Growing up in Texas, I was surrounded by women who carried themselves with grace, elegance, and a touch of Southern charm. They loved to entertain — opening their beautifully appointed homes to family and friends to gather around tables overflowing with comfort food and laughter. These women loved unconditionally and gave wholeheartedly.

My momma, Sharon, is the hardest-working, kindest, and spunkiest woman I know. At times, she juggled three jobs while raising three kids on her own, yet she still managed to keep a spotless home and serve a home-cooked meal every night. She’s been my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my forever role model.

My grandma, Bonnie, spoiled me rotten — and I loved every second of it. Every day after kindergarten, she’d greet me with a fruit pie and a Slurpee, and on Saturday mornings, I’d sit beside her at the beauty salon watching her get her roller set for the week. She was sassy, funny, and full of love for her family.

And then there was my great aunt Roxie — glamorous, confident, and classy, like a 1950s movie star (at least in my eyes). She shared her sister’s wit and warmth but also blazed her own trail as a successful businesswoman, building a multimillion-dollar company well into her fifties.