Company She Keeps

Kingwood Business Women
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Company She Keeps is the podcast that goes beyond the highlight reel. Hosted by Christa McCourt, Brand Photographer and founder of Houston Studio and Erin Beavers, Podcast Producer and founder of The Intuitive Beavers Agency. This show digs into the real, raw, unfiltered stories of women in business; the pivotal moments, the messy middles, and the grit it takes to build something that matters. Powered by Kingwood Business Women Association, this is where community meets conversation and no topic is off the table. Business is not meant to be done alone, we're in this together!

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Kristi Hernandez, Rate Mortgage: The 3 Questions Every Homebuyer Should Answer First

    Hosts Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers sit down with Kristi Hernandez, VP of Lending at Rate Mortgage, who has spent 24 years in the mortgage industry and 37 years in finance. Kristi shares how she landed in mortgages by accident (the woman who hired her thought she was someone else), why she left processing to become a loan officer, and the three-part question she asks every borrower before she ever pulls a credit report. This episode is a warm, practical conversation about money, credit, and the fear that keeps people renting and a reminder that owning a home is less about the transaction and more about the blueprint you leave behind.   In This Episode How Kristi got hired as a mortgage processor with zero processing experience, and the mistaken-identity story behind it The path from banker to processor to loan officer, and the coworker whose one comment made her realize she could do it too The three-part question she asks every borrower: what matters to you most: your down payment, your estimated monthly payment, or your total cash to close Knowing your "why," and how hers changed with every season: paying for college in cash, daycare for the grandkids, even a used Porsche Coming up as one of about five women among 20-plus loan officers, being everybody's "grandkid," and getting asked "Where's Mr. Hernandez?" Why she'll inadvertently be the "dream killer," and how getting preapproved before you shop protects both buyers and sellers Why online quotes miss in Texas, what actually goes into your monthly payment, and what a local lender does differently when your offer hits the table Credit isn't a bad word: freezing your kids' credit, why disputes can backfire, and how to build clean credit early Her personal home loan that made her a lender: six months in, taxes came due, five kids, and no one had explained escrow "Tell me everything." The things buyers hide that always surface anyway, and the 10 commandments of buying a home (don't buy a car, don't change jobs, don't open new credit…) Playing the pretend game: testing your future payment before you commit, so you can still go to dinner and take a vacation Homeownership as a legacy, and why she talks money with her kids, her grandkids, and her friends' daughters   Who This Episode Is For First-time buyers, renters, adult kids still living at home, and anyone who has decided homeownership isn't for them. Also for the women running the household finances, the realtors who want a lender who educates, and the parents ready to teach their kids about money before someone else does.   Episode Quote "Buyers are like DNA. They're very similar, but they're all a little different." - Kristi Hernandez   About Kristi Hernandez Kristi Hernandez, has been proudly serving in the mortgage industry for 24 years. She began my career as a processor before becoming a Loan Officer, and that experience allows her to guide a loan from the very first application all the way through closing and funding. Understanding every step of the process helps Kristi appreciate the many moving parts involved and reminds her that being a Loan Officer is about far more than taking applications. It's about truly listening to what clients need.    Connect with Kristi Website: mortgageswithkristi.com Phone: 832-331-1685 Email: kristi.hernandez@rate.com Instagram: @kristihernandez000 Facebook: facebook.com/kristi.m.hernandez LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristi-hernandez-03938129/   Thank You to Our Sponsors The Intuitive Beavers Agency theintuitivebeaversagency.com Houston Studio  houstonstudio.com Learn more about becoming a sponsor here: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast About the Podcast and Hosts Brought to you by Kingwood Business Women and hosted by Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers, Company She Keeps Podcast features honest conversations with the women building businesses and communities across the Lake Houston area. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Connect with Christa McCourt and Houston Studio: houstonstudio.com instagram.com/houstonstudio_   Connect with Erin Beavers and The Intuitive Beavers Agency: theintuitivebeaversagency.com instagram.com/iam.erinbeavers   Connect with Kingwood Business Women: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org facebook.com/groups/kbwcommunity instagram.com/kingwoodbusinesswomen linkedin.com/company/kingwoodbusinesswomen kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast

  2. Sep 9

    Kinsey Crabtree & Tiffany Blakely, The Village Centers: The Lifelong Journey of Adults with IDD (Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities)

