The new series “Family Empire: Houston” delves into the story of the Braden family in Houston, Texas, spanning across generations. Through 8 episodes, the unscripted series explores themes of generational wealth and the creation of a lasting family legacy. Following the journey of the Bradens through four generations of Black excellence, the ‘sister cousins’ Nicole, Jermeshia, and JaQuita share a common aspiration to continue the legacy of their grandmother, Oscarene, the matriarch of the Braden family. Oscarene, a real estate entrepreneur, laid the foundation of the family empire and instilled her children and grandchildren with her resilience and determination. I enjoyed speaking with these boss ladies and getting the latest scoop on the family empire.

The Braden Real Estate Group’s co-founders and managing directors, the Braden sister cousins, are renowned realtors, entrepreneurs, and experts in finding dream homes, keeping a close eye on Houston’s thriving metro housing market. Their primary goal is to empower communities and build wealth for future generations. They also aspire to develop a valuable piece of commercial land owned by the Braden family for years, solidifying the family’s legacy in Houston. However, challenges arise when Oscarene considers liquidating family assets to ensure the financial stability of her five children. “Family Empire: Houston” is created for OWN by Kingdom Reign Entertainment, with Carlos King serving as executive producer.

The Braden family, like any other family, experiences both highs and lows as they navigate their careers, work alongside their family members, and live their lives. Jermeshia initiated the conversation about the experience of working with her family, stating “It is our superpower and the key to our success. The solid foundation instilled by our grandparents, Frank and Oscarene Braden, has been the driving force. They emphasized the importance of working with family and looking out for one another. By combining family values with hard work, the Braden family has created a collective of successful individuals. We simply follow the path that our family and God have called us to. Our journey and story revolve around educating the community about building generational wealth through real estate and understanding that success comes from serving others.”

When collaborating with family members, there are inevitably advantages and disadvantages. Nicole expressed her perspective on this matter. “It’s not consistently positive, but I believe there are more positive experiences than negative ones. Jermeshia and I are both co-owners of the brokerage she doesn’t make a decision without me, and I don’t make a decision without her. Jermeshia talks about how respect is a part of it, and I talk about how we collectively work together so well because of our very unique strengths. We don’t have the same personalities or skill sets. So, that’s the positive side when you have everyone working together for the greater side of the team you have nothing but winners. But being with family every day all day sometimes we don’t know when to cut it off. That line between business and family gets blurry. I think that’s one of the cons but in a nutshell, I find comfort in working with my family. Your family always has your back and that’s what makes us all successful.”

JaQuita, the sole sister cousin and younger sibling of Jermeshia, possesses an additional occupation apart from the family enterprise. She provides insights into her adeptness at managing both her professional endeavors and the family business. “I’m still dual career even though real estate is my full-time occupation. I’m also a Pharmacist so there are days when I’m showing houses and I have to run home put on my lab coat and go to the pharmacy. Leave the pharmacy go home and be a wife and a mother. The days are non-stop we are always out in the community giving back and doing seminars. We’re making sure people know us in the community. When you hear the name Braden people have respect for us, we’re just always present. 

Braden group family photo from dinner

The Braden family aims to convey to their viewers that their endeavors are not devoid of challenges and conflicts, yet attaining success is within reach. They emphasize the importance of persevering with the backing of loved ones and faith in God, as nothing is insurmountable. Mark your calendars for the premiere of the show on Friday, June 28, at 8/7 central time.