Our Team
Aquila Mendez-Valdez
Owner & CEO
With a decade of industry experience in both the blogging and public relations field, Aquila Mendez-Valdez launched Haute in Texas in 2011 as a personal blog where she still writes in the hopes of providing women with fun, intelligent content they can use in their everyday lives. Through its growth and her own professional growth with one of the top PR firms in South Texas, she developed a specific expertise in helping her clients propel and curate their online and in-person presence. Word of mouth and a results-oriented approach has helped Haute in Texas grow into a full-service agency, specializing in digital marketing, media relations, and community programming. Aquila’s combined passions of public relations and influencer marketing often collide with a one-of-a-kind approach to living the haute life.
In addition to her responsibilities as Owner of Haute in Texas, Aquila also serves on the NAWBO San Antonio board as Marketing Director, the Marisol Deluna Foundation board, and on the Nominating Committee for Fashion Group International’s San Antonio chapter.
Schedule a Consultation
Our team is made up of goal-getters and communication connoisseurs all about the pursuit of the haute life. We are passionate about helping our clients be better, every day.
Want a dedicated team curating and propelling your online and in person presence?
Let’s talk.
Leia Unger
Account Manager
Originally from Dallas, Leia moved to San Antonio to attend Trinity University and fell in love with South Texas right away! She can also be found teaching yoga, traveling to Austin to visit her sister, and finding the best vegan restaurants in the city.
She specializes in social media marketing and is HIT’s digital advertising guru, utilizing her attention to detail and love for writing as tools to increase every client’s online presence. She is always an email or a phone call away, and takes pride in learning about every facet of each client’s industry.
Megan Valco
Account Assistant
Megan Valco is an Account Assistant at Haute in Texas. Currently attending UTSA, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications. Her hobbies include enjoying day trips to Fredericksburg and the beach, painting and finding new thrift stores to shop. After graduating, her aspirations have no limit as she plans to continue working in the PR and Marketing world, as well as, traveling and living across the U.S. and abroad.
Susan Terese
Account Coordinator
Susan Terese joined the “Haute Life” as an account coordinator in 2020. She previously worked in non-profit public relations and marketing in Austin, TX, and in for-profit marketing and communications in Washington, DC. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland. Susan loves creating copy that helps clients share their stories and promote the good they are doing in the world! Susan serves in various leadership positions on her kids’ school PTA boards and activities, including Girl Scout leader and chair on the marching band booster club. When not working, she can be found with her family at the soccer field, dance studio or exploring nature! Yoga and her new covid skill – sourdough bread baking – are her go to for relaxation.
Jessie Mangum
Graphic Design and Branding Specialist
Jessie is a graphic designer and a native San Antonian. After receiving her degree in Marketing, her passion for creativity grew as she explored the design and artistic side of marketing. Tackling everything from logo design, website work and social media marketing, she is always excited to grow her clients’ brands into something beautiful. When she isn’t working, her creative roots are always showing, whether it is painting or decorating or even taking over her kids’ school projects.
Saige Thomas
Account Coordinator
Saige was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and moved to San Antonio in 2010 to serve in the United States Air Force. During her military service, Saige completed a medical mission in the Dominican Republic and deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. She retired from the military in 2021 with 3 medals, several awards, and a certification in Green Belt Process Improvement. She is also an award-winning photographer and fashion show producer. Saige is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at the University of Incarnate Word. In her spare time, she serves as Vice President of the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (501c3) and Executive Producer of Texas Fashion Week.