News
From Whisk to Wonder: The Story Behind Houston’s Red Dessert Dive
Houston has no shortage of great places to grab a treat. However, few feel as personal, welcoming, and downright delicious as Red Dessert Dive. Founded by Jessica Lusk, Red Dessert Dive isn’t just a bakery and coffee shop. It’s a Houston original, the kind of place that feels like home the second you walk in, and keeps you coming back for another slice of something sweet. Jessica opened Red Dessert Dive over a decade ago on Studewood Street in the Heights with one big goal in mind: to create a spot that blended homemade desserts, quality drinks, and genuine community. The business name originates from Jessica’s fiery redheaded Mammaw who could make dessert like no other, and “Red” was the endearing name that Jessica’s Pawwaw gave her. Jessica says, “Red is filled with goodness, fun, love, and lots of passion. This little shop is made possible with my loving family and kickass staff.” Eleven years later, that simple idea has turned into one of Houston’s favorite neighborhood hangouts. Every Red Dessert Dive location is filled with the smell of freshly baked cakes, cookies, brownies, and more (all made daily in small batches). Red isn’t just about sweets. Jessica’s team serves freshly brewed coffee, local craft beers, and a selection of wines that make Red as much an evening spot as a morning one. You can even take a bottle of wine to go! Whether you’re picking up coffee before work or meeting friends for dessert and a drink, the atmosphere stays relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably Houston. Red Dessert Dive’s second location opened at 2214 W 34th Street, expanding the concept into the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. It recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, marking another milestone for this woman-owned small business. The new space carries the same heart as the original Heights location. There are familiar desserts, cozy atmosphere, and the friendly faces that make Red what it is. A Second Slice: The Other Location Jessica isn’t slowing down. She’s currently working on a shared space behind Red’s second location that will include “The Anxiety Dr” and her wellness products as well as a pilates studio in a shared green garden courtyard. It’s her way of bringing people together in a setting that feels good for both body and soul. Her dedication, creativity, and love for the Houston community have remained the key ingredients in Red’s success.
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People of NC: Kathryn Robinson
Real estate is more than property—it’s about connecting people with spaces that fit their lifestyle, goals, and future. For Houston realtor Kathryn Robinson, with over 13 years of experience, success lies in pairing the right individual or family with the right home. We had the chance to sit down with Kat to learn more about her journey, her purpose, and the perspective she brings to her clients and community. Finding Her Calling In her early 30s, Kat began questioning what career would best align with her strengths. With encouragement from friends and family (who all suggested real estate) she took a leap. Starting out as an assistant, she worked her way up to become the seasoned professional she is today. Building Relationships, Not Just Closings For Kat, real estate is about people first. She thrives on relationship-building, whether with fellow realtors or the clients she celebrates life-changing wins with. One memorable moment was helping a couple land their dream home in Cypress. “They originally wanted to live closer to work, but we found this incredible million-dollar home surrounded by nature. It became their escape, a place to host and share with friends. It was completely off their radar, but it was exactly what they needed.” It’s this intuition that sets Kat apart. Her process goes deeper than bedrooms and square footage; she asks lifestyle-driven questions like, “Where are your favorite places to shop?” to better match her clients with homes that reflect who they are. A Houston Foodie & Community Leader Outside of real estate, Kat’s love for Houston shines through its food scene. Her favorites include Frenchies in Clear Lake, Kasra Persian Grill on Westheimer, and Doris Metropolitan on Shepherd for steaks. She’s not only a foodie but a leader in her industry as well. Kat has been an active volunteer with the Houston Association of Realtors for 12 years and currently serves as vice chair. By 2027, she’ll hold the title of Chair, continuing her mission to make homeownership more accessible by advocating for reduced property taxes and affordability measures. Purpose & Perspective Kat lives by the motto: “Leave whatever you touch even better.” Her advice? Focus on how people feel around you, always leave with a smile, and carry a calm, professional presence. Beyond her career, Kat is a dedicated single mother who balances her busy lifestyle with intention. She’s currently renovating her backyard, curating hanging art on the walls, and practicing unplugging from technology. It’s her way of protecting her family's mental health while nurturing their home life. She calls her home the “launch pad” and “landing pad.” Looking Ahead Whether she’s helping a family find their dream home, volunteering in the community, or creating a sanctuary for her own family, Kat reminds us that home is more than four walls—it’s where life restores and begins again.
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Making Sense of Art – Featuring Brendan McKeon
Have you ever wondered what thoughts live behind a work of art? At Native Citizen’s Montrose Studio, we are thrilled to introduce our newest featured artist, Brendan McKeon. His evocative style and soulful pieces have already found a place in the homes of several native citizens in Houston. His work is not just decoration — it is an invitation to pause, feel, and connect. Brendan is a Houston-based artist and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Fine Arts. For him, art is more than formal training. It is the hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces he has created (each born from a blank, meditated mind, and not all his artworks are the same either. He describes his artistic style as ever evolving, treating each blank canvas as a new opportunity. “I let my mind wander,” Brendan shares, “pulling different emotions from each session. To allow yourself to feel is the joy of art.” His hope is that his pieces become a companion for the space, something you see every day and continually discover in new ways. “I don't want to navigate the viewer into a defined message. Instead, create your own narrative and sense of it all — art allows connection to feeling.” In our conversation, we reflected on how social media has changed the way we experience art. It has made it more accessible but also more fleeting. We see art daily, often as a quick scroll and swipe moment. Inside the Native Citizen Interior Design Studio, we are reminded that art holds more power when experienced in-person, when you can see each meticulous brushstroke and feel the artist’s intention. We invite you to stop by our Montrose location to experience Brendan McKeon’s work firsthand. These are pieces, both big and small, meant not just to be seen but to be lived with. We are receiving painting every week. The Native Citizen studio displays a collection for all your home needs including furniture, rugs, plants, lights, and more. Talk to a designer to learn more about how we can transform your space, complimentary always. Sincerely, — Native Citizen P.S. Native Citizen Home has specialized in home interior design for over 20 years. Originally based in Montrose, Native Citizen has since planted roots in the Heights. We specialize in designing homes for active, everyday living.
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Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Visits Native Citizen to Close Out Pride Month
Native Citizen was honored to welcome Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher to our Montrose studio as part of her annual Pride Month Business Visit, in partnership with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
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A Chat with Claudia Sierra: Bringing Visions to Life
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Claudia Sierra to our Native Citizen design studios. As a talented designer known for her ability to style and decorate homes and businesses, Claudia has made a significant impact on the Houston design scene. Any time Claudia is in the studio is a great day! Claudia's joy and creativity are apparent when she's working. I had the joy of watching her delicately sift through texture and fabric swatches excitedly while we spoke. Claudia's design business is built on a foundation of collaboration and creativity. She works closely with her clients, either guiding them through the selection of items or taking on the full responsibility of bringing their vision to life. Her favorite part of the process is the moment when everything comes together, and she can surprise her clients with a space that exceeds their expectations. Often, Claudia's clients come to her without a clear idea of their personal style. Through her expertise and intuition, she helps them discover their unique aesthetic, transforming their spaces into reflections of their personalities. During her visit, Claudia shared a design tip that resonated with us: "Be inspired by a favorite travel location." For example, drawing inspiration from Italy can infuse a space with the country's rich history, art, and culture, adding depth and character to the design. We're so grateful to Claudia Sierra for stopping by our design studios and sharing her wisdom. Her work continues to inspire us, and we're proud to know her as a fellow member of the Houston design community. You can follow Claudia at @clau_lyf
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