Star Gilani, Delta Chapter - December 2019

What are you doing today and how did joining Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. prepare you for this? I am the CEO, Founder & Lead Tour Guide for Best Bites Houston, a Food Tour Company focusing on the diversity of Houston's food & culture. Through my food tours, I get to showcase the delicious eateries in Houston and also share different historical, architectural and cultural significance's of various parts of Houston. Most importantly, I'm able to give my attendees a behind-the-scenes look at some of Houston's best chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs. Kappa Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. gave me the chance to revive Delta Chapter and re-start the sorority at the University of Houston. It also helped me develop as a leader, professional and as a woman. Without my time at Delta Chapter, I would lack the confidence and can-do spirit that is essential for starting any business.

Why did you choose to start Best Bites Houston? I felt that entrepreneurship was my calling but I couldn't figure out what I was passionate about the most or how I would find fulfillment in my work. While I was the Tourism & Marketing Manager for the City of Sugar Land, I won an award for a tour I provided for the Texas Travel Information Counselors. This award served as an epiphany and that's when I decided to combine something that I loved (food) with something that I was naturally good at (giving tours). My journey was definitely not easy - it took me a full year to start my first tour and even longer to establish credibility in the market place. I'm so thrilled that I stayed on track to start Best Bites Houston no matter the obstacles. I hope to continue my entrepreneurial journey with perseverance and share with visitors and locals alike why Houston is a city like no other.

How did you come up with the name/logo/concept of your business? It was all trial and error and it didn't happen over night. It took me about a year to work with the right designers to create the logo and imagery for my brand and another six months to collect photos and videos. I'm thankful for all the creative professionals I have worked with an owe a lot of my success to them.

What is your work/life balance? My main goal in life is to tenaciously pursue balance. This can be quite challenging when you are running your own business but I make it a point to schedule alone time, gym time and family time every week. Without it, I feel burnt out and extremely unmotivated.

How do you measure your success? Success is measured differently for all aspects of my life. I try to make it point to reflect on my week every Sunday to see what I have accomplished and what I needed to get done the next week to be closer to my goals.

What advice would you share with someone else who might be interested in starting something of their own? JUST DO IT - I can't say this enough. Do everything with great intent and be tenacious in your pursuit. Don't let anyone or anything stop you from achieving YOUR dreams. JUST DO IT!!

Be sure to check out Best Bites Houston and follow her business on Instagram!