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

Hi Valencia, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I think the most important thing I’ve done as a parent, in terms of the impact on my children, is never giving up, especially in the face of a heartbreaking loss. After my husband of almost 17 years tragically passed away, our lives changed forever. It’s the most difficult time we’ve ever faced, but I made a conscious decision to keep showing up for them every single day. I channeled my grief into growth.
I completed my Master’s degree and opened a Bodybar Pilates franchise, not just for myself, but to show my children what resilience looks like. I wanted them to see that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to rise, rebuild, and keep moving forward. I want them to know first hand what perseverance looks like and I pray it will stay with them.

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.
My journey has felt a lot like the game Chutes and Ladders filled with unexpected twists, setbacks, and leaps forward. At 17, I joined the military, where I met my late husband. We married young, started a family, and I chose to step away from work to focus on raising our children.
In my early 30s, while balancing the roles of wife, mother, student, and employee, I earned my bachelor’s degree a milestone that marked a turning point in my personal and professional life. I re-entered the workforce as a receptionist at a doctor’s office, then spent the next decade in a variety of HR-related roles within the Department of Defense. During that time, I even briefly worked as a flight attendant, adding another unique chapter to my story.
Eventually, I transitioned to a position at Prairie View A&M University with the ROTC program, continuing my federal career with a plan to steadily climb the ladder. But life, as it often does, had other plans.

After experiencing a profound period of grief and introspection, I realized I no longer wanted to return to work in the same way. I was searching for something more meaningful something that aligned with the person I was becoming. That search led me to Dallas, Texas, where I attended a “Meet the Team” event with the CEO and headquarters staff of BODYBAR Pilates. And just like that, a new chapter began.

Opening my own BODYBAR studio was far from easy. It took over a year and a half from signing on as a franchisee to opening day, filled with late nights, stress, and tears. But every challenge was worth it. Through that process, I rediscovered my purpose, my strength, and a passion for community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Thursday ~
Literally pack a bag and head to Surfside beach for the day!

Friday ~
Brunch at Hearsay
Puttshack for a fun game of Golf
Dinner at Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Rooftop Cinema (depending on the weather)

Saturday ~
Breakfast at Snooze
Shop at the Galleria
Joey Uptown
Sleep because the previous days were busy!

Sunday ~
The People’s Church for worship
Dona Leti’s for lunch
Drop her to the airport

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, there is someone I want to dedicate my shout out to, my late husband. Abiy was an incredible man who loved his family deeply and showed unwavering support and belief in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Losing him shattered me in ways I can’t fully describe. But in that pain, something was also sparked a fire that pushed me to grow into the woman I am becoming today.
There’s something about realizing your children now rely solely on you, it shakes you to your core, and it forces you to rise. My husband was a veteran and I’d say a fitness enthusiast. He worked out five days a week and would run miles just for fun.
Right now, my purpose is to make him proud, to live a life that honors his memory and reflects the strength he always saw in me.

Website: https://bodybarpilates.com/studios/shadow-creek/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valencia-h-482260123

Facebook: Bodybar Pilates – Shadow Creek

Other: Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/SHADOWCREEKBB?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6e9f2c68-318c-49a4-8a58-82b237d2a0cf

Image Credits
Sky pro visuals

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.