Passion Sparks, Determination Drives

Welcome to this week’s edition of In the Loop Houston! We’ve got an exciting lineup for you, starting with the inspiring tale of two entrepreneurs and their journeys shaped by passion and determination. Discover the latest events, top picks, and stories that inspire right here in Houston. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s dive in!

We are thrilled to introduce our partner in crime, Small Beer! For the big thinkers of Houston, Small Beer reinvigorates the lost tradition of lower-alcohol beer. Why low alcohol? Because sometimes you need to have a cold one or two and still need to get things done. Trust us they are fantastic! Next time you want a cold one without the punch pick one up. Embrace innovation, savor quality, and toast to big ideas with Small Beer—Small Beer for big plans.

Houston-Sized Happenings

• Food for Thought

• Upcoming Events - for business

• Upcoming Events - for pleasure

• Upcoming Events - for pleasure

• Top Picks of The Week

• Stories that Inspire

• Hot Reads of the Week

Food for Thought

The Tale of Two Entrepreneurs: Passion vs. Determination

Imagine two friends, Maria and Emily, both setting out to build their own businesses. They each have a dream fueled by a deep passion for their respective fields—Maria loves creating artisanal jewelry, while Emily is obsessed with innovative tech solutions. Their journeys, however, unfold in dramatically different ways, revealing a profound lesson about the roles of passion and determination.

Maria's passion for jewelry design was evident from the start. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her early creations quickly gained attention. She spent countless hours sketching new designs, experimenting with materials, and promoting her brand on social media. The excitement of seeing her work appreciated by others fueled her creativity and drive.

Emily, on the other hand, had a quieter but equally intense passion for technology. She spent late nights coding and developing prototypes, always eager to bring her ideas to life. Her passion was not as outwardly visible as Maria’s, but it burned just as brightly within her. She was motivated by the thought of creating something that could change the world.

As the months passed, both friends encountered inevitable obstacles and walls. Maria faced a sudden increase in competition, which made it harder to stand out. Her initial excitement began to wane, and doubts started to creep in - punched by the reality of business. Meanwhile, Emily struggled with technical setbacks and funding issues. The road to success seemed steeper than she had imagined.

Here is where their paths diverged. Maria, despite her passion, found herself paralyzed by the challenges. She began to question whether she was cut out for the business world and started looking for easier paths - sound familiar. Her passion, once her greatest asset, had become a double-edged sword—it inspired her, but it also made the setbacks feel deeply personal and disheartening.

Emily, on the other hand, tapped into a different source of strength: determination. She approached each setback as a problem to be solved, not a reflection of her worth. When funding fell through, she sought alternative investors. When her prototypes failed, she iterated tirelessly, learning from each mistake. Her determination was a steady force that propelled her forward, regardless of the hurdles.

Months turned into years. Maria’s business, though still alive, struggled to grow beyond its initial burst of popularity. Her passion had led her to the door of opportunity, but without determination, she found it hard to push through the difficult times. Emily, however, saw her tech solutions gain traction. Her relentless determination had not only carried her through tough times but also allowed her to refine her ideas until they resonated with investors and customers alike.

Passion may light the way, but it is determination that propels you forward. Passion can inspire you to start, but determination ensures you finish. It’s the force that keeps you moving when the initial excitement fades and the reality of hard work sets in - the messy middle. It’s the unyielding drive that keeps you moving through every obstacle, no matter how tough the journey becomes.

Stay determined Houston.  

Upcoming Events - for business

Houston’s got a ton of networking events happening this week. Check one out and meet some awesome new people!

• August 4th - Business of Life Event with Josh Tolley

• August 6th - Bingo Night Business Networking Mixer

• August 7th - TMC METS Networking Happy Hour

• August 7th - World Famous Schmooza Palooza Networking Happy Hour

• August 8th - Noontime Networking: Business, Sales & Entrepreneur Networking

• August 9th - AI Productivity Hacks for Small Teams

• August 9th - Sunshine’s Coffee & Connections

Upcoming Events - for pleasure

• August 2nd - Art Lover Champagne Mingle

• August 2nd - Link & Laugh

• August 3rd - White Linen Night in The Heights

• August 4th - The Riot presents “Houston Funniest” Comedy Showcase

• August 6th - Taco Tuesday Takeover at The Domain Houston

• August 6th - Tuesday Karaoke Night

• August 9th - Neon Foam Party

• August 10th - Join the Fun! Free Cookies from Teal Ropes

• August 10th - Caribbean Day Party and Art Show

• August 10th - On The Street : Houston. A Streetwear Pop-Up Vendor Market Experience

Share Your Event With Us!

Looking to get more exposure for you event?

Send your event to [email protected] and we will work with you to promote your event!

Top Picks of The Week

Tweet of the Week: This tweet hit home for us. We consume much content here at In the Loop and justify it by describing it as “research”. This image is a powerful reminder that the work we are avoiding is what will move the needle not the insights or motivation these podcasts provide. So put down the headphones and stop reading this so you can get to work!

Product of the Week: This week’s product has made us the envy of all coffee shop goers and remote work warriors. Why? Because 3 screens are always better than one and they are even better when you are on the go. Xebec’s product has been a game changer for us; we can not rave about it more. It is an absolute must for those warriors fighting the good fight away from a comfy office multi-screen setup.

Foodie Spot of the Week: We recently visited Katy Budget Books to grab a few new hot reads and discovered The Great Texas Pecan Candy Co. right next door! Check out them out over in Katy or even at their annual Rodeo Houston booth!

Stories that Inspire

In the world of app development and company building, few stories are as electrifying as that of Dan Porter and his whirlwind journey with Draw Something. Imagine turning a brilliant idea into a global sensation and then selling it for a staggering $200 million—all within six weeks! This incredible interview dives deep into the story behind this remarkable feat, shedding light on the creativity, perseverance, and a bit of luck that made it all possible. Get ready to be inspired by the journey of a simple doodling game that took the world by storm. PS. Dan Porter is awesome and has become a local In the Loop hero!

Hot Reads of the Week

Thank you so much for being a part of In the Loop Houston! If you’re new or this email was forwarded to you, make sure to join our growing community and stay in the loop. Loving our content? Share it with your friends and spread the word!

Make today count and stay determined!

-Jorge & Aubrie