Portrait Photographer Houston

We’d like to introduce Tiffany Harston, from Tiffany Harston Photography. Tiffany is a portrait magic maker based in Houston, TX, and has years of experience in portrait photography. Tiffany believes that every family needs a large family portrait on their wall and that it will bring you joy every day when you look at them. To learn more about Tiffany and her photography company check out our interview with her below.

Tiffany, what is your background?

I have a degree in communications and worked in hospital marketing departments for four years writing, designing brochures and fliers, and taking photographs. I have experience taking photos of professionals for marketing, websites, and more. I also have photographed about 50 weddings but my passion is photographing families with small children. I also specialize in Houston special needs family photography as I have a son with severe autism.

Why should a customer choose Tiffany Harston Photography?

My business focuses on finished, quality artwork. This means that not only will I work with the client to figure out what to wear, a perfect location for their family shoot, play with their kids during the shoot, and utilize photoshop to make perfect family photos, but I will also deliver and install the finished artwork on their walls. Clients love my service because I truly think of everything to make the process painless and to save them time. They not only have beautiful images from their family session but they have quality pieces of art that will last over 100 years. These prints and wall art will bring them joy every day.

Another big difference with me is that I am a mama to a non-verbal autistic boy. I would be the perfect choice for any family looking for a Houston special needs photographer. I work with special needs families to make the family photo session as successful as possible. Some strategies we use are a visual board, a practice or get to know me session, and patience.

I am a lover of stories–reading them, hearing them, and telling them, I came to photography for that very reason. I believe that everyone’s story is beautiful and worth telling. A photo session with me is much more than standing you up in front of my camera and getting you to smile on the count of three. I want your photos to tell the story of this particular season in your life. Is it chaotic with two kids and an occasionally obedient pup? Then I want to capture the beauty in the midst of that chaos. Do you and your partner love playing board games? Cooking dinner together? Snuggling on the couch? Love it! Here for it. Let’s document this season, capture the beauty in the seemingly ordinary. If you are looking for posed and perfect, I am probably not the photographer for you! But if you want real, genuine story-telling, I’m ya girl!

What made you want to start your photography business?

I discovered I love working with and photographing people in my hospital marketing job so I started my business on the side while working full-time. Then when we adopted our son and he had significant health needs, I quit my full-time job at the hospital to care for him. I was so grateful I had my own business with flexibility so I could take my son to numerous doctors and therapy appointments.

I shot a lot of families and weddings in Midland, Texas and when I moved to Houston decided to specialize in families.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

Again, the flexibility with owning your own business is great. I can set my hours and work around my son’s needs. He is severely autistic and requires very specific care. I cannot just hire a teenager to watch him. So I generally am watching him when he is not in therapy.

I also enjoy giving back to different organizations. Since I am the business owner, I can decide that I want to donate my time and services or even money to an organization. I volunteer at SIRE, an organization that provides horse riding lessons for the special needs community and that brings a lot of joy. There are a lot of kids like my son who ride there. I also did a fundraiser with them last year where a portion of my unicorn-themed-shoot proceeds went to them. I love having the ability to give back when I can.

Where do you see your business in the following years?

I am working on building my family photography business this year. In five years, I hope to open my own commercial studio space and hire an associate photographer.

What are the biggest issues for running your business?

I would say marketing is a challenge. Learning how to find and speak to my target audience. There are so many options these days with social media and paid ads, networking, etc. It can be a challenge to figure out what works.

How is your team structured?

I have contract employees who help with family photoshoots and hold lighting.

Where can people learn more about you?

tiffanyharstonphotography.com

https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyHarstonPhotography

Houston Commercial Photographer

We’d like to introduce Hawkeye Media Solutions, a commercial photography company in Houston, TX. Besides photography, the company also offers premiere commercial marketing for both major companies and local businesses. The company’s owner and lead photographer, Nathan Colbert, has years of experience in the industry and worked with companies such as Verizon, Akris, and TSSA. To learn more about why Nathan is the best Houston commerical photographer, and how his company has become so successful, check out our interview with him below.

Nathan, what is your background and education? 

I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. I graduated in 2015 and a month after graduating, I left the country for a 6-month photojournalism internship in Israel on top of a 3-month backpacking excursion through Europe. After returning, I started my company Nathan Colbert Photography and built that up over the course of 4 years until I decided to create Hawkeye Media Solutions at the beginning of 2020 because I was seeing exponential growth.

