We’re excited to introduce you to our latest Meet a Mom, Emily Sykes! Originally from Sugar Land, Emily’s journey has taken her from small-town Texas to the heart of Hollywood and back to Houston, where she’s now settled with her family in the Heights. Emily’s career in the music and entertainment industry sounds like a dream, and her stories of celebrity encounters are just the tip of the iceberg! Now, as a devoted mom to her 7-year-old daughter, Ava, and a Shift Supervisor at the Houston Swim Club in Cypress, Emily’s heart is all about creating a safe, supportive community for local families. We’re thrilled to share more about her story!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up in Sugar Land TX until my junior year in high school when we moved to Nacogdoches TX and I graduated early there. Spent some time in Dallas, then back to Houston and then moved to HOLLYWOOD when I landed (my then) dream job in the music industry. I met my husband while living there, we got married and had our daughter, Ava. In 2017 we realized that raising a family in Los Angeles was not only costly, but not ideal. I somehow convinced my husband to move us back to Houston. (He’s from Cape Town South Africa, so it was a huge culture shock). So here we are! We live in the Heights 😊
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
My one and only Ava Blake, she’s 7.
Can you share about your dream job that you mentioned?
I was hired to work for a talent buyer. We worked with music agents and booked shows and events at Hollywood clubs, restaurants and outdoor spaces. After that I worked for a talent agency and we worked with music artists, actors/actresses, comedians, writers, producers and more! It was an amazing job in the heart of Beverly Hills. Oh the stories I could tell! Haha. A day in the office would be typical to see people such as Courtney Cox, Mary j Blidge, Macy Gray, Al Pacino, Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer and sooooo many more.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I’ve worked with many celebrities, and I was in 2 movies when I was little.
That sounds like fun! Which movies were they – we will keep an eye out for you when we watch these!
The first movie was a tv movie called “Without Warning: The James Brady Story.” My uncle was the cinematographer and we were extras, it was filmed here in Houston! The stars were Beau Bridges and Joan Allen. The 2nd movie was “The Con.” It starred William H Macy and Rebecca De Mornay. It was also filmed by my uncle and the part I was in was filmed in the Heights area.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
MY MOM. I couldn’t imagine one day of motherhood without her! She’s taught me so much about unconditional love and I admire the sacrifices she made with myself and my 2 other sisters.
Favorite things to do with your kids around town?
We love Herman Park, Zoo, Jumping World, local parks
Favorite local things to do in the Cypress area?
Houston Swim Club, Towne Lake, feeding the ducks and fish, visiting friends. We love, love, love Ambriza!!! It has a great atmosphere, amazing drinks, and food. The green space just outside is so cute, too, for littles. I highly recommend Bounce Bounce locally.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am a Shift Supervisor at the Houston Swim Club in Cypress. I started working here just after the pandemic after I saw my daughter go through their program and I fell in love with their culture and warm family-like environment. This job checks ALL my boxes. I absolutely love working with other families, building relationships with them, seeing their child or children’s water safety, confidence and personalities SOAR. It really is such a rewarding and fulfilling job, I’m very lucky to have been given the opportunity to work here.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
As a mom, I personally know the importance of having a safe and supportive group to answer any questions, give advice, and socialize with. Us moms HAVE to stick together!