring episode of the Living the Authentic Life Podcast, we sit down with writer and podcast strategist Julie Lauren, the creative force behind the movement #nofilter , now evolved into #unscripted . Join us as Julie shares her journey of using writing as a tool for authenticity and explores how embracing chaos can lead to deeper connections. We dive into the power of vulnerability in f...

Join us as we host Houston Stylist Ellecia Knolle who believes you can look like a million dollars without spending it. When asked to explain what she does, Ellecia said she feels like she is a ”puzzle solver”. She goes into people's closets and solves puzzles by putting things together in a new and interesting way of mixing and matching. When it comes to adding to your closet, she believes if you...

Mason Clark Sadeghi is the owner of the oh-so-chic cocktail bar, Clarkwood. Nestled in the heart of Houston, this cozy spot invites you to indulge in a taste of Mason's divine style. With sultry lighting and an unbeatable playlist, Clarkwood is where you feel seen and guaranteed an unforgettable night. Mason’s flair for fashion and love for the finer things in life make her relatable and inspiring...