MEET OUR PARTNER
Ephesus Investments
Myra Johnson, Creative Director of Mother's Day Walk
Myra Johnson is CEO of Ephesus Investments and a mother of two. Recently married, she welcomed three additional kids to her blended family and will sometimes count her cat and dog among her children, as well. Unexpected events led her to discover that walking outdoors and lessons from nature can have incredible impacts on our interactions with others. Now she’s offering other families the chance to have the same experience.
At times, Mother’s Day was a difficult holiday for Myra Johnson to celebrate.
“Being a mom is hard for many reasons. And as a single mom specifically, you’re often overworked, with a never-ending to-do list. It can feel like nothing you do is ever enough,” she explained. “There were years when I didn’t like Mother’s Day and felt like I didn’t deserve it.”
Instead of a family brunch or other traditional celebration, she shifted the focus away from herself and toward helping others. Johnson began planning a small philanthropic activity each Mother’s Day. Volunteering at a women’s shelter with her children, and sometimes a few friends, became a welcome and rewarding alternative.
“I found that when you shift your focus toward the progress you have made, the lessons you have learned, and anchor yourself in gratitude, there’s a sense of hope, momentum, and strength that comes from that. It only grows when you connect with others and give what you do have to give. Compassion, time, a listening ear, and inspirational words help both you and others,” said Johnson.
The power of walking
While her new tradition was an effective way to commemorate the journey of motherhood on Mother’s Day, her role as a mother faced a new challenge once her daughter was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. The business of life and school, along with the shock and frustration of the situation, made it difficult to communicate with each other, and Johnson found herself searching for ways to ease their anxiety and support her daughter.
With easy access to nearby trails, trees, flowers, and lakes, she believed spending time in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, would benefit them both. She instituted mandatory after-school walks, and the impact was even more profound than Johnson had hoped.
“It loosened the pressure that often comes from sitting across from someone, in a confined space, eye to eye. The environment gave us things to talk about, admire, and observe. Little by little, tension and stress between us decreased, and our communication increased,” she said. “Walking together healed our relationship and gave us a bond we’d never had before.”
Johnson soon began embracing the technique in other parts of her life. She would take phone calls while walking and encourage her clients to do the same during their conversations. In-person, walking meetings became a regular part of her routine. Now a newlywed, even the first date with her husband was not a meal or a movie, but a walk on a nearby nature trail.
In December 2023, she organized a Christmas outing with her extended family to walk through the Houston Botanic Garden’s Radiant Nature exhibit. It was Johnson’s first time experiencing the urban oasis in person, and she was struck by the gorgeous setting and variety of plant life.
Growing a new tradition
It is special place, that teaches and nurtures. Its full of beautiful unique elements things that thrive together in the most unexpected ways,” she said. “It also reinforced what I learned trying to restore my backyard after a terrible freeze – finding a place that brings you comfort, peace and inspiration is worth fighting for. Discover both what you, and others, need to thrive by being observant, curious, attentive….Walking on a trail, just like restoring a garden, requires patience and a commitment to welcome and enjoy the process. It can be very much the same with relationships.”
Walking through nature sparked an idea to transform her private Mother’s Day tradition into something bigger. Rather than just sharing a few hours of her time at a local shelter for mothers and children, she envisioned the inaugural Mother’s Day Walk.
Johnson is CEO of Ephesus Investments and specializes in connecting companies with communities. She as found willing co-host and partners such as Houston Running Company, the Houston Botanic Garden, the City of Pearland and just recently title sponsor for 2026 and 2027: Memorial Hermann.
The walk and wellness celebration is designed to introduce more families to Johnson’s commitment to giving back on Mother’s Day, while highlighting the value time and movement in nature can have on our health, our children, and our interactions with other
“I wanted to create an experience that gives families the space to have meaningful conversations and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of nature,” said Johnson. “May is Mental Health Awareness month. Walks with my daughter helped me discover what she needed to blossom as a person and allowed me to focus on supporting her. It doesn’t surprise me that a lot of research demonstrates the power that walking and talking can have on mental health, physical health and relationships.”
A gift worth giving
In addition to the interactive stroll the walk features ways to build connection and memories.
RSVP is free with a donation of any amounts and participants can purchase add-on experiences as a gift for mom, such as floral arranging, art classes, tea blending party and more.
Johnson and her co-hosts will also collect in-kind donations to benefit Isaiah 117 House and Kids Meals, Inc.. Net proceeds will also benefit both organizations.
“My hope is that people see this event as the perfect Mother’s Day gift,” she added. “It’s a way to celebrate your mom, treat your mom, and also help other moms and children in great need. For those families who are unavailable to participate, consider donating tickets or stopping by briefly to drop off an in-kind donation anytime before 6:30 PM.”