    Hosts Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers sit down with Tiffany Blakely, HCS Director, and Kinsey Crabtree, Director of Development at The Village Centers, an organization that's served adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the greater Houston area for 26 years. Together they open up about what daily life looks like for their “Villagers”, the systemic hurdles families face after their kids age out of the school system, and the deeply personal reasons this work matters to them. Kinsey shares her story as the mom of two neurodivergent sons, including the heart-stopping day her three-year-old slipped out an open garage door and what that fear taught her about the families she now serves. Tiffany breaks down the Home and Community Services waiver, the years-long waitlists, and why the conversation about a child's future needs to start at diagnosis, not senior year. It's an honest, emotional, and hopeful conversation about dignity, belonging, and making sure no one is forgotten.   In This Episode What The Village Centers is: 26 years serving adults 18+ with IDD, now supporting 136 Villagers in the day program, ~80 individuals through the HCS program, and ~60 host homes across greater Houston HCS explained: the Home and Community Services Medicaid waiver, and how it follows an individual throughout their lifetime Inside the 9:00–3:00 day program: community outings (Buc-ee's is a favorite), arts, cooking classes, martial arts, and letting Villagers vote on their own activities Kinsey's journey as a mom of two neurodivergent kids, the power of framing over "can't," and why society needs to lead with grace The waitlist crisis: 130,000+ people waiting for HCS in Texas, an 18–20 year wait, and why families have to plan early The big misconception that the state fully funds IDD care when 85–87% of support actually comes from individual giving The new transitional program (ages 18–22) preparing Villagers for the workforce, plus internship partnerships in the works Villager success stories, from 10+ year job anniversaries at Walgreens to a client finally saying "hello" after three years A Night Beyond the Mask:  the annual masquerade gala on September 25th and the many ways to get involved through volunteering, sponsorships, host homes, and donations   Who This Episode Is For Parents and families navigating a special needs diagnosis, business owners and employers who want to hire more inclusively, educators, healthcare providers, and any community member who believes every person deserves to live with purpose and belonging.   Episode Quote "We need to make sure that they are seen, they are heard. They get to stand and be a part of this community just like everybody else." — Tiffany Blakely   About Our Guests Kinsey Crabtree is a nonprofit executive, fundraising strategist, and grant writer dedicated to advancing opportunities for adults with IDD. As Director of Development for The Village Centers, she leads philanthropic strategy, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, grant development, and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma and is completing the Grant Writing Certificate Program through the University of Houston. Above all, Kinsey is a passionate advocate, both as a professional and as a mom, for a world where every individual is seen, included, and given the chance to thrive.   Tiffany Blakely is the HCS Director at The Village Centers and has worked with individuals with IDD for over 10 years. She began her journey at East Mississippi State Hospital in 2012 and later served at the Alamo Area Council of Governments in San Antonio, specializing in HCS and Texas Home Living waiver programs. She joined The Village Centers in December 2022 as an HCS case manager and stepped into the HCS Director role in January 2024.   Connect with The Village Centers Website: www.thevillagecenters.org Facebook: The Village Centers Instagram: @villagecenters Donate: secure.qgiv.com/for/thevillagecenters Questions or want to get involved? Text Kinsey directly at 832-691-2775 or connect with Tiffany by email at tblakley@thevillagecenters.org   Thank You to Our Sponsors The Intuitive Beavers Agency theintuitivebeaversagency.com Houston Studio  houstonstudio.com Learn more about becoming a sponsor here: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast   Thank You to Our Sponsors The Intuitive Beavers Agency theintuitivebeaversagency.com Houston Studio  houstonstudio.com Learn more about becoming a sponsor here: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast   About the Podcast and Hosts Brought to you by Kingwood Business Women and hosted by Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers, Company She Keeps Podcast features honest conversations with the women building businesses and communities across the Lake Houston area. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Connect with Christa McCourt and Houston Studio: houstonstudio.com instagram.com/houstonstudio_   Connect with Erin Beavers and The Intuitive Beavers Agency: theintuitivebeaversagency.com instagram.com/iam.erinbeavers   Connect with Kingwood Business Women: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org facebook.com/groups/kbwcommunity instagram.com/kingwoodbusinesswomen linkedin.com/company/kingwoodbusinesswomen kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast

