Alex Blair

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Alex Blair, and I am originally from Brazil. I have called Houston, Texas, home for the past 27 years, and I am a proud mother of two grown children. I am the owner of Heels & Horsepower, a community that brings women together through curated luxury experiences, exclusive events, and a shared appreciation for exotic cars. I am passionate about creating meaningful connections and bringing women together in inspiring environments where friendships, professional relationships, and unforgettable experiences can flourish.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

What I love most about Houston is its welcoming spirit and the ease of building genuine connections. After 27 years here, I have developed wonderful friendships that have become an important part of my life. Houston is a diverse, vibrant city where people from different backgrounds come together, making it easy to meet new people, build relationships, and feel part of a community. For me, it is the people and the meaningful connections I have made that truly make Houston feel like home.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Heels & Horsepower was founded in 2018 by my friend Diane Caplan, a fellow car enthusiast who shared a passion for the automotive world. I joined the club as a member and, in 2022, took ownership, embracing the opportunity to continue its growth and shape its next chapter.

Under my ownership, I expanded Heels & Horsepower into a more socially focused community, placing greater emphasis on meaningful connections, friendships, and curated experiences while preserving the club's original vision and passion for exotic cars. Today, we are more than a car club; we are a community of women who come together to enjoy life, build relationships, and share memorable experiences.

Through exclusive luncheons, social gatherings, luxury experiences, and collaborations with businesses, we create opportunities for women to expand their professional networks, discover new opportunities, and build genuine friendships. We also enjoy highlighting our members' businesses, talents, and achievements, giving them greater visibility within our community.

For me, the greatest value of Heels & Horsepower is the connections we create. My goal is for every woman who joins us to feel part of something special—a community where women support and inspire one another, celebrate each other's accomplishments, and create lasting memories together. While exotic cars remain an important part of our identity, it is the friendships, relationships, and shared experiences that truly define who we are.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Believe in your vision, be willing to take risks, and don't be afraid to start small. Build genuine relationships, stay consistent, and remember that success takes time. Most importantly, create something you are passionate about and remain open to learning and evolving along the way.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

I have received so much wonderful feedback from our members, but one comment has stayed with me. A member shared how comfortable and welcomed she felt being part of a community of powerful, successful women who come together with no hidden agenda other than to support, encourage, and lift one another up. That meant so much to me because it reflects exactly what I want Heels & Horsepower to represent. In a world where relationships can sometimes feel transactional, I want our members to know they can show up as themselves, build genuine friendships, celebrate each other's successes, and feel supported without expectations. Knowing that we have created that kind of environment is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I envision Heels & Horsepower expanding into a franchise across the United States, bringing our unique community and experiences to women in different cities. My goal is to continue building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for women to connect, and fostering a culture of friendship, collaboration, and mutual support. As we grow, I want to preserve the club's special atmosphere—the genuine connections, the sense of belonging, and the friendships that make H&H unique. While expanding our reach and creating new opportunities, I want to stay true to our roots and maintain the spirit of a community where successful women come together to lift one another up, enjoy life, and share their passion for exotic cars and exceptional experiences.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions in the automotive world is that it is primarily a man's industry and that women are less capable of owning or driving exotic and supercars. There is still a persistent stereotype that women can't drive, or that their involvement in the car community is mainly through a male partner.

At Heels & Horsepower, we are proud to challenge that perception. Our community includes successful, independent women who own and drive their own exotic cars, make their own decisions, and participate in the automotive world confidently and independently, without needing a man's presence or approval.

We want to show that women can be just as passionate, knowledgeable, and capable behind the wheel. At the same time, we are redefining what a car club can be by combining our love for exotic cars with meaningful friendships, luxury experiences, and genuine connections. For us, it is about empowering women to feel confident, celebrate their independence, and know they belong in every space they choose to be in.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest challenges has been navigating social media and finding the right balance between promoting Heels & Horsepower and staying true to my personal values. Social media has never been my natural comfort zone because I believe you don't need to expose too much of your personal life to build a successful business or meaningful relationships. I value privacy and believe that some things are better kept personal.

However, I understand that social media is an important tool for growing a brand and reaching new audiences. I have been learning to embrace it in a way that feels authentic to me, focusing on showcasing our events, celebrating our members, and highlighting the connections and experiences that make H&H special. I have learned that building a business doesn't mean changing who you are; it means finding ways to grow while staying true to your values and vision.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

I didn't have many idols growing up, but music has always had a special place in my heart. One artist I feel particularly connected to is Luiz Gonzaga. I have always been captivated by the sound of the accordion in his music. There is something about it that touches my soul, makes me feel happy, and brings me closer to my Brazilian roots. His music evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth that is difficult to explain but wonderful to experience. For me, it is more than just music; it is a feeling, a connection to where I come from. As for sports, Ayrton Senna was an icon I truly admired. As a Brazilian Formula 1 legend and three-time World Champion, he made our country proud and inspired so many people with his talent, determination, and passion for racing.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to all the Heels & Horsepower members for their love, support, and friendship throughout the years. H&H would not be what it is today without the incredible women who believe in our vision and contribute to making this community so special. I am grateful for the connections we have built, the memories we have created, and the way our members continue to support and lift one another up. You are the heart of H&H, and I feel truly fortunate to be part of this journey with all of you.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and Heels & Horsepower through our website, https://www.heelsandhorsepower.org, where they can explore our community, events, and partnerships. You can also follow us on social media to see highlights from our events, meet our members, and discover the experiences that make H&H unique, and check out our IG Linktree: https://linktr.ee/heelshorsepower.

We welcome women who share our passion for meaningful connections, friendships, luxury experiences, and exotic cars to learn more about our community and become part of our journey.