Celebrating five years, River Oaks Lifestyle Magazine has proudly delivered 60 issues, showcasing the people, places, and businesses that make our city unique. While its name implies a focus on River Oaks, the magazine reaches readers from West University to Upper Kirby and beyond. To celebrate this special milestone, we’re bringing the talented women behind the publication into the spotlight, giving you the opportunity to meet the team and discover what inspires their creative process.
Suzanne Schakett, Owner / Publisher
What is your role at River Oaks Lifestyle Magazine? I am the CEO and am responsible for sales, the P&L, HR, and everything on the business side of things.
What is your favorite thing about working at River Oaks Lifestyle? Meeting new and interesting people everyday and finding ways to connect them to the greater community.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025? Debuting some new and exciting services for our clients and expanding the page count of the publication so we can bring more value to our readers each month.
Go-to Outfit when working from home: Yoga pants, soft jersey t-shirts in all colors, and my reading glasses.
What are you inspired by? The “hero story’” of the small business owners I meet with every day.
What are your Houston happy places? Gerald D. Hines Water Wall, The Cistern, driving along Allen Parkway, River Oaks Theatre, and The Hobby Center.
Favorite food indulgence: Boozy Eggnog from Jeni’s Ice Creams
Favorite things about Houston: The restaurants! I am a major foodie and love trying new places.
Ideal Weekend Getaway: The Yurtopian in Wimberley
Last time one of your pets made you laugh: My cavapoo, Penny Apricot, makes me laugh multiple times a day. She sleeps with her arms and legs wide open like a cartoon character.
Last time you cursed: Yesterday on I-10 (always seems to happen on I-10).
“I am excited about debuting new and exciting services for our clients in 2025.”
Gabi De la Rosa, Managing Editor
What is your role at River Oaks Lifestyle? I oversee the creative content for the magazine. Every photograph, word, contributor, and story idea is part of my work for each issue.
What is your favorite thing about working with River Oaks Lifestyle? I have been with the magazine for about four years and I am still honored to be able to tell the stories of local people, brands, and businesses.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025? I have so many ideas for great content in the new year – I can’t wait to bring them to life.
What are you inspired by? The creativity of our community inspires me daily.
What are your Houston happy places? I have spent more time on the Terry Hershey Hike & Bike trail than any other spot in Houston.
Favorite food indulgence: Tacos, beer, and chocolate (in that order).
Favorite Houston restaurants: Houston food is the best, so this is a hard question to answer. Le Colonial, Mas Tacos, Hamsa, Little's Oyster Bar, Amrina, The Original Lupe Tortilla (Hwy 6 location).
Last time you were starstruck: When I met Dolores Huerta, a Latina civil rights activist.
Last time you cried: Cue the waterworks every time I think about my oldest leaving for college next year. @gabioftheroses_htx
“Each month, I have the privilege of sharing the stories of Houstonians who are making a meaningful impact in our community.”
Kayla Bokemeyer, Publication Director
What is your role at River Oaks Lifestyle? As the Publication Director, I help our partners share their brand and create meaningful connections within the community through our publications and events.
What is your favorite thing about working at River Oaks Lifestyle? My favorite part of working at River Oaks Lifestyle is the opportunity to learn from an incredibly talented team of women whose brilliance inspires me every day.
What are you looking forward to the most in 2025? I can't wait to see how our events continue to grow and connect people within our community.
Most memorable Houston meal: Peppercorn Chicken at Mala Sichuan. The Sichuan pepper delivers a spicy numbing zing, it's a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
What are your Houston happy places? Rooftop at The Post and biking through Buffalo Bayou.
Favorite things about Houston: All of the new bike and park expansions.
Ideal Weekend: Central City Co-Op for locally sourced groceries, picnic at the Menil, and shopping at Asch Building.
Favorite food indulgence: Chocolate Bun at 85°C Bakery on Bellaire.
What are you inspired by? Reading—any book by Paul Auster.
Go-to outfit: A comfy knit sweater, linen trousers, and my blue shoulder Baggu bag.
“In the coming year, I am excited to see how our events continue to grow and connect people within our community.”
Lauren Holub, Photographer
What is your role at River Oaks Lifestyle? Photographer
What is your favorite thing about working with River Oaks Lifestyle? All of the many different opportunities to photograph that I wouldn't otherwise have.
What are you inspired by? The little moments during shoots. I love being able to capture the essence of a business, family, or person and what makes them unique.
Meaningful "Aha Moment": As a photographer and a people pleaser, I realized that my style isn't for everyone, which is okay. I try not to copy anyone else's style and always strive to be myself.
What are your Houston happy places? I love Memorial Park's Clay Family Eastern Glades.
Favorite Restaurant in Houston? Bludorn and Little's Oyster Bar
Last time you cried: As a portrait photographer, I feel incredibly fortunate to capture the joy of new life and the poignancy of families' final moments together. Before each session, I pray that my work reflects God's love for each person I photograph. Some of my clients have passed away, and I've had the honor of taking their last portraits. I've also documented the beautiful funeral of a newborn. I have cried so many times as a photographer, but I find comfort in knowing these images will be cherished for years to come. @laurenholubphotography
“I love being able to capture the essence of a business, family, or person and what makes them unique.”
“I am excited about debuting new and exciting services for our clients in 2025.”
“Each month, I have the privilege of sharing the stories of Houstonians who are making a meaningful impact in our community.”
“In the coming year, I am excited to see how our events continue to grow and connect people within our community.”