Meet Jaime Guillory | Wraparound Specialist & Food Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaime Guillory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaime, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by my mother, Gloria Guillory, who moved to Houston, Texas to have a good life. She got up and went to work, everyday, to provide for her 5 children. She taught me about hard work and gave me a positive outlook on having a job and going to work.

I am inspired by people, family, friends, assoiciates that are progressing and prospering in what they do. Older people inspire me becuase it shows me where I want to be and don’t want to be when I get that age. It has worked throughout my whole life to keep me on the straight and narrow and has helped master each objective. I am very observant and when I’m dining out or enjoying the city, I am inspired by what people do, from their style, to their mannerisms, to their money and jobs, education. I always think, “I could do that”, or “no, that’s not my lane”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I want the world to know that I was born in an economically-challenged environment, surrounded by things children should not be exposed to in their neighborhood: broken homes, drugs, etc… But my parents did their part to keep my head on straight as much as possible and along with my teachers, provided me with the education I needed to succeed.

It was not easy working from the age of 15 and going to school. I have balanced that, it seems, like forever but I was able to do it, never quit my job or school.  I received a Bachelor’s in Print Journalism with a Minor in African American studies and a Master’s Degree in Education with a Principal’s Certification.  I taught elementary school for 16 years and I am now a Wraparound Specialist in a school district that connects students and families to service providers in the community to improve the well-being of all students. It has been a wonderful role to have in education and I plan to keep serving the community.

As I hit my last big birthday and I embarked upon my new position, I decided to start a foodie page with not a lot of direction but definitely with goals in mind. With my food influencer page, I highlight restaurants, caterers and small food businesses and food, of course.  Food is supposed to be an experience, intentional and satisfying. I have had challenges with eating healthy in my past which is common with most people. I want to bring joy to people’s lives with food while promoting products and local businesses.

Lessons I’ve learned: hard work pays off. I’m happy, accomplished and living life. My goals are in place and I’m going to keep pushing professionally and artistically.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Bar 5015 on Almeda Road is a massive patio experience with good food, music and drinks. Tuesdays are a nice night to go if you don’t want to try it out on the weekend.  The Turkey Leg Hut most days will satisfy all your taste buds.  Urban Social is a cool spot to gather on the weekends and vibe out, Sundays especially. You can catch a nice brunch at Leland House in East Downtown, very popular. Diablo Loco on Richmond Avenue has great crawfish and the DJ is awesome. They are real lively during football season. So, watch out for those Saints fans, j/k.  The Greasy Spoon has the best of everything including their lambchops, mac and cheese and greens so I would definitely check out one of their locations.

Viola and Agnes in Seabrook, Tx. has the best gumbo you could ever taste and is black owned.

Houston Grub Park has several black owned food trucks and vendors that sell everything from fried ribs at Saucy Nosh to Italian ice from Gelu Italian Ice and sweet treats from the Peach Cobbler Lady or A Blu Doodle Home Bakery. It’s a wonderful outdoor experience Thursday through Sunday, good for family.

Farmer’s Markets are my pleasure, the Braeswood Farmer’s Market has plenty of vendors if you are into fresh produce, sea moss, juicing, popcorn, wine, and southern food on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Mod pizza, yum, Pappasitos, yum yum, Captain Benny’s jalepeno boudain balls, gumbo and crawfish etoufee, yum yum yum.  Komedy Lounge for karaoke and Prospect Park for live music, good wings and hookah will keep you entertained on the Northside of Houston.

My parents and the tons of TEACHERS I’ve had in school and worked with throughout the years have all encouraged me and set goals for and with me since I was born. The standards were set: This is what you have to do to be successful. Without the guidance, EDUCATION, framework and encouragement, I would not be where I am in life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and the tons of TEACHERS I’ve had in school and worked with throughout the years have all encouraged me and set goals for and with me since I was born. The standards were set: This is what you have to do to be successful. Without the guidance, EDUCATION, framework and encouragement, I would not be where I am in life.

Instagram: @houstonfoodie713

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeguillorym-ed