My name is Tay, and my journey is the heart behind Onward With Novelty. I grew up in a single-parent household, experiencing firsthand the challenges of moving frequently, navigating CPS involvement, and depending on church and public food banks. As a teen, I often felt the gap in resources available for youth, or the fact they were being taken advantage of—and that experience stayed with me.

Today, I’m a proud mother of a blended family of five, and they are my greatest motivation. Everything I do is rooted in ensuring that young people in Houston have the support, stability, and essentials I once struggled to find. I know what it feels like to go without, and I’m determined to help change that for others.

I’m currently working toward furthering my education and completing certifications that will strengthen my ability to run Onward With Novelty effectively and sustainably. My lived experience fuels my passion, and my ongoing learning helps me build the structure and vision needed to make real, lasting impact.

Through OWN, I’m committed to creating accessible resources, hygiene support, and opportunities that empower children, teens, and young adults to move forward with dignity, confidence, and hope.

I am in the process of getting my Child Development Certification to better educate myself for our youth.

Hi, my name is Azul! For as long as I can remember, I have been involved within the Houston community in a variety of ways. As a little girl, volunteering for the church and softball little league was the gateway to discovering I wanted to help others. I continued to volunteer through high school and eventually throughout my college career, as best I could.

Though I lost my way after graduating, I have easily found my way back to volunteering and serving those who need it most. I am an aspiring artist who has been fortunate enough to create and share how art positively impacts mental health on social media as Arts and Farts.

 Staying dedicated to this artistic journey has taught me that art is more than expressing my own emotions, it is about expressing the emotions and stories of those who cannot. This journey was led with the intention of spreading awareness and volunteering my artistic skills toward a good cause. Onward with Novelty is that cause! I am excited and look forward to everything Onward with Novelty brings my way as their event coordinator.