Houston is home to one of the most vibrant Black entrepreneurial communities in the nation, with Black-owned businesses now accounting for up to 4.7% of all local businesses—well above both the Texas and national averages. From 2017 to 2020 alone, the number of Black-owned businesses in Texas surged by an impressive 13.6%, and these firms generated over $141 billion in revenue in 2020, providing employment to more than 1.3 million Texans. The city consistently ranks among the top metros for minority-owned startups, with nearly 5,600 minority-owned startups—about 30% of all new companies—calling Houston home.

But behind this success story lies a critical question: Are these businesses truly built to last?

Despite this remarkable growth, over 70% of Black-owned businesses in Houston lack a formal succession or legacy plan. Without these crucial plans, businesses are at risk of closure or costly legal battles if the owner becomes incapacitated or passes away, threatening to erase years of hard work and generational progress. Only 1 in 5 Black families in Houston pre-plan for funerals or final expenses, compounding the risk of financial hardship for families and communities.

Systemic barriers such as limited access to capital, lower rates of financial planning, and a lack of generational wealth continue to challenge Black entrepreneurs in Houston.While the entrepreneurial spirit is strong, the infrastructure to ensure these businesses endure for generations is still being built.

That’s why Doing Far More LLC, led by Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne, is hosting the Spring Formal—a pivotal event dedicated to empowering Houston’s Black entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to secure their business legacy. As part of the Black Entrepreneur Tour, the event will be held at 23161 Morton Ranch Rd, Katy, TX 77449 and will feature influential voices like Marcus Bowers (CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston), Martel Matthews (co-owner of Black Wall Street), Brittany Hall (owner of La Lutte Empire and La Lutte Bartending), and event sponsor YetundeO (founder and creative director of The UpperRoomEvents).

The evening will also include special experiences: Flume TV and Eyeconic Television will be covering the event alongside Bolanle Media, Chef Shay will present an elegant spread table, and La Lutte Bartending will offer a signature mimosa bar drink crafted especially for Doing Far More.

If you’re an entrepreneur in Houston, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss. Don’t let your business become a statistic. Secure your spot at the Spring Formal and join a community committed to building generational wealth and lasting legacies. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne at 832.745.1114 or email info@doingfarmore.com

Let’s ensure Houston’s Black-owned businesses don’t just thrive today, but are truly built to last for generations to come.

The newly passed Trump tax bill is making headlines for introducing some of the most significant tax breaks and policy changes in years. Whether you’re a worker, parent, homeowner, or business owner, there’s a good chance something in this bill will impact your finances. Here’s a clear, detailed breakdown of what’s inside, who benefits, and what you need to know.

1. No Tax on Tips (With Restrictions)

Who Benefits: Workers in industries where tipping is customary (servers, bartenders, hair stylists, taxi drivers).

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Must work in a tipping industry, earn less than $150,000/year, and tips must be paid voluntarily (not as a service charge).
• Cash Only: Only cash tips are eligible (though there’s some debate if credit card tips count).
• Cap: Maximum of $25,000 in tax-free tips per year.

Fine Print:
This change won’t apply to office workers or high earners. For many, the main benefit is being able to report cash tips for things like loan approval, without paying extra tax.

2. No Tax on Overtime Pay

Who Benefits: Employees earning less than $150,000/year who work more than 40 hours a week.

Key Details:

• Deduction: You can deduct the full amount of your overtime pay from your taxable income, making it effectively tax-free.
• Time Frame: Applies to income earned from 2025 to 2028.
• Note: Only a small percentage of workers regularly receive overtime, but for those who do, the savings could be substantial.

3. $40,000 State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction

Who Benefits: Taxpayers in high-tax states who itemize deductions.

Key Details:

• New Cap: Raises the SALT deduction limit from $10,000 to $40,000.
• Income Limit: Only for those with adjusted gross income under $500,000.
• Must Itemize: You’ll need to itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction ($30,000 for most).

Fine Print:
This mostly helps people in states like California, New York, and New Jersey. If your state/local/property taxes are high, this could mean thousands in savings.

