To Die For!

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More than 500 supporters of the Children’s Museum of Houston donned scary-chic gowns, makeup and accessories for the elaborate Día de los Muertos gala. Bergner & Johnson Design adorned the walls, ceilings, tables and more with images of sugar skulls and marigolds, while Jackson & Company served an inspired spread of stuffed jalapenos, spicy steak and Mexican wedding cookies. An exciting live auction and raffle included a nearly $16,000 pair of his-and-hers Rolex watches, courtesy of Deutsch Houston. The night’s total till topped $1 million. Meanwhile, the Ronald McDonald House also raised nearly a mil at its annual Boo Ball, held at the Hilton-Americas. Costume-clad revelers enjoyed Halloween-inspired fare like the Witches Brew dessert. Spooktacular!


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‘Embrace Changes,’ Says Valobra, Whose Namesake Jewelry Store Has Become a Houston Institution
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.
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How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

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Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

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