Houston is known for always being on the cutting edge of culture worldwide, and we thought it was high time to celebrate some of the most influential voices in the HTX! As a city full of influence, innovation, music, film, food, entrepreneurship and more, it was hard to narrow it down to just a few winners, but we think we’ve got a pretty good list. Allow us to introduce to you the SMN100!
What is SMN100?
SMN100 is a brand-new, annual list of “entrepreneurs, creators and innovators shaping the way you spend your most treasured asset: your free time.”
The categories for winners include:
- Food & Drink
- Arts & Culture
- Experiential & Sport
- Pioneers
You can learn more about these amazing categories on SMN100’s
How did we choose the winners of SMN100?
Secret Media Network is in a super cool, unique position of working with a team of local insiders, focused on creating hyper-local guides for you and your pals to enjoy any city you’re in! And because our team knows each city we’re located in so well, we’re able to nominate those in our communities doing tons of amazing work!
The SMN100 also set aside a few seats in each category for the Public’s Pick, which received nominations through a nationwide online survey!
We’ve tasked our worldwide team of local insiders to nominate people across the country to compile our list. Along with that, we have set aside a few seats.
So, who are the winners of SMN100 in Houston?
Okay, okay. So now you get it! So, without further ado, let us introduce you to Houston’s winners of the first-ever Secret Median Network 100!
1. Ali Siddiq
Stand-up comedy is bigger than it’s ever been. Whether it’s comedians selling out stadiums, hosting the most popular podcasts in America, or starring in hit shows of their own, the world of stand-up continues to boom. In Houston it’s no different. The city’s rich, historical comedy scene continues to grow – giving a mic to comedians with stories and voices that are uniquely Houston.
None are better at telling that story than Ali Siddiq. From growing up in Third Ward in Houston, to cutting his comedy teeth in incarceration, and ultimately achieving widespread acclaim for his authentic comedy specials, Siddiq chronicles his journey through stand-up. His captivating four-part series, Domino Effect, is a masterclass in storytelling – in which the comedian weaves funny with the profound – at times hilarious, others devastating.
Siddiq also uses his voice for community efforts and outreach. His philanthropic efforts has earned him award from the City of Houston, which include volunteering a the Harris County’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, organizing benefits, and hosting the annual Jive Turkeys Comedy Show to raise funds for the Houston Food Bank.
2. Chris Shepherd
Houston’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene is finally getting its due. In the past couple years, the city has reaped all sorts of recognition be it in the form of national rankings, host city for Top Chef, and Michelin’s recent expansion in the area. One of the most recognizable names in the city’s food and restaurant scene is Chris Shepherd.
Early on in his career, Shepherd honed his craft at Brennan’s of Houston. Later on, the James Beard Award-winning chef would found Underbelly Houston, the company behind such concepts Underbelly, Wild Oats, and Georgia James – all of which implement cultural storytelling through its cuisine.
Shepherd is also the founder of the Southern Smoke Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting food and beverage industry workers in crisis as well as offering free counseling to industry workers. As of July 2024, the foundation awarded aid of $12.3 million to restaurant workers.
Shepherd continues to champion Houston’s vibrant food culture on his show Eat Like A Local, where he meets with chefs in local Houston neighborhoods to uncover the culture and stories behind the city’s tastiest dishes.
Congrats to our SMN100 winners!