4. Deduct Interest on Personal Car Loans

Who Benefits: Buyers of American-made vehicles with loans.

Key Details:

• Deduction: Up to $10,000 in interest paid on a personal car loan can be deducted each year (2025–2028).
• Income Phase-Out: Deduction phases out for singles earning over $100,000 and married couples over $200,000, disappearing entirely at $150,000/$300,000.
• Car Must Be Made in the USA.

Caution:
Don’t take out a bigger loan just for the deduction—only buy what you can afford!

5. $1,000 “Trump Account” for Newborns

Who Benefits: Children born in the U.S. from 2025–2028.

Key Details:

• One-Time Credit: $1,000 per eligible child, deposited into a special account.
• Investment Growth: Money can be invested and used for education, a first home, or starting a business—taxed at favorable rates.
• Unused Funds: If not used by age 31, the account is cashed out and taxed as regular income.

6. Clean Vehicle and Energy Credits Ending

Key Details:

• The $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit and other clean energy incentives will end by 2026.
• If you want these rebates, act fast before they’re gone!

7. Extension of 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Who Benefits: Business owners, high earners, and estates.

Key Details:

• Top Tax Bracket: Remains at 37% (was set to rise).
• Business Deductions: 20% pass-through deduction and 100% bonus depreciation for business investments extended.
• Estate Tax: Higher exemption amount continues.

8. Social Security Income Relief

Who Benefits: Retirees collecting Social Security.

Key Details:

• Extra Deduction: $4,000 added to the standard deduction for those on Social Security (phases out above $75,000 single/$150,000 married).
• Not All Income Tax-Free: This shields some, but not all, Social Security income from taxes.

What Does This Mean for You?

• Workers: More take-home pay if you earn tips or overtime.
• Families: $1,000 for each new child, plus potential savings if you itemize deductions.
• Car Buyers: Big deduction if you buy American-made and finance your car.
• Homeowners in High-Tax States: Major relief on state/local taxes.
• Business Owners: Continued access to significant tax breaks.
• Retirees: Extra deduction for Social Security recipients.

Share This!

If you found this breakdown helpful, share it with friends and family—these changes could mean thousands of dollars in savings for millions of Americans. Stay tuned for updates as the bill is implemented and more details emerge!

Have questions about how these changes affect you? Ask below!

French President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed the uproar surrounding a viral video showing his wife, Brigitte Macron, pushing his face as they arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, calling the moment a playful exchange between the couple amid a media storm.

The incident occurred on May 25, 2025, as the Macrons landed in Hanoi to begin a tour of Southeast Asia. Video footage captured Brigitte Macron, dressed in red, reaching out from the doorway of the presidential plane and placing both hands on her husband’s face, giving it a noticeable shove. President Macron appeared briefly startled before quickly regaining his composure, smiling, and waving to those outside the aircraft. The couple then descended the stairs together, with Brigitte notably declining her husband’s offered arm.

The footage rapidly spread online, fueling speculation and debate in France and beyond. Some social media users and commentators questioned the nature of the gesture, while others interpreted it as a lighthearted moment. The French media widely covered the story, with headlines pondering whether it was a “slap” or simply a “squabble”.

Addressing reporters, Macron insisted that the incident was being blown out of proportion: “We are teasing and having fun with my wife, and a video turns into a sort of global disaster,” he said. “Everyone needs to calm down.” Macron further described the exchange as playful, stating, “We are squabbling and, rather, joking with my wife,” and dismissed any suggestion of a serious disagreement as “absurd”.

The Élysée Palace echoed the president’s remarks, describing the moment as a private instance of “decompressing one last time before the start of the trip by horsing around” and a “moment of complicity” between the couple. Officials noted that the incident was quickly seized upon by critics and conspiracy theorists who are habitually hostile to the French leader.

Despite the viral attention, the Macrons continued their official engagements in Vietnam as planned, with the president focusing on diplomatic meetings and efforts to strengthen France’s presence in Southeast Asia. The couple, married since 2007, appeared together at all subsequent events, signaling that the incident had no impact on their public duties.