Meet A Mom: Gloria Manu of ‘Best In Variety’ Activewear

Meet A Mom, Featuring Gloria of Best in Variety

Y’all know we love us some good leggings! Leggings will forever be an important part of the mama uniform and it’s essential to find the best- good quality, make you feel good in your own skin, and built to last!

We were lucky enough to find a Houston-area mama who provides just that! Gloria with Best in Variety hooked us up with some leggings that are truly are faves. Best in Variety is an online store that provides women with high-quality active wear from some of the most prominent vendors and manufactures in the active wear industry.

You probably saw us rave about them on Instagram, but what you may not know is the mama behind it and her mission for giving back through her business!

Gloria gives 5% of every sale to national and local charities close to her heart. Among the charities she supports are: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Association of People with Disabilities, Women’s Resources of Greater Houston, Houston Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, and Stand Up to Cancer.

To learn more about Gloria, read our interview with her below!

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?

We moved to Houston from Philadelphia back in 2013 as a result of my husband’s job transfer.

Child(ren) and Age(s)?

Bryan is 12 and Bryce is 10.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

I once coached my kids at a local basketball court for an entire season and saw significant improvement in their overall skills on the court.

Favorite local activities to do in Houston?

Volunteering with the family at the soup kitchen (assisting with meal prep and delivering to families).

Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?

It definitely has to be Pappasitos Cantina!

What local places do you go to for pampering and/or mom’s night out?

Venetian nails spa at LaCenterra in Katy for pampering and iPIC at the River Oaks District for mom’s night out.

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing with my Master of Healthcare Administration/Informatics (MHA) Degree and have been practicing nursing full time for the past 16 years.
I am also the owner of Best in Variety, an online store that provides women with unique, high-quality activewear. I work with some of the most prominent vendors/manufacturers in the activewear industry. Through my partnering with Pledging, 5% of every sale is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Association of People with Disabilities, Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, and Stand Up To Cancer. Feel free to visit us at www.bestinvariety.com and shop with us for a cause!

How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

Through my church – Second Baptist Church, I have been able to participate in various community activities such as clothing and toy drive.

What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc)?

My advice to every mom I encounter has been to ensure they’re making time for rest.

What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?

Being a mom is not easy but truly a blessing!

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?

Singing and dancing to get through chores!