With tragic events like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma we often see most media coverage highlighting the disaster and devastation. Soon after it’s all over the coverage dies down and the rest of the world “goes back to normal” life. Unfortunately, those affected by the disaster are still left suffering long after media stops paying attention.
Similarly, you’ve probably also seen many people and organizations request monetary and physical donations. I’m always an active giver at times like these and this time was no different. However, I also wanted to use my platform to add something positive to the mix. As you probably know, Instagram is where I spend most of my time on social media. So I’ve come to discover many amazing accounts and businesses all over the world including Houston and Florida. In efforts to make a few Houston and Florida residents smile during this hectic time, I wanted to showcase their Instagram profiles.
Take a look (and follow if you’d like) at these business owners, organizations, and individuals who show off the culture, beauty, and spirit of Houston and Florida.
Houston
Children’s Museum of Houston @childrensmuseumhouston
The Children’s Museum of Houston gives you a glimpse of the fun spirit of the kids of Houston. With eight different early education programs set up to increase education in poverty, they encourage children and families in the Houston area to explore, learn, and just have fun.
Love Notes to Houston @lovenotestohou
Community-driven appreciation project, Love Notes to Houston, welcomes reader contributions and publishes them daily on Instagram. As described on their website, founder Stephanie DuBois created the account to “put some of our positivity, pride, and gratitude back into our community.” As you scroll through the feed you’ll notice tons of Instagram-worthy photography highlighting popular places as well as hidden spots throughout Houston.
Dance House Fitness @dancehousefitness
Anyone who loves dance with a little attitude will love the Instagram account of Dance House Fitness. This super cool dance studio welcomes dancers at any level to “werkitout.” Take a peek at their videos to see some of their intense energy and creative choreography.
Postcards From Houston @htx_
Take a look at one person’s adventure through the city of by checking out Houston Postcards From Houston is one person’s adventure through the city. Filled with restaurants, bars, and many unique places, this account will give you an taste of Houston. You’ll be left with your stomach growling and your curiosity peaked for this amazing city after scrolling through their feed.
Carra Sykes @carrasykes
Carra Sykes is an amazing graphic artist who makes images to encourage pride, equality, love, and Houston. Her amazing eye for design and representation of Houston is showcased on the banners she creates and sells. Her creative talents extend through her Instagram feed where you’ll also read her through her explanations and stories describing her designs.
Florida
Amanda Saiontz Gluck @fashionablehostess
If clean, stylish, and beautiful is what you’re after for your next event or party look no further than the Instagram feed of Amanda of Fashionable Hostess. From Miami to NYC to Nashville and back to Miami, Amanda shows off her creative style through her neutral and sophisticated style.
South Seas Island Resort @ssislandresort
Ever been to Captiva Island? If not you’ll surely want to after checking out the Instagram profile for this resort. Their feed features sights from their 2.5 miles of beach, on location weddings, fishing, and other scenic views. Throughout Hurricane Irma they utilized their Instagram profile to provide updates on the condition of their property and business status. Absolutely worth considering for your next Florida vacation!
April Golightly @aprilgolightly
Blogger and stylish mom of 1, April shows off her individual style amongst the scenes of South Florida and her travels. It’s clear she has an eye for a great Instagram shot as you’ll notice throughout her feed full of fashion, beauty, and adorable daughter Cami.
Lena Perkins @keywestphotography
Lena is a wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photographer based in Key West, Florida. Her sultry photography style is especially clear through many of her black and white photos and serious facial expressions of her subjects. Take a look at Lena’s account to see Florida through the lens of someone inspired by “raw emotion” and “capturing stories and fairytales” as she claims.
Naples Daily News Photo @naplesnewsphoto
It’s always wonderful to see traditional media embrace social media like this Southwest Florida Newspaper. The photo staff of this newspaper excellently show the faces of the Naples area accompanied by their background stories. This Instagram account will leave you sad that Florida was hit by this devastating hurricane, yet happy to know there are wonderful people out there to capture its beautiful people.
Sometimes something as small as giving recognition can go a long way. Of course, money and donations will always help in desperate times of need like the people of Houston and Florida are experiencing. But I hope this blog was able to put a smile of the faces of a few residents no matter how minor or severely they were affected by these massive storms.
Feel like paying if forward? Share this blog and spread the positivity for the people of Houston and Florida.
