How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? “The only constant is change!” I have found that we often cannot control events that affect our lives. Our power comes in the way in which we react to these events. We can learn from difficult times and must find strength and faith to press on, most recently we talk of “pivoting.” A positive attitude, which is sometimes hard to maintain, goes a long way in influencing the outcome.
It is important to have a passion for what you do. I think back and realize that I always wanted to be in business, although it was not common for women when I graduated from college.
I also found when I focused on others instead of myself, I became successful. Zig Ziglar said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
How has community service impacted your business? I felt so fortunate to be a woman in Houston that I wanted to give back to the city that had been so good to me. I started volunteering at the downtown Chamber of Commerce, now the Greater Houston Partnership, and was selected for the third class of Leadership Houston. I found that I received so much more than I gave. Eventually I served on their board and have been selected by five mayors to serve the city that I love so much. It is an opportunity to make a difference and has enriched my life. Most recently I co-chaired the Symphony Ball. The arts are so important to our city, not only for the quality of life but also economic development.
What’s new in your life or work that you are excited about? Beth Wolff Realtors is in its 44th year and has grown over the years. I never wanted to be the biggest, just the best. My son Ed is the president of the company and has been with me for 29 years. My daughter Cynthia has just joined us! Cynthia is an attorney and Realtor who has not been home since she attended Tulane and LSU Law School. The innovation and enthusiasm infused by their addition to Beth Wolff Realtors propels our firm to excellence.
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FOR THE SEVENTH time, Houston CityBook is heating up the dog days of summer with its annual Sexy Issue, hitting newsstands and mailboxes all over Houston now.
With a special partnership with presenting sponsor Indigo Auto Group, the new issue features a roundup of hot shops, restaurant and current cultural events, as well as the cover story — a racy fashion shoot, per the custom.
The revealing fashion spread, shot on location as Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, for the first time features a real-life couple as models. Highly in-demand model Valen Custer recruited her fiancé, Brazilian hunk Vitor Villar, to join her in front of the camera. Shot by photographer Steven Visneau and styled by Todd Ramos, the story highlights stylish lingerie, underwear, swimwear and a preview of fall looks.
“Don’t blame me if the fashion images are a little extra spicy this year,” Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gremillion half-jokes. “Our models were terrific pros, up for anything, and they couldn’t keep their hands off each other!”
CityBook Creative Director Patrick Magee oversaw the project. Edward Sanchez, a frequent collaborator with the magazine, returned to run hair and makeup.
The issue also includes Managing Editor Evan W. Black’s report on the ups and downs of the Houston real estate market, with special attention to timely trends, including the increasing popularity to homes with built-in generators. Mid-Summer travel pieces — an ultra-luxurious resort in The Maldives and remote boutique getway in Costa Rica — are also on offer.
At the end of summer, CityBook’s Sexy Party, promoting the Sexy Issue, will return.
2017 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial
2018 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at the most expensive home on the market in Houston at the time
2019 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at a private home in Memorial
2021 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at Heights House Hotel
2022 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Jhane Hoang at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
2023 Sexy Issue cover photographed by Steven Visneau at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio
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New Restaurants — Including an Exciting Revival — Bolster Westheimer Curve's Foodie-Friendly Rep
Aug. 8, 2024
LONGTIME HOUSTON FOODIES likely remember Mi Luna as a Rice Village mainstay, serving late-night tapas and wine on University Blvd. for years. Now, the original owner has plans to revive the Spanish restaurant, this time in the Montrose Collective development on the Westheimer Curve.
Youssef Nafaa says he "decided to resurrect Mi Luna after realizing that the Spanish tapas concept is not authentically represented in Houston," and that the new location in Montrose presented the perfect opportunity. The ground-floor, corner restaurant will span nearly 4,000 square feet, including a raised platform stage for live music and flamenco dancing, plus a spacious patio facing Crocker Street.
Expect a strong seafood influence on the opening menu, in addition to old favorites like the Paella Valenciana and Pulpo con Patatas. The weekend brunch crowd will likely be strong, enjoying acoustic guitar music and sangria pitchers all day long.
Nearby, the former La Grange location will soon become Melrose, a "cocktail and bites" destination featuring a menu from James Beard-nominated Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó. Army Sadeghi of Clarkwood, Brandon Duliakas of Fox Restaurant Concepts, and Dan Wierck of Clutch each bring tremendous experience to the new project, which will open this fall.
The owners were excited by the building's history; built in the 1930s, it was for four decades a LGBT dive bar called EJ's before becoming the Tex-Mex patio bar La Grange. Next up will be a high-style, Old Hollywood-glam lounge with nods to Montrose's "bohemian charm," per a release. Melrose's two-level patio will tout a new, large central tree "as a shady focal point and an extension of the interior’s more loungey feel, with seating vignettes anchored around the existing covered bar and koi pond, as well as new fire features."
As for the drinks, there will be around two dozen signature cocktails with seasonal ingredients, punch-bowl-style beverages, and a "proprietary ice program."
Mi Luna interior rendering by Agustin Fata
Mi Luna exterior rendering by Agustin Fata
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