In the heart of Houston, just one mile from campus, stands Beck&Call Hospitality,
a cultural lodging experience shaped by a 15-year vision rooted in history, preservation
and purpose. Owner Kaylon Beck (’14), a graduate of the Conrad N. Hilton College of
Global Hospitality Leadership, is redefining hospitality through every curated inch
of her bed and breakfast.
Beck poured years of care into the two-bedroom, two-bathroom space, hand-picking each
antique item. Every piece of art hung upon the walls, every book placed upon the shelves
and every reupholstered furniture piece within the rooms was chosen with intention.
In fact, even the plants carry meaning. One of Beck’s favorite photos in the space
is of the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Houston
Law Center, a quiet but powerful nod to Texas roots and perseverance. Together, these
details reflect an approach that extends beyond the walls of Beck&Call and into the
surrounding neighborhood.
Houston’s Third Ward was established as one of the city’s original wards in 1837.
One of the neighborhood’s cultural landmarks, Emancipation Park, was purchased by
formerly enslaved people in 1872 and remains a powerful symbol of belonging. Today,
residents celebrate the neighborhood’s vibrancy, history and deep roots in arts and
education.
That focus on the neighborhood is intentional. When initially planning for the launch
of her own business, Beck drew inspiration from the Covington House, owned by Dr.
Benjamin Covington in the early 1900s. During a time when hotels were segregated,
Covington and his wife opened their home to those in need of refuge. Beck’s great-grandmother
lived and worked for the Covington family in the Third Ward, a personal connection
that continues to guide Beck&Call today.
“Over the years, I have collaborated with Kaylon on multiple event projects, and I
have seen firsthand her commitment to excellence and storytelling,” said Taylor Brione
Ballard (’14), president of the Hilton College Alumni Association and owner, lead
event planner of Experiences By Taylor Brione.
“Expanding into the lodging space with such intention feels like a natural extension
of who she has always been.”
Ballard was actually one of Beck&Call’s first guests when the Hilton College Alumni
Board hosted its annual retreat in the space during the summer of 2025, prior to the
bed and breakfast’s official opening.
“For the retreat, I was intentional about choosing a space that aligned with our values
as a College, including community, multi-culturism and collaboration. Beck&Call Hospitality
stood out not only because of its proximity to the College but because it reflects
the excellence we strive to highlight in our alumni.”
– Ballard
As a Hilton College alumna herself, Beck knew just how to set this scene. The retreat
was hosted in the sunroom, a space known for its naturally inviting warmth, openness
and conversation. Selecting a long, communal table removed hierarchy and encouraged
members to exchange ideas freely throughout the day. Having College representatives
as her first guest felt like a true full-circle moment, and it was only the beginning.
Beck’s former hospitality professor, Cathy Cheatham, (’89, M.S. ’16), instructional
associate professor at Hilton College and the Hilton University of Houston hotel manager,
was eager to support.
“Kaylon has such a passion for being an entrepreneur – it’s almost infectious and
I wanted some of our current students to see that, to feel that live and in person…
she’s such an example of hard work, perseverance and dedication,” said Cheatham. So,
Cheatham launched a project for students in her hotel operations class, inviting Beck
to share the story behind her business. Students toured Beck&Call and later presented
her with visitor guides and marketing plans.
“My favorite part about creating this marketing plan was being able to apply what
I learned in class and match it with real goals,” said Anna-Laura Whitaker, a Hilton
College student and the president of the Conrad N. Hilton Ambassadors. “Instead of
working with a ‘pretend’ company, we actually learned more about how to market a specific
target audience and competitive markets.”
“It was meaningful because our ideas weren’t just for a grade, but something that
could realistically be used.”
These ideas included innovative community events like yoga nights and art history
presentations, as well as branded social media posts, website pages and brochures.
“The College did so much for me while I was here, so this project with Cheatham’s
class really brought everything back home”. “I didn’t think I’d be here 11 years after
graduating and I just hope to inspire others.”
– Beck
Beck’s dream of owning a boutique hotel first took shape at Hilton College after a
guest speaker visited her class. Years later, she now offers students that same real-world
perspective. Today, Beck&Call highlights local voices and artists in tangible ways.
Books throughout the space were donated by Kindred Stories, a Third Ward bookstore
dedicated to amplifying Black authors.
Artwork was contributed by the Gite Gallery, an elegant art gallery in the neighborhood,
showcasing contemporary and traditional African art and artifacts, all from sub-Saharan
Africa. With intention guiding every aspect of the business, Beck&Call continues to
welcome guests into the space. To learn more about Beck&Call Hospitality or to book
a stay or event, visit yourbeckandcall.co.
