We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nida Jalal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nida, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Opening my own business was a tremendous leap of faith, a risk that felt like stepping off a cliff without knowing if a net would appear. I poured years of savings and countless hours into developing a concept I deeply believed in, knowing that the stable paycheck and predictability of my former career were now gone. There was the constant, nagging fear of failure—the thought of financial ruin and the loss of my entire investment—but that fear was eclipsed by the sheer determination to see my vision realized and the intoxicating promise of being my own boss, charting a course entirely on my terms. Ultimately, the potential for personal and professional fulfillment was a greater motivator than the security I left behind, making the risk a necessary one.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello! I am Nida Jalal, the owner and heart behind Aura Lounge Katy. My journey into this industry was driven by a simple desire: to create a truly inclusive and upscale space where the community could gather, relax, and celebrate life’s moments—big and small. I noticed a gap in the Houston market for a lounge that didn’t compromise on quality, comfort, or a genuine family atmosphere, and that’s how Aura Lounge was born.
​Aura Lounge is far more than just a typical lounge; we are a culinary and relaxation destination. We specialize in providing a full-service experience featuring handcrafted desserts, a diverse menu of halal food, premium drinks, and, of course, a high-quality hookah service. Our core purpose is to serve as a retreat—a place where people can truly unwind, de-stress, and enjoy meaningful time with family and friends. For larger gatherings, we are proud to offer a dedicated private party hall to host celebrations seamlessly.
​What truly sets Aura Lounge apart is our unwavering commitment to customer service and creating a genuine family environment. While we proudly offer what we confidently call the best food and hookah in the Houston area, striving to be a 5-star lounge, our secret ingredient is our team. As a family-owned business, we approach every interaction and every event with the warmth and enthusiasm of celebrating with our own. We use only the highest quality products, ensuring every guest feels valued and leaves with a memorable experience.
​I am most proud of successfully establishing a space where quality and comfort coexist, allowing us to be the backdrop for so many wonderful moments, from anniversaries to casual weeknight gatherings. The main thing I want our readers, potential clients, and followers to know is that at Aura Lounge, you’re not just a customer—you’re an extension of our family. We are passionate about giving you a luxurious, relaxing, and welcoming environment, guaranteeing the best quality and atmosphere every time you visit.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The Unexpected Partner: Dr. Ayaz Shaikh
​The truth is, Aura Lounge Katy was born out of pure frustration with the status quo. I had the vision—the custom desserts, the halal menu, the premium hookahs—but I was struggling with the “why.” How do I convince people that this isn’t just another lounge? How do I connect the desire to unwind with genuine, necessary stress relief?
​The answer came not in a business meeting, but in the sterile, chaotic environment of a local hospital’s waiting area. I was there supporting a family friend, clutching a notepad full of floor plans and supplier numbers, feeling utterly drained. That’s when I met Dr. Ayaz Shaikh, a specialist from Methodist. He was not on duty, but was waiting for his own family member, looking equally exhausted.
​We struck up a quiet conversation, initially complaining about the lack of genuine respite in the city. When I explained my concept for Aura Lounge—a family-friendly, high-quality haven for relaxation—Dr. Shaikh didn’t just see a business venture; he saw a public health need.
​“Nida, what you’re planning is more important than you think,” he said, leaning in. “As a physician, I see the physical toll chronic stress takes on people. They don’t need another bar; they need a third place—not work, not home—where the atmosphere actively promotes well-being. A place where the food is clean, the environment is welcoming, and they can genuinely disconnect.”
​His perspective was the missing piece of my puzzle. Where I brought the passion for 5-star quality and hospitality, he brought the clinical validation for the need for our ‘unwind and de-stress’ mission. He didn’t just understand the market; he understood the client’s needs on a physiological level.
​In that quiet corner of a busy hospital, we realized we were building the same thing, just from opposite sides. I was building the beautiful, welcoming solution; he was the expert who understood the profound problem we were solving. Within weeks, Dr. Shaikh transitioned from a sounding board to my official business partner. His commitment as a doctor to holistic health became the “Aura” that truly elevated our lounge from a simple venue to the uniquely supportive and luxurious community retreat it is today.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Aura Lounge Katy: The Essence
Aura Lounge Katy is Houston’s premier 5-star destination offering a unique blend of high-end hospitality, exceptional Halal cuisine, and a genuine family-friendly atmosphere designed for relaxation and de-stressing.
Founded by Nida Jalal in partnership with Dr. Ayaz Shaikh (a specialist from Methodist), the lounge is uniquely positioned to address the need for quality respite and social connection. We specialize in handcrafted desserts, premium drinks, and the best hookah service, all while maintaining an environment that is welcoming to groups, families, and friends. We also offer a private party hall, ensuring every small or large celebration is handled with five-star customer service and the highest quality products.
We have developed a co-founder story and a clientele growth strategy. What would you like to work on next? Perhaps refining the social media content based on the “De-Stress & Wellness Angle”?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/auralounge.katy.2025
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facesbynids?igsh=enA3bnB2eHByb2I5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facesbynids

Image Credits

nida jalal / facesbynids