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

Hi Kathryn, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The key to success is… me. I firmly believe that “direct competition” is a myth because there’s only one Kathryn Hinnant. What has truly driven my success in sales and business growth is my ability to promote myself. Clients may be drawn to the services or the properties I offer, but they continue to work with me because of the unique qualities and personal touch that only I, Kathryn Hinnant, can provide.

Selling yourself is the most rewarding aspect of owning a business because you can always be sure that no one else can replicate what you bring to the table. I take pride in being original, unique, and individualistic, and showcasing these traits allows me to express my creativity and stand out from the crowd. While maintaining humility is important, having confidence in your distinctiveness is equally essential.

My brands, Monarch Atelier and The Scout Guide Houston/Brazos Valley, are important, but at the heart of it all, my true brand is Kathryn Hinnant!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my meticulous attention to detail and the “easter eggs” I weave into my work. I thrive on creating unique touches that surprise and delight, making every project an unforgettable experience. I like to think of it as putting on my Taylor Swift hat—she’s famous for including hidden details in her work that only her most dedicated fans can discover. I love dropping hints about future themes, guidebook cover colors, and other exciting details leading up to a big reveal. It’s a way for me to express my creativity and build anticipation.
I was not always this attentive to detail. The longer I have been a business owner the more inspiration I have and the more confident I am in my own work. In school, I was often afraid to express myself and constantly compared myself to others. As a professional, I’ve grown beyond those insecurities, evolving as a creative, business owner, and professional. The journey hasn’t been easy; it’s been marked by highs and lows. But I’ve learned that success comes from failing forward and embracing trial and error. Without taking risks, the greater risk is never achieving anything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a native Houstonian and owner of the premier annual guidebook celebrating the best local businesses, I’ve crafted the ultimate Houston itinerary for you! As a HUGE foodie, prepare your taste buds for an adventure.

The Perfect Weekend in Houston, TX:

**7:00am**: Start your day with a pre-breakfast treat at Kolache Shoppe. Grab some sausage and cheese Kolaches at either Heights Blvd or Richmond Ave.

**8:00am**: Choose your coffee fix: swing by La La Land Coffee for a quick lavender latte, or head to Bebidas for a coffee and smoothie combo with relaxed outdoor vibes.

**9:00am**: Explore local farmer’s markets like Heights Mercantile, Rice Village Market, or River Oaks Market. Stock up on fresh veggies, beautiful flowers, and other local goodies!

**11:00am**: Shop at Montrose Collective. Don’t miss Amano, Marcel Market, Gojana, Ganni, Rails, and Fiora’s Wine Bottle Shop. Consider a quick spray tan at Sunless Chateau and grab a scoop of Van Leeuwen’s Black Cherry ice cream if you’re heading home soon.

**12:30pm**: Lunch time! Head to Southern Yankee Crafthouse for the best food and locally brewed beers. Everything on the menu is fantastic, and their beer selection is second to none—ciders, IPAs, ales, you name it!

**2:00pm**: Let your lunch settle with a visit to the Menil Collection. Enjoy some art, or relax outdoors with a book and a bottle of wine if the weather’s nice.

**4:00pm**: Explore River Oaks District for high-end fashion and luxury shopping. Catch a movie at iPic, and visit Scout Guide Houston’s clients like Frances Valentine and Laura Rathe Fine Art Gallery.

**6:00pm**: Dinner at Le Colonial, where French and Vietnamese cuisine meet in a culinary masterpiece. The beef carpaccio is a must-try!

**8:00pm**: Savor a flight of wine at 13 Celsius. I recommend their contact wines for a truly delightful experience.

**9:00pm**: Dance the night away at Barbarella in Midtown, Houston’s top video dance dive bar, where the best of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits the dance floor!

**11:00pm**: Cap off your night at Wooster’s Garden with a classic cocktail and stunning Midtown views.

Don’t forget to book a safe ride home with Alto Rideshare and take the scenic route to enjoy Houston’s dazzling skyline.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Many experiences, people, and moments have shaped who I am today. One person I haven’t thanked is a dear friend and former partner from a five-year chapter of my life. Although our relationship didn’t last, I believe everything happens for a reason. Their presence in my life ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. I will always give them credit for giving me the courage and showing me that I could take on a career built by myself. They came from a family of entrepreneurs, deeply influenced by their success and passion. Over the years we were together, this influence rubbed off on me, eventually driving me to start my own business, Monarch Atelier, while I was still in college. This journey led me to advertise in The Scout Guide Houston’s Volume 6 and eventually acquire the franchise and then later on opening a 2nd Scout Guide franchise and becoming a three-time business owner. Whenever I’m asked what sparked my entrepreneurial journey, I think of this individual with gratitude. Their influence planted a seed that grew into the business owner I am today. I’m deeply thankful for their role in my story and excited to see where this path will lead me in the next 5 or 10 years.

Website: http://thescoutguide.com/houston/virtualguide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsghouston/

Image Credits
Lauren Holub
Patrick Meredith
The Scout Guide

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