‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
Jun. 16, 2022
How did you get to where you are today? I had little choice in the matter; I grew up being trained to become the fourth-generation jewelry designer behind my great grandfather, grandfather, and father. It was my duty to carry on the family business and continue the hard work and success they built from nothing, beginning in Torino, Italy in 1905. I was surrounded by jewelry and its craftmanship as a young child and was taught the business from a very young age.
Whom do you credit? As I stand squarely on the shoulders of three great men that ran the company before me, my main motivation is to carry the torch to the next generation by carefully expanding the business, protecting the brand, and maintaining the highest level of ethics and professionality while doing it.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? Passion and conviction for what you do are going to be of paramount importance for your success. Passion for success may not bring you success, but passion for your work will undoubtedly bring you success.
- Take great care of your client. A relentlessly fanatical approach to customer service is another great key to success.
- Never cease to learn about your business and ways to improve it.
- Don’t fear changes; embrace them and try to anticipate them.
What’s more important in a successful business: seeking the highest profitability or to striving to purvey your clientele with the best values? It is like health and happiness, the two do not exist without the other.
What’s new in your life or work that you’re excited about? The steady progression of custom designed jewelry creations for an ever more sophisticated clientele excites me. It challenges my staff and continues to refine our skills and knowledge. In terms of preparing for the future, my long-term goal is to instill the principles and business values to my next generations that were instilled to me.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner? Opening successful jewelry boutiques in America thousands of miles away from my comfort zone and making them highly successful. Creating a working environment that is both fun and efficient, cultivating long-term loyalty from clients and staff alike. Continuously curating a sterling reputation and an unequivocally ethical stance.
What’s one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner? Successfully adapting to my business’ ever-changing trends, competing ethically and efficiently in the world of digital content, and constantly creating new designs while delivering value and exclusivity to our clientele.
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Texas’ Mural Capital: BIPOC Arts Group Propels Houston’s Street-Art Scene Brilliantly Forward
Aug. 5, 2024
WITH AN AESTHETIC that reads as something between stained-glass and graffiti, Daniel Anguilu is arguably one of the best-known street artists in Houston. The vibrant, abstracted and large-scale pieces often feature motifs inspired by his Mexican heritage, and also address injustice and political issues like immigration.
In a city where artists of all ethnicities, disciplines and career stages thrive, Anguilu is one of many who have enjoyed its collaborative and community-driven nature; in fact, HoustonMuralMap.com estimates the city has nearly 1,000 murals in public spaces. As Houston commemorates its 188th birthday, local organizations Culture of Health-Advancing Together (CHAT) and BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) continue to enhance neighborhoods and build networks of support via street art.
BANF, with a mission to build a “revolutionary arts ecosystem,” has long supported artists like Anguilu, helping source both materials and inspiration. "This support has been transformative, helping me reach out to a different audience and achieve community empowerment through my murals," says Anguilu, whose latest project at Box13 addresses the idea that colonization is a myth.
For its part, CHAT created 17 murals in the Gulfton area via a project dubbed Gulfton Story Trail. The beautifying works of art have transformed schools, community centers, businesses and public buildings, and have fostered a sense of identity among residents.
The murals “symbolize hope, resilience, the potential for a brighter future for immigrants and refugees, and the cultural diversity that defines Houston," says CHAT’s executive director Aisha Siddiqui. The nonprofit received an inaugural grant from BANF, and those funds have enabled CHAT to expand its programming and impact among the immigrant and refugee community it serves.
If street art is a tool for building community and culture, then Houston is undoubtedly the ultimate craftsman.
CHAT's 'For a Better Future'
CHAT's 'Celebration of Diversity'
Street art by Daniel Anguilu
More art by Anguilu
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IT’S THAT TIME of year again — already! — and The Union Kitchen is honoring teachers and educators with a gratis brunch this weekend at all locations.
On Aug. 10 and 11, teachers and educators would be smart to show up from 9am until 2pm to enjoy a leisurely brunch before school begins the following week. This promotion falls hot on the heels of the concept's generous Kids Eat Free promotion that ran throughout June and July.
As a matter of fact, a total of 7,760 kids' meals were gifted this summer — including 1,250 kids' pizzas, 1,000 chicken tenders, and 1,500 of Houston’s best pancakes — saving parents in Houston $62,080. Led by restaurateur Paul Miller and his wife, Doris Miller, Gr8 Plate Hospitality runs The Union Kitchen's five Houston-area restaurants. The hospitality group also owns and operates local favorites Jax Grill, Passerella and Vine Memorial, a wine-bar-slash-café.
“As parents, we are deeply indebted to the tireless efforts of the teachers and educational support staff who have sparked inspiration in our children throughout their school years,” said Paul. “This is our way of paying it forward to these passionate people who selflessly shape young minds daily.”
It will be worth getting up early for a scratch-made spread of classics like biscuits and gravy, a pancake plate and The Union Kitchen Bowl. The latter is a hearty signature favorite comprised of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes and veggies topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The Union Kitchen’s expansive “locally famous” weekend brunch and cocktail menu also are on offer, along with $1 espresso martini shots, $6 espresso martinis and the popular $19 Build-Your-Own-Bubbles deal.
The exclusive deal applies to teachers and staff with a current, valid school identification card. (And the offer is not available to-go, sorry!) All five of The Union Kitchen locations in Greater Houston will be participating including Memorial (77024), Oak Forest (77018), Cypress (77433), Katy (77494), and Kingwood (77339).
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