Why should a customer choose Hawkeye Media Solutions?

I believe most people get into the realm of content creation thinking, everyone is doing it why can’t I. But they don’t actually take the time and put in a real effort to study and practice. I can say from experience, it is not easy, and I take the work very seriously. I love it, because not only am I able to create art, but I am able to tell a person’s or company’s story and show it to the world.

What was it that made you want to start a photography business?

Honestly, I just fell into it. I always had a point-and-shoot growing up on family trips. But in the last couple of years of college, I started to really get serious with understanding and learning photography. In 2014 I went to Israel on a group trip and they asked me to write an article about my experience using some of my images. It got published in a few online news outlets in America and Israel and I fell in love. I knew this is what I wanted to do.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

Freedom to choose my work and my schedule.

Where do you see your business in the future?

With COVID, it is hard to say. As of 2019, I was one of the top corporate event photographers and videographers in the city, and I was growing fast. But that area has all but dried up due to the COVID situation. So for now I have pivoted my company towards more Real Estate marketing, Drone, and session photography.

What is your mission statement?

We are here to capture your story. Let us help share your message.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

The growing public perception that photography is a cheap commodity.

Do you have employees? 

I was about to bring on 4 employees before the pandemic. Now it is back to just me.

Where can people learn more about you?

www.hawkeyemediasolutions.com    

www.nathancolbertphotography.com

The Best Tattoo Artist in Houston

We’d like to introduce The Left Eye, Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery, a tattoo studio based in Houston, TX. The studio’s owner and lead tattoo artist, Robbie Carson, has had an artistic fascination since childhood, and views his work as an extension of himself. Art elicits emotion, and Robbie is the best at expressing that fact by providing an amazing service and tattoo experience for his clients and customers. To learn more about The Left Eye, Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery, check out our interview with Robbie below. 

Robbie, what is your background?

I always have drawn and created things from as early as I can remember. As soon as I graduated High School, I left for Marine Corps Bootcamp in 2008. I was 17 when I joined so my mother reluctantly signed my paperwork. While overseas working at U.S. Embassies, I took some college courses and did a lot of studying on Color Theory. I got out of the Marines in 2013 after traveling the world for 5 years. In 2014 I Joined the Houston Fire Department. I absolutely love helping people in times of need.

Why should a customer choose The Left Eye, Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery?

My tattoo portfolio speaks for itself. However, my mentality is STUDENT. I’m constantly on the look out to learn something and apply new tools and skills, in all forms of my artistry. Most would pick me first because it is known that I will constantly challenge myself to give them an outrageously amazing tattoo. My learning is nothing short of consistent.

What was it that made you want to start a business?

I didn’t start a business. I’ve brought into fruition my dream and passion. If society wants to label it as a business, that’s fair. I’m a true artist that happens to Tattoo among other things. It’s a huge passion of mine and it’s cool to see my “business” name on a “business” card.

What are the advantages that come with being a successful artist?

As an artist, I strive to find pieces that inspire me and push my skill development. I started my own studio with the intention of being able to be more selective in the pieces that come in for just that reason. Owning my own business helps me challenge myself.

Where do you see The Left Eye, Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery in the following years?

 The Left Eye, Tattoo and Fine Arts Gallery will eventually become an idea. A fresh new way of creating. The idea of being true to yourself, as an artist. The idea of true expression as a living organism. My studio will eventually become a way of thinking. I want it to eventually be a key that unlocks hopefulness and creativity for anyone who decides they want to do that.

What is your mission statement?

I want to inspire others to create and express themselves in an original, raw way.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

Translating my passion through emails haha.

Do you have employees or interns?

I am currently apprenticing someone in the craft of tattooing. He is a Marine Corps Veteran and Houston Firefighter. He’s also a superb father to a daughter. He’s a true artist and is picking up the ins and outs of tattooing, quite fast. Once he’s tattooing on his own, I know he will set trends and become one of the greats. He’s teaching me things simultaneously, about other things in the art world. I think it’s imperative to keep a willingness to learn.

Graphic Design Houston

We’d like to introduce GooseWorks, a fully operational Screen Printing Studio that is headquartered in the Oak Forest area. From graphic design to embroidery, this company is capable of helping you represent your brand or interests in style. The company’s owner, Gustavo, has years of experience along with an unparalleled passion for the industry. To learn more about GooseWorks, check out our interview with Gustavo below, and discover why he has the best graphic design company in Houston, TX.

