meet the
founders
Carol Washington
I joined the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market journey at the invitation of co-founder, Samantha
Townsend. I have always loved celebrating Christmas. When Samantha reached out to share the idea of starting a Christmas market, my radar went through the roof. I was excited at the thought of providing an opportunity for small entrepreneurs of color to sell their products and services in one location in celebration of the holidays.
Our team has great energy and a depth of experience like no other. I am looking forward to
continuing to grow the market as a platform for economic growth and opportunity.
Elmer Rogers
Elmer Donalson-Rogers has been the owner of All About Events (AAE) since 2005.
AAE is an Event Planning with Destination & Meeting Management company. Prior
to starting AAE, Elmer worked for 40 plus years in the oil and gas industry and the
nonprofit sector managing fundraising and event planning. She developed annual
funding initiatives, which included major gift solicitation, event coordination and
management, and capital campaign fundraising.
Elmer is very active in the greater Houston community and her church and has
traveled to Haiti on several mission trips. She is a member of the Center for
Houston’s Future Fall 2003 Forum Class. She was the winner of the Ethnographic
Research and Writing Award from the Texas Southern University Department of
Communications and served as a delegate to the State Department Sponsored Round
Table at the Air Force Academy “World Affairs – Asia and Japan”.
She received a B.S. Degree in Public Affairs with a Minor in Political Science and
Core in International Relations from Texas Southern University, and a Master of Arts
Degree in Executive Coaching and Consulting from Concordia University Irvine.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Elmer is the mother of one son, Rev. Kevin E. Donalson,
Sr.
Dr. Michelle Moore
Dr. Michelle Howze Moore is a board-certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and the owner of Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, located in The Woodlands, TX. With over 14 years of clinical experience, Dr. Moore specializes in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, prenatal and postpartum pain management, and breast cancer rehabilitation.
​
Dr. Moore earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Indianapolis in 2011 after completing her undergraduate studies in Health and Human Performance at the University of Memphis. She holds board certification as a Women’s Health Specialist (WCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through the Norton School of Lymphatic Studies.
​
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Moore enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband and twin daughters. Dr. Moore is a woman of faith and a dedicated member of Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She is also a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves as Secretary of her chapter and participates in a variety of community service initiatives. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, traveling, dining, and experiencing spa relaxation.
​
Dr. Moore co-founded the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market with a mission to promote exposure and revenue for minority-owned businesses and to celebrate Black holiday traditions.
Samantha Townsend
​​
As a premier holiday décor designer, Samantha is a Master Holiday Décor and Designer who aims to transform her client’s visions into a Beautiful Reality! Her company, ‘CC's Pleasures and Creations’ has earned us an impeccable reputation of delivering year-round meticulous décor and concierge services throughout Greater Houston and Texas with a focus on the most intricate details for both residential and commercial clients.
Samantha is a native Houstonian with over 12 years of industry and residential interior/exterior design experience. She is a designer who provides the highest quality and service to my customers at the absolute best value and conducts business with honesty and integrity. Samantha offers only the finest products available with the ability to create treasures for any occasion.
Shana Bailey-Scott
Shana Bailey-Scott brings over 25 years of experience in the banking industry and is deeply
committed to empowering individuals and communities. Her passion shines through her efforts
to promote financial literacy among youth, equip adults with vital financial tools, and lead
impactful fundraising initiatives that uplift diverse communities facing economic challenges.
Shana earned an Executive MBA from Texas Southern University and a Bachelor of Science in
Economics from the University of Houston. As a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor,
Shana enhances her ability to foster financial well-being within her community and she is well-
equipped for her mission.
​
She is actively involved in numerous organizations and holds board positions with various
Chambers of Commerce and Foundations. Her love for community engagement is evident in her
volunteer work with several non-profits, and she proudly maintains her membership in the
Houston Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction.
Shana's vision for the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market is to unite diverse businesses under one
roof, showcasing unique, multicultural products and creating a truly unparalleled holiday
shopping experience!