Today we’d like to introduce you to Samina and Mazher Zariwala.
Gifts of Texas started in 2001 with one Kiosk at the Willowbrook Mall and today with the love and continuous support of our loyal customers, we have grown to three in store locations as well as online retail outlet. Gifts of Texas was started by Mazher and Samina, who had recently just moved to Texas with their two children from overseas. They had always heard that U.S.A is the land of opportunities. That saying came true the day they bought the business with just a mere $2000 in their bank account.
Mazher and Samina feel blessed that this opportunity came to them and are still running this family owned business in a family friendly way. They cater to the needs of their customers and go above and beyond to satisfy their customers. They both work at the locations to ensure that all customers are treated as family. They have had the opportunity to expand but are not willing to lose the relationships they have built over time with their customers at their locations.
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?
Running a business has never been easy for anyone. Especially for someone who came from another country, and had to learn how business is done in the States. It was a challenge from Day 1 but both Mazher and Samina were ready to take on the challenge. They knew that there will be some days when they will be working 11 hours a day and won’t get to see their kids until next morning, but they were focused and knew that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Some of the other struggles were to retain exceptional employees, as Mazher and Samina believe that the key to any business is customer service.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gifts of Texas story. Tell us more about the business.
Gifts of Texas takes pride in that they are family owned and operated. The owners are there every day at their locations to ensure that each and every customer that walks in the door has a positive experience. Gifts of Texas is a gift and specialty store specializing in Texas Souvenirs, College and Sports Memorabilia. Our store is known for carrying a large selection of magnets, keychains, t-shirts and souvenir items for tourists. We also carry NFL (Texans and Cowboys) items during the season as well as Astros and Rockets.
We have started catering to our corporate clients by providing them with beautiful handcrafted gift baskets. We have also set up stall during the Superbowl at the airport as well as partner with Back To School events in the city.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
More than luck, a LOT of hard work and perseverance has gone into keeping this business going strong. We, as a family believe that if you put your mind and heart into it, you can change the bad luck into good luck. Stay positive and keep at it, good luck is to follow.
Pricing:
- Magnets – start at 1.99 – 5.99
- Keychains – start at 1.99 – 5.99
- T-shirts – start at 9,99 – 19.99
Contact Info:
- Address: The Galleria Mall
5015 Westheimer Rd, 1452
(lower level, behind the ice rink) - Website: www.giftsoftexas.org
- Phone: 713-965-0500
- Email: giftsoftexas@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gifts-of-Texas-700029090172958/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GiftsTexas
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.