Gustavo, what is your background? 

I was born and raised in Juárez, México. I then moved to the States at 13 and finished High School here at Cy-Creek. Additionally, I went to the Art Institute for Media Arts & Animation for a bit.

I’ve been interested in the graphic arts and different media arts my whole life. In the search for a new craft, I discovered screen printing and taught myself. After 7 years it became what it is now.

Why should a customer choose GoosWorks?

Because we do not simply push the “print” button. A lot more than that goes into printing our customer’s order. We love helping their order be the best it can be whether it be by suggesting a different garment, helping them with their artwork, or even pointers on how to make it stand out in a crowded market.

What was it that made you want to start your company?

I started designing and printing my own shirts and before I knew it, people wanted me to do the same for them. It became a perfect combination of a creative outlet and a steady source of income.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

Just the freedom of it all. If you have an idea and want to run with it, you do. You choose what you do and how you do it.

Life is too short to be at a dead-end job making someone else’s dreams come true.

Where do you see your business in the next year? In the next five years? The next ten years?

By next year we’ll be well established in the community and become a top option for screen printing services in town.

In the next five years, it’ll be great if I can have my own commercial property and get maybe another two automatic presses to expand our capabilities.

In ten years, a second location would be ideal.

What is your mission statement?

We measure our success based on the positive relationships we make with our customers and the value we can bring to them beyond the product/service we provide for them.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

There are many things that can go wrong in screen printing. Too many variables. Every order is different and may have its own challenges. You just need to always seek to perfect the technique and always have fun with it. I know I do.

There’s also the challenge of convincing a new customer that cheaper does not mean better.

How is your team structured?

I hired my first full-time teammate a little over a month ago. Covid definitely delayed those plans.

But now that he’s here, it’s awesome.

I deal with customers, invoicing, graphics, etc. All the computer work. While he focuses on production.

He sets-up a job, we print it together, then he packs and finalizes one order and gets the next one going while keeping everything clean and in order (which is very important in my studio).

Where can people learn more about your business?

Our Instagram @gooseworks is constantly updated with our latest work. It’s almost like our digital portfolio.

Also, our door is always open for people who want to come in (face mask required) and learn more about the way we do things in here.

Travel Agency In Houston

We’d like to introduce the Friendship Travel Agency, a unique company that is driven by passion and knowledge for travel. The company is headquartered in Houston, TX, and each team member goes above and beyond to exceed their clients’ expectations. With over a decade of experience, they offer 24/7 customer care, affordable transportation options, and even help with itinerary management. To learn more about the Friendship Travel Agency, check out our interview with the company’s CEO, George Nti, and discover why his company is the best travel agency in Houston.

George, what is your background?

I am the CEO and Sr. Travel Consultant at FRIENDSHIP TRAVEL AGENCY, an accredited Full-Service Travel Agency providing individual and group travel to leisure and corporate clients. Services and products provided include travel consultation, pre-arranged tours, custom packages, reservations for lodging, rental cars, rail passage, faith-based travel, etc.

I am also the Founder/Managing Director at FRIENDSHIP RELOCATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE, GeoVic Media, FRIENDSHIP TUTORING, and KingdomLivingwithGeorgeNti.

I also pride myself as an entrepreneur, visionary leader, and researcher with an interest in human resource development, organizational development, and corporate leadership.

As for my education, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from William Paterson University of New Jersey, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Management from Pillar College, New Jersey, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, Virginia, and currently a Ph.D. student in Organizational Leadership (Human Resource Development) at Regent University, Virginia.

I am an active member of The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), an active member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), and accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Why should a customer choose the Friendship Travel Agency?

We are driven by knowledge and passion and go above and beyond for our clients.

Since 2010, we have always served our clients with their satisfaction in mind. As such, most of our business now is from repeat customers and referrals from New York and across the country.

What was it that made you want to start this business?

I was driven by passion and purpose. To help people save on travel and also contribute to the solution to joblessness.

If Africa is your destination of choice, then you’ll find Friendship Travel Agency extremely helpful. We can connect you with the lowest fares provided by our agency partners.

How has owning a business helped with your self-development?

Owning a business makes me more responsible and a problem solver.

What are your future goals?

Expand agent network in the next year by enrolling agents.

In the next 5 years, increase partnerships with travel providers and increase sales by 50%.

In the next 10 years, open branches in multiple cities and states.

What is your mission statement?

We’re here to help you get the best travel experience while we do business as friends.

