From the Yard to the World: Innovative Entrepreneurs Johnathn And Erica Mark Embody Houston & HBCU Culture With Trill On Wheels

Written By: Dani Canada

Houston couple Johnathan Mark and Erica Mark have taken Houston’s nightlife by storm with Trill On Wheels, the first-ever hip-hop party bike bar tour in the U.S. But for Erica, the business is more than just a turn-up on wheels—it’s a way to bring the culture and energy of HBCUs to her city. As a proud Hampton University graduate, she wanted Trill On Wheels to be a celebration of community, history, and the kind of HBCU vibe that means music, movement, and connection.

“I grew up around HBCU culture,” Erica told OffTheYard. “My mom went to Xavier, my stepdad went to Dillard, so I was always around homecomings, parades, ball games, and the music. That environment left a big mark on me, and I wanted to recreate that energy in Houston.” After attending Hampton, she kept that HBCU spirit alive in her career and now uses Trill On Wheels to share that culture with a whole new audience.

Launched in 2022, Trill On Wheels has quickly become a Houston staple, offering riders a party on the go that’s filled with classic H-Town hip-hop tracks and stops at local bars. It’s a mobile celebration of Houston’s Third Ward and the East Downtown (Eado) arts districts, areas with deep cultural ties to the city’s Black community and music scene. “Third Ward is home for us,” Johnathan said. “That’s where our heart is, and that’s where we opened our first brick-and-mortar. The culture there is incredible, and it just made sense to root our business there.”

And while Trill On Wheels is undoubtedly a party, it’s also a living history tour. Riders don’t just get a taste of Houston’s nightlife; they get schooled on the city’s hip-hop legacy. As the bike makes its way through the streets, the tour highlights legends like DJ Screw, Slim Thug, and Lil’ Keke, along with modern icons like Megan Thee Stallion. It’s a way to honor and share the stories of artists who have shaped Houston’s sound and style. “We’ve lost a lot of our heroes, not just in Houston but across hip-hop, so we want to keep their legacy alive,” Johnathan explained. “It’s about teaching our riders about the history of these neighborhoods and the impact these artists had on our city.”

For Erica, a huge part of Trill On Wheels is using her platform to inspire young Black kids and show them what’s possible as an HBCU graduate and entrepreneur. “Being a Black entrepreneur and HBCU grad is really important to me,” Erica said. “HBCUs create a safe space for us to explore all different aspects of life, from science and business to culture. I want young Black girls to see my story and know that even though they’re coming from an HBCU—a smaller or more intimate school—they can still make a big impact in the community.”

The impact is real. Since its launch, Trill On Wheels has hosted over 40,000 riders and generated about $700,000 in revenue for surrounding businesses, from bars and restaurants to local Airbnbs. “As we grow, the whole neighborhood grows,” Johnathan noted. “It’s amazing to see people coming in from the East Coast, the West Coast, and even internationally just to experience Houston’s hip-hop scene and history.”

With its unique blend of HBCU pride, local love, and Houston’s hip-hop legacy, Trill On Wheels has redefined what a night out in the city can be. And while the couple has plans to grow in the future—maybe even to HBCU-rich cities like Atlanta—right now, they’re hyper-focused on Houston. “I would love to see Trill On Wheels planted in other markets," Johnathan told OffTheYard. "When we do expand to other markets we'll have a very clear blueprint. It will be a very turn-key operation when we pull that trigger."