Celesta Ferreira, O.D.
CEO and Optometrist | Cypress Optique
Dr. Celesta Ferreira has uniquely fused her passions of providing an elevated eyewear experience, with her love of modern technology and trendsetting eyewear. Celesta is a native Texan, mother to two sons, wife to a Veteran, and daughter to incredibly supportive parents. As the first woman in her family to attend college and become a doctor, she continues to reach for the stars. She comes from a long line of hard-working, faith-driven, entrepreneurial women who instilled in her to; “lead with compassion and good things will always follow.”
What motto do you live by? Good better best; never rest until good becomes better, and better becomes best. Best looks different for everyone, it’s not about perfection but about never settling.
Who inspires you and why? My family is my biggest inspiration. My grandparents showed me courage and strength. My parents taught me the value of hard work and to always believe in myself. My husband inspires me to let go of my fears and to always challenge myself. Most importantly, my amazing sons inspire me to be the best version of myself for them, and to show them anything is possible!
What advice would you give your younger self? I would tell my younger self that it’s all worth it, every sacrifice is worth it– but also to live it up, and to enjoy every moment and stress less!
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? I enjoy giving back by donating glasses and eye exams to those in need, and by supporting local charities like Cy-Fair Helping Hands, and most importantly, I love giving time to the children of the community through annual school screenings.
Tiffany Priska MA, LPC-S, CBTC
Owner/Founder | Cypress Therapy & Counseling
Tiffany Priska has always had a passion for helping others. After counseling children in 2002 she never looked back. Currently working with adults, she also supervises graduate students, provides IASIS MCN, and offers supervised practice for LPC Associates. Tiffany is honored to have worked with many individuals over the years to help them reach their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys a variety of music, painting, spending time with family and her three dogs. A lover of coffee, dark chocolate, and all things vintage. Tiffany enjoys old movies, art museums and eating delicious food at fun restaurants around town.
What philosophy do you live by? Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful.
Who inspires you, and why? Claude Monet inspires me. He saw beauty in his own backyard and captured it, recognizing it as bits of color and light that–when standing close–don't look like much. But, from a distance, they work together to display a magnificent work of art. Our lives feel that way at times. Messy, unclear. But, with perspective, the beauty is revealed.
What advice would you give the next generation? Don’t give up on your dreams! You are amazing and have something the world needs to see! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? I absolutely love supporting our local sports teams both in the community and in the neighborhood as well as the local high school programs. And, you can often catch me at the community events!
CypressTherapyAndCounseling.com
Karissa Hubbard
Author | The Popular Girl Book Series, Educator, Christian-Counselor & Speaker
Cy-Fair ISD graduate and current CFISD special education professional, Karissa Hubbard is an inspirational speaker, internationally-certified Christian counselor and author of The Popular Girl books series. She has a B.A. in Journalism with a double emphasis in Print and Broadcast. Also the creator and host of The Popular Girl Conference, created to encourage, empower, and equip youth. Guided by her faith, Karissa loves God and strives to live a life that glorifies His name every day.
What philosophy do you live by? If you do good, good will come to you. I have always wanted to treat people right and help others, without looking for anything in return. I trust good will come back to me–and it always has.
Who inspires you and why? My late grandmother, Doris Henderson. I dedicate all of my books to her. She was truly a jack of all trades; she was a superintendent, played the organ and sang, a true fashionista, and breast cancer survivor. I saw so much fight in her and admired her drive to be great. I aspire to be just like her.
What advice would you give your younger self? Love yourself. People and things come and go, but the reflection in the mirror is always with you. Love yourself the way you want others to love you, and you will receive that love in return. Never accept anything less.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? By pouring back into the youth. I love going to schools and hosting conferences and getting to speak and mentor youth. I think helping guide them best helps our community because they’re our future. Also teaching the next generation to giveback; at my conference we do community service activities like packing toiletry bags for the homeless.
