You know her from The Rod Ryan show on 94.5 The Buzz and from KPRC’s Houston Life with co-host Derrick Shore, Tessa Barrera shares where she's from, how she got here, and where she's headed next. And as a fun twist on our annual Gift Guide—Tessa compiled a list of her favorite things, à la Oprah, so we can live, shop, and give like her!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. It was for nationwide search for the Rod Ryan Show morning co-host that brought me to Houston in 2019.
Before that, I was a news anchor and executive producer of KFI AM 640 talk radio news in Los Angeles. Previously, I worked at KZTV/KRIS where I was the first Latina sports anchor in south Texas. While in Corpus Christi, I covered the Astros minor league affiliate, Hooks, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders, Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas, and the entire south Texas high school sports circuit. During Hurricane Harvey, I discovered my knack for news and one of my stories made international headlines and was even tweeted out by the Pope!
I would consider myself a sports fanatic and am constantly cheering on the Astros, Texans, and Rockets. Recreationally, I enjoy sand volleyball, being out on the water, reading, and family vacations. I am passionate about…well everything, there is no story too small or too big to cover.
How would you describe yourself?
I would say I'm a typical first born daughter. I have three younger siblings who I love to boss around. I am a yearner, I want a lot out of life and can get impatient. I've been pretty rough around the edges my whole life but I feel like I turned that into my superpower. I feel like "keeping it real" shouldn't be such a crazy concept, but apparently a lot of people struggle with it. I'm bold, silly, dramatic, and in my wildest dreams perhaps a little entertaining.
What advice would you give young women/girls who are inspired by you?
I would say whatever you think is special about me, is just a reflection of you.
Also, leaning into doing the hard or challenging things will always pay you back in dividends. If it excites/scares you in a good way, you should go for it. If it feels wrong, don't do it, but also know that there are no mistakes, just learning lessons.
What are your plans for the future?
Since I've never been on the cover of a magazine (solo). I feel like I should have an exclusive piece of information, so here goes nothing. After five insane years of hogging the co-host mic with Rod Ryan Show, I've decided to let someone else have a turn.
I'm going to remain co-host of Houston Life as long as possible and lean into telling the stories of amazing Houstonians on television. Radio is such an important part of who I am and I'll never stop talking. I will continue to record a weekly podcast for people to keep up with my little life.
I am indebted to the greater Houston area for embracing me and showing me love. I'm also so very thankful to Rod Ryan for taking a chance on a crazy girl from Corpus Christi, I'd say it definitely worked out.
Tessa Barrera's Favorite Things
1. The Secret Group | A fun Night-Out
“They just celebrated 8 years in Houston and I hope they're around forever. Started by 4 local stand-up comics they put on local and nationally touring comedy and music acts.” thesecretgrouphtx.com
2. Queen Bee Distilling | Osmia Vodka: $84
“Owned and operated by two Texas women offering a quality product. Their Osmia Vodka has become a staple in my bar cabinet.” queenbeedistilling.com
3. Nard Got Sole Shoes Designs | Custom-Made Personalized Shoes that Wow
“When I got my first big bonus in radio, I splurged on some custom shoes from Nard.” nardgotsole.com
4. The Burning Stones | Crystal Quartz Cluster Oil Candle $160
“This is one of my favorite gifts to buy! They’re made by one of the sweetest families I've had the pleasure of meeting. They are so unique and add beauty to any room. If you know a crystal lover this will knock their socks off!” theburningstones.com
5. Rent the Runway | Tessa’s Wardrobe Hack
“This is my hack for always having something new to wear on TV. I have a tiny closet, but I rent 15 looks per month from RTR. It's a women-owned business that has made my life much easier!” renttherunway.com
6. Sam and Davy | HTOWN cropped Sweatshirt $54
"This is a brand I've come to know and love thanks to my Houston Life co-host, Derrick Shore. Everyone should know about it.” samanddavy.com
7. The Flora Culture | Give the Love of Plants with The Flora Culture
"My Houston Life co-host, Derrick Shore, recently got me into plants when he gave me a Chinese money plant. In my head I now believe that the number in my bank account is directly correlated to the health of that plant. I just love the Flora Culture, owners Matthew and Jemine Oakes!" thefloraculture.com
8. Dr. Erica Bartlett, Plastic Surgeon | Let go of Your Insecurities
"Dr. Bartlett helped me with insecurities and to become what I believe is the best version of myself, She graduated at the top of her class at Baylor, and she keeps it real and she liposuctioned my tummy, and arms, and performed a breast implant swap for me." To hear more about this journey listen on Tessa’s podcast; Tess Talks. townandcountryplasticsurgeons.com
9. Anti-Age Institute | Turn Back Time
“Again with the vanity, I know, I know, but I don't know that I'll ever not have a forehead full of Botox. I don't care, when it comes to Med Spas, the LaConey's are the best!” antiageinstitute.com
10. Manny Guerrero of MG Salon | Love Your Hair Again
“I promise I'll stop being vain after I shout out the man in charge of my hair. I would be completely gray without him, not that that's a bad thing, I am just mentally not ready...MAYBE NEXT YEAR!” Instagram @mannyghair_
11. Sweet Texas Treasure Boutique | Personalized Clothes and Other Great Treasures
“This is a really fun local business that embraces Texas roots. You can customize anything and everything!" sweettexastreasures.com
12. Copendero Indoor Archery, Pistol, and Rifle Range | Shop, Learn gun Safety, and Visit the Range
"When I say I'm a Texas girl, believe me I'm packin’. I have been independent my whole life, and I take self-defense seriously and responsibly. Copendero is a great place to go to learn gun safety, brush up on your pew-pew skills, and have some fun. I have a bow I like to shoot as well. Houston Life reporter, Lauren Kelly, introduced me to this place and my bf and I are huge fans." copendero.com