What is the biggest issue for running this business?

The biggest issue was running a business and schooling at the same time.

How is your team structured?

We currently work with independent travel agents.

Where can people learn more about your business?

www.friendshiptravelagency.com

Used Car Dealer Houston

We’d like to introduce King of Cars, a premier used car dealer that serves customers in Pasadena, Houston, and surrounding areas. They have a massive selection of quality used vehicles and outstanding in-house financing options. In addition to that, they also service what they sell, with the help of professional and certified technicians and quality parts. To learn more about King of Cars, check out our interview with the company’s owner, Eric Malak

Eric, what is your background?

I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.

Why should a customer choose King of Cars?

For starters, In House Financing with no credit needed is our specialty! 100% of our sales are through our In House Financing program so we are the experts in this field. All of the vehicles we sell are hand-picked by me and we offer desirable vehicles that people want to own and drive. Other dealers that offer In House Financing only provide cheap program cars (aka junk)! We provide you with a free CARFAX and free warranty on every vehicle purchase to ensure peace of mind. We also have our own service center for convenience in case you have an unexpected mechanical failure or when you need to do routine maintenance on your car. All of our customers get to enjoy reduced labor rates that are almost half the cost of other repair shops. Lastly, we don’t require you to have full coverage insurance because we offer an alternative called Debt Cancellation Coverage that is much cheaper which allows the customer to save hundreds of dollars every month!

What made you want to start your used car dealer business?

I have a family that is in the business and I wanted to continue helping the community obtain financing for a vehicle when the traditional methods such as banks or credit unions have denied them. That is why our mission statement has been “we sell cars to people, not credit scores”.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

Freedom to do what you want to do.

Where do you see King of Cars in the following years?

Through the grace of God, we’ve been able to grow our business to 3 locations. In the future, we hope to expand into more locations or possibly expand our current locations by purchasing the real estate around us.

What is your mission statement? 

We sell cars to people, not credit scores.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

Management and complexity. This business has 3 very complex departments and being able to manage all 3 departments smoothly is the key to an efficient operation. Luckily for me, I have a great staff and I’m only as strong as my team.

How is your team structured?

Yes, we have 14 employees. We have a sales department, collections department, and service department with a manager in each department.

Where can people learn more about you and your business?

They can visit our website at www.kingofcarstx.com

Machine Shop Houston TX

We’d like to introduce Ultimate Precision Tech, LLC, a TOP CNC Machine Shop in Houston, Texas. Ultimate Precision Tech has years of machining experience and offers their customers a wide array of CNC machining equipment, along with professional service and a quick turnaround. From powder coating, painting, plating, and more, this company has you and your machinery needs covered. To learn more about Ultimate Precision Tech, check out our interview with the company owner, Long Tao.

Long, what is your background?

I am a Mechanical Engineer, and before I started my company, I was a manager for 4 machine shops for 12 years.

Why should a customer choose Ultimate Precision Tech, LLC?

We have only been open for a year and a half, however, our Google reviews have us rated as one of the top companies in the CNC manufacturing industry. We are focused on serving our customer base on quality, trust, and communication.

What was it that made you want to start this business?

I want to make this world a better place by improving my employee’s life, helping shelter and foster homes, and create orphan houses in Vietnam, India, and Africa.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

I am able to help and train many of my employees. I can also help improve their knowledge and skill which can lead to better pay and a better quality of life. I also choose to serve my customers with my heart. Owning a successful business provides me with more freedom and more time to be with my family. Also, it feels good to be able to help many people in need.

Where do you see your business in the following years?

We started with 2 machines without cutting tools or QC tools. At this moment, we have 8 CNC machines and 2 manual machines. This year, I want to expand to the next unit and add 4-5 machines. In the next 5 years, we will have about 30-50 machines, and in 10 years 100-200 machines. More machines will create more jobs for many people. Also, we will be able to serve my customers better. On top of that, my dream to help orphan kids will come closer and faster.

What is your company’s mission statement?

To love, live and share the blessing that I have with as many people as I can. Live a life that is true to my heart and calling.

What are the biggest issues for running your business?

– Cash flow – Time management – Building a strong team as a foundation for the company – Building up customer relationships.

How is your team structured?

At this moment, we have about 10-12 employees. We have an office manager, accounting staff, a general manager, outside sales staff, a programmer, lathe and mill supervisor, set up and machinists, deburr, and a janitor.