  3. Sep 2

    Mandy Rivers, Spa Salon M: From Behind the Chair to CEO

    In our very first guest episode, hosts Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers sit down with Mandy Rivers, Founder, CEO, and Master Artist behind The Spa at Salon M and Kingwood Business Women's 2026 Woman of the Year. Mandy opens up about launching her storefront just two weeks before COVID shut the world down, why she built her business around a team-based model, and what it actually took to grow from a talented stylist into a leader who coaches a whole team. It's an honest, funny, and vulnerable conversation about building something real in the Lake Houston area and staying true to yourself while you do it. In This Episode Opening The Spa at Salon M in March 2020, two weeks before the COVID shutdown and how she kept her team paid, insured, and cared for through it Why she walked away from commission and booth rental in favor of a team-based pay model, and what that changes for both stylists and guests The guest experience, and why they say "guest," not "client", robes, lockers, signature drinks, and notes on everyone who walks in the door Evolving from stylist to coach to CEO, and why getting coached herself changed the way she leads The full range of services that set the spa apart: hair, skin, massage, lash, brow, and wellness, plus their new peptide offerings for full-body wellness Her protégé program and the systems she built to train and grow new talent Real talk on her past and how it shaped her, family, work-life balance, and burnout Resilience through adversity, and the mindset that drives how she leads: "better me to better my team"   Who This Episode Is For Ambitious, busy, family-focused women. Especially anyone in beauty, wellness, or business who's ready to grow without the fluff, and who's tired of feeling like they have to figure it all out alone.   Episode Quote "You can have a work-life balance, but there also has to be a health and wellness piece to that." - Mandy Rivers   About Mandy Rivers Mandy is the Founder, CEO, and Master Artist behind The Spa at Salon M, serving guests across the Lake Houston area. With more than 20 years in the beauty industry, she is passionate about personalized guest care, team coaching, leadership development, and helping women feel confident in every season of life. Through her podcast, Mandy shares honest conversations and practical insight around beauty, wellness, business, leadership, family, and personal growth. Recognition: KBW White Linen Night · Kingwood Business Women Woman of the Year (2026) · Best of the Best (2024, 2025, 2026) · Cream of the Crop (2024, 2025, 2026)   Connect with The Spa at Salon M Website: www.thespa-salonm.com Instagram: @TheSpaSalonM Facebook: facebook.com/TheSpaSalonM   Thank You to Our Sponsors The Intuitive Beavers Agency theintuitivebeaversagency.com Houston Studio  houstonstudio.com Learn more about becoming a sponsor here: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast   About the Podcast and Hosts Brought to you by Kingwood Business Women and hosted by Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers, Company She Keeps Podcast features honest conversations with the women building businesses and communities across the Lake Houston area. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.   Connect with Christa McCourt and Houston Studio: houstonstudio.com instagram.com/houstonstudio_   Connect with Erin Beavers and The Intuitive Beavers Agency: theintuitivebeaversagency.com instagram.com/iam.erinbeavers   Connect with Kingwood Business Women: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org facebook.com/groups/kbwcommunity instagram.com/kingwoodbusinesswomen linkedin.com/company/kingwoodbusinesswomen kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast

  4. Sep 2

    Meet Your Hosts: The Story Behind Company She Keeps

    Welcome to the very first episode of Company She Keeps, powered by Kingwood Business Women. In this episode, hosts Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers flip the script and interview each other. It's the perfect introduction to the show where you'll learn who's behind the mic, how this podcast came to life, and what you can expect all season long. Christa shares how a chance conversation at a networking night sparked the whole idea, and the two dig into their very different (and surprisingly similar) journeys as women business owners. From photography and branding to podcast production and community building, this conversation is packed with honest talk about entrepreneurship, collaboration over competition, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the power of showing up for yourself and each other. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just have an idea tugging at your heart, this episode sets the tone for a season built to inform, connect, and inspire.   In this episode, we cover: How Company She Keeps came to be and why it's exclusive to Kingwood Business Women members Christa's path from 20+ years of photography to building brand strategy at Houston Studio Erin's journey from virtual assistant to founding The Intuitive Beavers Agency, a full-service podcast production company Marrying the creative and the strategic and how those two sides work together to bring a podcast to life  Why authentic branding always beats chasing trends The real work behind a professional podcast (hint: it's not just hitting record) Riverside vs. Zoom and why recording setup matters The "white space" that inspired Kingwood Business Women in 2021 Working through imposter syndrome, intimidation, and self-doubt "new level, same devil"  Running two businesses without burning out, and the self-care and support systems that make it possible  Advice for any woman sitting on a business idea she hasn't launched yet Preparing your business now for the success you want later   Who This Episode Is For Ambitious, family-focused women, especially entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone with a business idea they haven't taken the leap on yet, who's tired of feeling like they have to figure it all out alone.    Episode Quote  "We're human, and we have to know what our weaknesses are so that we can collaborate with others to fill those gaps."    About Christa McCourt Christa Elyce McCourt, photographer and creative director of Houston Studio. Because she is so passionate about bringing women together and believes that building a community of strong, confident, and successful business women makes everything incredibly powerful, she went out on a limb and started the Kingwood Business Women association in 2021. What started out as a little tipsy idea, became an Instagram account, became 500 followers overnight and the rest is, well as they say, making history.    About Erin Beavers Erin Beavers is a Podcast Producer, Online Business Manager, Virtual Assistant, and the founder of The Intuitive Beavers Agency, where she helps businesses and brands find their voice through the power of podcasting. Since 2021, she has worked behind the scenes with podcast clients, and after deepening her expertise in launching, she began guiding clients through the full process from concept to launch crafting shows that are authentic, engaging, and built to grow. Equal parts creative and strategic, Erin is the person who takes a big vision and builds it into reality. She loves working with visionary clients, and brings the technical know-how, project management skills, and co-creative energy to make those dreams actually happen.   Thank You to Our Sponsors The Intuitive Beavers Agency theintuitivebeaversagency.com Houston Studio  houstonstudio.com Learn more about becoming a sponsor here: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast   About the Podcast and Hosts Brought to you by Kingwood Business Women and hosted by Christa McCourt and Erin Beavers, Company She Keeps Podcast features honest conversations with the women building businesses and communities across the Lake Houston area. Subscribe so you don't miss an episode.   Connect with Christa McCourt and Houston Studio: houstonstudio.com instagram.com/houstonstudio_   Connect with Erin Beavers and The Intuitive Beavers Agency: theintuitivebeaversagency.com instagram.com/iam.erinbeavers   Connect with Kingwood Business Women: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org facebook.com/groups/kbwcommunity instagram.com/kingwoodbusinesswomen linkedin.com/company/kingwoodbusinesswomen kingwoodbusinesswomen.org/company-she-keeps-podcast/

  5. Season 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Company She Keeps

    Company She Keeps is the podcast that goes beyond the highlight reel. Powered by Kingwood Business Women, this show digs into the real, raw, unfiltered stories of women in business. The pivotal moments, the messy middles, and the grit it takes to build something that matters. This is where community meets conversation and no topic is off the table.   Meet your hosts: Christa McCourt, brand photographer and founder of Houston Studio, and Erin Beavers, podcast producer and founder of The Intuitive Beavers Agency. Together they are on a mission to amplify the voices of women in business and pull back the curtain on the stories that don't always get told. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, just starting out, or somewhere in between, you are in the right place. Hit subscribe so you don't miss our first episode. Business is not meant to be done alone. We're in this together!   Episodes Launching September 2nd, 2026 🚀✨ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Produced by The Intuitive Beavers Agency and Houston Studio.   Connect with Kingwood Business Women: kingwoodbusinesswomen.org facebook.com/groups/kbwcommunity instagram.com/kingwoodbusinesswomen linkedin.com/company/kingwoodbusinesswomen   Connect with Christa McCourt and Houston Studio: houstonstudio.com instagram.com/houstonstudio_   Connect with Erin Beavers and The Intuitive Beavers Agency: theintuitivebeaversagency.com instagram.com/iam.erinbeavers

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Company She Keeps is the podcast that goes beyond the highlight reel. Hosted by Christa McCourt, Brand Photographer and founder of Houston Studio and Erin Beavers, Podcast Producer and founder of The Intuitive Beavers Agency. This show digs into the real, raw, unfiltered stories of women in business; the pivotal moments, the messy middles, and the grit it takes to build something that matters. Powered by Kingwood Business Women Association, this is where community meets conversation and no topic is off the table. Business is not meant to be done alone, we're in this together!

Information

  • Creator
    Kingwood Business Women
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Company She Keeps