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.
Keep Reading
Show less
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
From Your Site Articles
- Mother-Son Artist Duo Donkeemom and Donkeeboy to Celebrate New Mural with Group Bike Ride ›
- Sprawling New Mural Honors Civil-Rights Leader During Hispanic Heritage Month ›
- Downtown Is Still Empty — But Art Is Making it Feel Alive ›
- Big Painting to Raise Awareness for Big Problem — Hunger — Goes Up Downtown ›
- Houston Mural-Painting Festival Now in Full Swing ›
- On Main Street, United Nations Unveils First-Ever ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ Mural Designed to Grow More Trees ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
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).
From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less