Contact Information:

Website: https://ultimateprecisiontechnology.com/.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UltimatePrecisionTech/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnc_machine_shop_houston/?hl=en 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUa74UYKXNs&feature=youtu.be

Houston Photographer

We’d like to introduce RS Drexel Photography, a local photography company based in Houston, TX. The company’s namesake, Rebecca, specializes in family photography, maternity photos, and engagement photography. Rebeccas believes that everyone’s story is beautiful and worth telling, and utilizes her photography skills to capture her clients special moments and memories. To learn more about Rebecca and her photography business, check out our interview with her below.

Rebecca, what is your background? 

I grew up loving cameras. I used to choreograph and style these elaborate music videos, starring my ever-patient little sister, while growing up. I recently found my first official photo session that I gifted my parents for their anniversary back in 2007. Shot on my newly acquired point-and-shoot digital camera, and featuring matching white shirts and denim on denim, they are pretty cringe. Thankfully I have learned and grown A LOT as a photographer (and a person) since then! I trained to be a teacher and taught Photography, Reading, and Creative Writing at Mount Carmel Academy in HISD. I started my photography business as a little side hustle while teaching and fell in love with photography all over again. I spent some time in Latin America doing non-profit photography for an organization near and dear to my heart. Due to life circumstances and COVID, we moved back to the States and I ended up going full-time with RSDrexel Photography in 2020!

Why should a customer choose your photography business?

I am a lover of stories–reading them, hearing them, and telling them, I came to photography for that very reason. I believe that everyone’s story is beautiful and worth telling. A photo session with me is much more than standing you up in front of my camera and getting you to smile on the count of three. I want your photos to tell the story of this particular season in your life. Is it chaotic with two kids and an occasionally obedient pup? Then I want to capture the beauty in the midst of that chaos. Do you and your partner love playing board games? Cooking dinner together? Snuggling on the couch? Love it! Here for it. Let’s document this season, capture the beauty in the seemingly ordinary. If you are looking for posed and perfect, I am probably not the photographer for you! But if you want real, genuine story-telling, I’m ya girl!

What was it that made you want to start this business?

Teaching definitely stimulated a part of my need to create, but I found myself just wanting more time both behind the camera and in post-processing edits. The plunge into full-time photo biz came with the realities of the pandemic and my decision not to teach virtually.

What are the advantages that come with owning your Houston photography business?

I really do feel passionate about what I do. And having built this baby from the ground-up, I care so deeply about it. Every time couples or families choose me to tell their story, I am so honored.

Where do you see your business in the following years?

I spent some time doing one-on-one photo lessons this summer and really enjoyed that. I know a lot of photographers get into mentoring, but I think I would enjoy working with very beginner photographers who are learning the basics of how to work a camera, what to do with your images afterwards, etc. Maybe that will become an aspect of my business in the years to come.

What is your mission statement?

Your story is beautiful and worth telling. Capturing your beautiful story every step of the way.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

Social media! It’s just not something I love doing. Props to those out there killin’ it on the ‘gram.

How is your team structured?

Just me! Sometimes my husband comes to help me with certain shoots that involve heavy lifting or some silly energy.

Where can people learn more about you and your business?

My website is a great place to start: https://www.rsdrexelphotography.com. You can also check me out on Instagram @rsdrexelphoto or my business Facebook page RSDrexel Photography.

Energy Consultants in Houston

We’d like to introduce 3rd Coast Energy, an energy company that offers lower prices, energy tax exemptions, and energy management services. 3rd Coast Energy helps its customers in specific markets secure the best energy coverage for the lowest price. Ultimately, their goal is to boost your bottom line and save you money. To learn more about this amazing energy company, check out our interview with the company owner, Steve Boucher.

Steve, what is your background?

Grew up as a child in the Midwest and moved down to Texas my Sophomore year and have been living here ever since! As they say, wasn’t born here, but got here as fast as I could! My work experience was retail clothing for 10 years at Abercrombie and Fitch as a District Manager and was introduced to the Energy Brokerage industry about 14 years ago. I ran one of the largest brokerage firms in Texas for 7.5 years building over 13 offices in 3 states averaging over 350 million annual MW of power annually before leaving and starting my shop Third Coast Energy Consultants LLC. We have helped build and consult many energy exchange platforms along with building a solar company. We now do all things electricity from handling and brokering Commodities, residential and commercial solar and now bringing a new patented product to the Texas market that no one else has!!!

