Wendi Baird is the Editor-in-Chief for Texas Lifestyle Magazine. As a fifth generation Texan, her roots run deep in the Lone Star State. Wendi fell in love with writing at a young age after reading her great grandmother’s journal detailing the family’s travels across Texas in a covered wagon. After studying journalism in high school, Wendi decided to pursue a journalism degree in college.

Wendi grew up in San Antonio but has always loved exploring Texas, whether it’s camping along the Frio River, taking sandcastle lessons in Port Aransas, or sipping a glass of wine at a winery in Fredericksburg. Her wanderlust isn’t limited to Texas, though. She especially loves touring old castles and chateaux in Europe, learning about their histories and the people who once lived within their walls. But she also never turns down an opportunity to relax on a nice beach.

Wendi and her husband, Freddie, live in Round Rock with their two children. Like many Texas families, they are a house divided with a daughter who recently graduated from Texas A&M University and a son who attends The University of Texas at Austin. Jedi, their dog, completes the family circle.

Marika Flatt, the Travel Editor and Co-owner of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, has been sharing inspiring travel stories since launching her magazine writing career in 2002. Blending her passion for travel, journalism, and storytelling with decades of experience in public relations, Marika is known for uncovering authentic destinations, memorable experiences, and the people behind them.
A cum laude graduate of Texas A&M University (Class of 1997), Marika is also the co-owner of PR by the Book, an award-winning literary publicity agency. Her background in media and public relations gives her a unique perspective on crafting compelling travel features that resonate with readers and audiences alike.
Marika is a sought-after travel expert and television contributor, appearing regularly on Good Morning Texas (WFAA/ABC), San Antonio Living (WOAI/NBC), Daytime (statewide FOX), Spectrum News (statewide), Studio 512 (ABC), and Great Day Houston (KHOU/CBS). She was honored as the Outstanding Austin Communicator in 2021. For five years, Marika also shared her popular "Weekend Trip Tips" across Texas as a regular contributor to NPR's Texas Standard.
Marika lives in the Austin area with her husband, Doug Flatt, Publisher and Co-owner of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. When she's not on the road exploring new destinations, she's inspiring Texans to discover unforgettable experiences both close to home and around the world.

At the launch of Texas Lifestyle Magazine, Doug Flatt was new to publishing, but no stranger to small business. Flatt has now been growing and scaling small businesses for 20 years.

Doug has a degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Marika, have three children. In his free time, he enjoys a round of golf, mountain biking and spending time with his kids.

Emily Hord is an Assistant Editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine from Houston, Tx. She graduated cum laude from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Communications and Journalism.

In her free time, she enjoys going to see live music, reading books and spending time with friends and family. She was born and raised in Houston and loves her hometown team of the Astros as well as attending the Houston Rodeo.

Leean Vargas is an Editorial Assistant and Contributing Writer at Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated cum laude from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and minor in Communication Studies.

In her free time, she enjoys singing her heart out at concerts, snapping cool photos, and painting with loved ones. She’s a born and raised Austinite who has a love for animals, traveling to new cities and discovering the best food & drink hotspots.