Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Ramirez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a classically trained opera singer and have sung across the US and in Germany. After growing up in The Woodlands, TX, I moved away to attend conservatory and to study music. I have lived in Cincinnati, New York City, Portland (Oregon), and Stuttgart, Germany.
In December 2016, I decided to move back to The Woodlands/Houston area to come back to my roots, be near my family, and to continue you my career as an opera singer, but also to help grow the family business: Madera Estates Weddings and Events. Madera Estates is an all-inclusive wedding venue located just north of The Woodlands and we are currently celebrating our 5th year in business.
Madera is located on 17 acres and is any bride’s own personal oasis on her wedding day. The facility is rich with Spanish and Moroccan design, architecture, and history. My family owned a house in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for 18 years and many of the stylings and furnishings are directly inspired from our times there. Artistic elegance. Unique beauty. Pure ambiance. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, our incredible customer service, and offering our clients a one-of-a-kind experience. Your destination wedding is closer than you think!
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, the road has been smooth, but no business is without its own set of challenges.
Before the venue, my family had never done anything related to the wedding industry. My step-father is an entrepreneur, developer, and real estate investor. My mother is a retired nurse, but also designed furniture and flipped houses. Although no one else is a musician, creativity is definitely something that runs in the family.
As the new General Manager, my first foray into entrepreneurship and catering to brides (and mothers of the bride!) has been a new challenge. Productivity and prioritizing are two challenges for me at the moment. We pride ourselves on our mix of culture here at Madera and is definitely something that has set us a part from our competition.
My personal wish is to take the family business to the next level!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Madera Estates story. Tell us more about the business.
As I mentioned, Madera Estates is an all-inclusive wedding venue that gives our clients a day built on dreams and a stress-free planning process.
We are absolutely known for our incredible customer service and our elegant and multi-cultural aesthetic. Who doesn’t want to have their day at their own private resort!?
I am most proud of our craftsmanship, artistry, uniqueness, customer service, but above all, our ability to make dreams come true. Serving people and building relationships is at the core of our mission and what better a way to help young people start their journeys off with a bang! Many things set us apart from our competitors, but I think our design/artistry is very unique and our impeccable customer service is hard to beat! Have you read our reviews on The Knot?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
I think the wedding industry will stay fairly constant over the next 5-10 years, although trends absolutely will come and go.
In terms of style, I think elegance is here to stay! Cliché trends like rustic-chic are out the door and I love the new “light and bright” trend taking over many mediums.
I think guest entertainment is on the rise in the wedding industry, as young people care less and less about food and traditions, but rather care about having a great party and looking good on Instagram!
Pricing:
- 2016 Avergage Wedding Cost in Houston: $42,000
- Madera’s average Wedding is in the $25,000 – $30,000 range (including only the services purchased at Madera)
- Our wedding packages start at $5,900
Contact Info:
- Address: 3201 N. Frazier St.
Conroe, TX 77381 - Website: www.mymaderaestates.com
- Phone: 936.441.9337
- Email: ian@mymaderaestates.com
- Instagram: mymaderaestates
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maderaestates
Image Credit:
Ama by Aisha, Ana & Ivan Photo, Joey Brown Photo, Endless Exposures, Vellora Productions
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