Today we’d like to introduce you to Oskar and Jennifer Torres.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
OAI Art Framing, Installation and Gallery started in 2009 as a residential and commercial art installation company. In 2010 after the sudden passing of a close friend and colleague we unexpectedly inherited his small home-based art framing operation. In 2015, we incorporated our business and expanded our shop to include a quaint Art Gallery showcasing some local artists as well as designer giclée art. In January of 2016 the Houston Chronicle showcased us in the Star Home section of the Chronicle. We are truly blessed by the amount of growth we have experienced in this short amount of time and are looking very forward to seeing what the future holds for us. It has been an amazing ride so far. We may be small, but we are fierce.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not by a long shot. As with starting any business there are always struggles and obstacles to overcome and learn from. We are blessed to being learning a lot on this adventure. We have overcome more obstacles than time allows to discuss, but one of the many obstacles that stands out is shortly after making the leap to open our first location we experienced an extreme slow period. Because of this sudden drop in business one of the owners, Oskar Torres, started to drive for Uber while still putting in long hours building our business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are not your typical Art Frame Shop. We set ourselves apart by offering our services on location or in our shop. We will bring art and frame samples to you, so that you can see the samples in your home or office lighting and against the textures of your space and walls. We offer a vast selection of art framing choices in our studio, so if you prefer to come in to our shop we would love to schedule an appointment with you. We do work by appointment only as to allow us to give our clients the one on one service they deserve. We offer residential and commercial Art services. We also offer custom mirrors, commercial art, art consultant services for both commercial and residential application, designer giclée art, art transportation and art installation services. We work directly with residential customers, interior designers, home builders, design furniture showrooms, commercial real estate, hotels, hospitals, oil and gas companies, law firms, art resource companies, other art galleries, etc. Our mission is to provide a professional white glove service with the highest amount of competency and reliability for each and every project. We take pride in our reputation and word of mouth referral base. We primarily work in the Memorial area, River Oaks, Upper Kirby, West University, and Bellaire areas.
What were you like growing up?
The owners Oskar and Jennifer Torres are the true definition of the entrepreneurial spirit. As a husband and wife team, they are not afraid of hard work and are dedicated to making their business a success. They both have a love of the ocean, outdoors, animals and life and they enjoy helping others succeed in their dreams as well. Oscar owned and operated a successful DJ Entertainment booking agency for 25 years before starting OAI in 2009. He has always been very outgoing and the life of any party with his magnetic personality. He has sometimes been accused of being nonchalant, but he says, “I am just laid back dude.” Jennifer on the other hand is quieter and not as comfortable in front of a large crowd. They level each other out and have a great balance. A true yin yang if you will. They have no fear of failure and accept any and all obstacles as a challenge and learning experience. We as owners strive to offer our employees a fun, enjoyable “family” work environment. We believe in working hard and playing harder.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11010 Katy Freeway Suite C310
Houston, TX 77043 - Website: www.oaiartframing.com
- Phone: 832.969.4969
- Email: oskarsart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oaiartframing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oaiart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OAIARTFRAMING
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oai-art-framing-and-installation-houston
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