Why should a customer choose 3rd Coast Energy?

We pride ourselves on transparency, customer service, and quality-driven by a passion to serve by using technology and innovation!

What was it that made you want to start this business?

I wanted to deliver a better buying experience where the customer had better options, better data, transparency, and was viewed as a partner not a customer. This drove me to tirelessly creating the “3rdCoast Experience”

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

The biggest advantages of owning your own business would have to be creating your own culture, treating people how they want to be treated, and the flexibility of creating your schedule to work.

Where do you see your business in the following years? 

The landscape of the energy markets is ever-changing and it’s our responsibility to change before we have to! We continue to make advancements in innovation and technologies that allow us to deliver better, faster, and data-driven info to make better decisions for our customers along with providing state of the art technologies that are constantly changing! Renewables are going to continue to grow along with battery technology, but the biggest play will be in the efficiency world.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

At the end of the day it all falls on you, what I mean by that is normally the company structure is a pyramid and it trickles down, here we flip that pyramid upside down and give till it hurts….. and then give some more!!

How is your team structured?

We run a 1099 model that gives the ultimate freedom for people to sell and manage life with a phenomenal payout structure that rewards the hard work and freedom to live the life they have always envisioned!! Imagine running a franchise with all the support you could need.

Where can people learn more about your business?

Head to our website www.3rdCoastEnergy.com

Nice France Vacation Rentals

We’d like to introduce Paris-Nice Vacation, a vacation home rental agency that is owned and operated by Ralph and Karen Moorhouse, an American couple who fell in love with Paris and France over 20 years ago. Today, they have four beautiful apartments located in Nice, all of which are fully furnished and close by to the beach, shops, and transportation. Starting at just €90/NIGHT, they have an option that is just right for you. To learn more about Paris-Nice Vacation, check out our interview with Ralph below, and discover why Nice is the ultimate vacation getaway.

Ralph, what is your background? 

I’m originally from the UK – and I came here in 1975 to do a post-doc at Purdue. I also worked in the Biotech industry as a researcher and ultimately the oilfield as a consultant. During my work time, I spent time in France and fell in love with the country. More info on why/how we got into the VR business can be seen here https://www.parisnicevacations.net/en/about-us/.

Why should a customer choose Paris-Nice Vacation?

Having been in the VR business for over 10 years we understand what it takes to get happy holidaymakers who leave us 5* reviews. We offer luxury apartments, in good locations in Nice, France. We offer well-equipped apartments serviced by concerned and friendly local managers. Additionally, we answer questions promptly, provide detailed information to help them plan their trip, and also offer additional services like tours and welcome food baskets, not to mention a welcome bottle of wine. We belong to several industry groups and attend various VR meetings in the EU to keep on top of regulations and best practices in addition to having a network of colleagues in the Eu VR business. This is important since the Eu market is different from N.Am and while we normally welcome guests from N.Am the covid crisis has eliminated that market for now. Regardless, we are ready for N.Am visitors as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.

What made you want to start this business?

We are accidental VR managers. We sold our house here in Houston in 2006/7 and bought an apartment in Paris – we renovated it with the expectation that we would spend half the year there and in Houston since we both have jobs that just required an airport, phone, and internet. After a 1 year renovation, we found we needed to be in the US most of the time so we started renting on the short term holiday market. It was a great success and in 2010 we bought another apartment in Nice and it also was a good rental. Then we found a few other owners who wanted help and so we were now VR managers – and it was fun – apart from last year when we had very few guests.

What are the advantages that come with owning your business?

Freedom! Being able to set your timetable activity. Also since business is in France it allows us to visit as needed to 2 major locations {Paris & Nice].

Where do you see your business in the following years?

This year we have to rebuild due to loss of business due to Covid – the focus will be on EU guests who can drive or have short flights. Next year will be a continuation of a rebuild. 5yrs from now we hope to have expanded to 10 properties; 10 years – we hope to sell the business and retire.

What is your mission statement?

To provide holidaymakers with safe and enjoyable accommodations and give personal service and assistance with planning a holiday.

What are the biggest issues for running this business?

Marketing to stand out from the competition and increasing regulations against STR [short term rentals].

How is your team structured?

2 managers in Nice who take care of greeting guests – helping as needed and arranging cleaning. Me in Houston dealing with marketing and using consultants in Spain, UK, Romania to assist with web/internet marketing.

Where can people learn more about your business?

Https//:parisnicevacations.net