AuthorKarissaHubbard.square.site
Joyce Skala
Hurry Sundown | Cypress Music Scene®
Three months after a devastating fire took their family home, Joyce Skala, wife and mother of two, had no idea the onset of PTSD would change the trajectory of her life. Five years into her PTSD journey, it’s music that’s guided her recovery. Starting Joyce Behind the Mic in 2019 and then in 2020 her five-member band Hurry Sundown was formed. As lead singer, front-girl, and manager for the band, Joyce and her band-mates have performed locally entertaining folks with a variety of Texas Country, Southern Rock, Americana, and Blues cover songs. In 2021 Joyce created the Cypress Music Scene® bringing broader awareness to the budding live music culture in the area. Cypress Music Scene® has become the go-to resource for live music events, festivals, music news, and announcements to nearly 8,000 members, and growing!
What philosophy do you live by? If someone else believes in you, accept that you’re good enough for the job. Take the next steps, climb higher to show what you’re capable of. You might be surprised by what you learn in the process. I highly recommend it.
Who inspires you and why? Within each of my personal achievements, there is a person who believed in me enough to inspire me to take action. Without them, I would not be where I am today!
What advice would you give the next generation? Life is short. Cave to fear, and you lose the game. Leave cards on the table, and you risk never having that moment again. Life is yours to savor. Enjoy the journey.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? Through live music! Music is medicine to many; it sparks friendships, and lightens a mood. Live music also generates income for local music makers and music venue owners–it feeds our families! Music offers hope and resolve; opens conversations and closes chapters leading to healing and recovery. I’m honored to be the conduit for music in my hometown.
Facebook.com/Groups/CypressMusicScene
Melissa Baker
Experienced Realtor Serving Cypress & Northwest Houston | eXp Realty
As a former flight attendant, Melissa Baker learned a lot of what she needed to build her top-producing real estate career while flying above it. As a mother who raised three children in Cy-Fair Melissa remains an active member in the community. Her philanthropic nature led her to join National Charity League, where she was very involved for over a decade. As a mother/daughter charitable organization, NCL has given Melissa the opportunity to serve alongside her daughters. A veritable whirlwind of positivity, a passionate decorator and antique shopping enthusiast, she loves a friendly book club and enjoys playing tennis in her free time.
What motto do you live by? Create a life you love. And always be warm, kind and compassionate towards others.
Who inspires you and why? As my hobbies have always been centered around hospitality, cooking and creating a comfortable home, I have always admired Martha Stewart. She created an empire by being true to herself while exploring her passions. She is a creative, smart business woman and continues to reinvent herself.
What advice would you give to the next generation? Always be true to yourself while being open to new adventures. Don’t be afraid of failures as adversity makes you stronger and wiser. Don’t worry so much about what others think of you.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? I enjoy being an active volunteer for Northwest Ministries’ Meals on Wheels. I deliver food to clients and check in on their welfare while making new friends along the way!
Giannina Cicciarella
Owner & Operator | Giannina’s Pizza & Catering Services
Giannina Cicciarella grew up in her Sicilian family restaurant business from the age of nine, and never stopped! Continuing the legacy of her family, she learned to be a strong woman in the industry from both of her parents’ perseverance to ‘always do your best in your successes no matter any circumstances.’ In 2014, she opened her own business with a new way of catering; Giannina’s Pizza & Catering Services bring the Pizzeria to you! They have an authentic Italian Wood Fire Oven on wheels and make fresh pizza on premise. In 2023, her parents retired, but Giannina continues the 40 year family legacy. Proudly serving private parties, business events, weddings, and more.
What motto do you work and live by? Our motto is: Always keep the customer happy! Everyone has expectations. It is up to me to find out what they are, and make them come true!
Who inspires you and why? My faith is my motivator. Without faith, I cannot work well. The Lord up above and my Chef father, have both been there for everything I’ve needed in life and in business. I follow my faith and I admire my father’s work-ethics he lived by–while being a hard-working Sicilian immigrant.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community? Through helping Autistic children make pizza. Growing up being empathetic to my brother’s autism, I give classes to special needs kids which allows them to participate in their own way and at their own pace. We are also honored to give charitable contributions and participate in special events with The Miracle League and United for Autism.
