HTX-HRM: Impact 10/6/2025

In 2012, Brandy Chu realized some of her male clients were going to a barbershop to get a fade haircut and then making an appointment at the salon she worked to get a scissor cut. 

“They would get really good fades in the barbershop, but then come to me and book another haircut to get the scissor work on top, because most barbers weren't well versed in scissor cuts for longer hair,” Chu said.

This gap in service inspired Chu to open Cutthroat Barbers in 2013, a barbershop that Chu said doesn’t play into the stereotype that barbershops are for men and salons are for women. 

📍244 W. 19th St., Houston

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations' first Houston location near the River Oaks District has closed its doors, according to the restaurant's social media.

"For a decade, Bosscat Kitchen has been more than just a restaurant," officials said on the Instagram post. "We have brought whiskey culture and education to the forefront—housing over 250 different bottles in store. We became a gathering place for our community and a home for our staff."

A closer look: The Westheimer Road location first opened in 2017 and served cocktails, an expansive list of whiskeys and foods such as grilled shrimp cocktail, steak, pasta and seafood. 

While normal operations for the restaurant are shut down, Bosscat announced on a Sept. 22 social media post that the River Oaks location will be exclusively used for people to host private events until the end of the year.

📍 4310 Westheimer Road, Ste. 150, Houston

Officials with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo announced in an Oct. 1 news release that Kyle Olsen, a seven-year veteran of the organization, will be the new chief show operations officer. He is the first CSOO of the show in over three decades.

What we know: According to the news release, Olsen brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in managing large-scale, high-profile events and complex public venues. His career background includes:

• Director of events and production at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona
• Event services at NRG Park
• Director of operations for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.