Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Antelo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hello! I arrived to Houston, TX in 2011 due to my husband’s job relocation. I am originally from Caracas, Venezuela but have lived in the USA for many years. Before Houston, I lived abroad in Dubai and worked in the Advertising industry as an account executive, which is what my bachelor’s degree is in (GO GATORS!). I discovered contemporary dance while living in Dubai and fell in love with it. This was the beginning of my search towards a more creative path. When I arrived in Houston, I decided that I wanted to change my career altogether. I looked into the art programs at the University of Houston, applied and got into the MFA program in Sculpture. I also continued to dance both in the university and in other locations in town. This mixture of visual arts and dance informs my creative practice – performance art. The Houston arts community is very supportive. I have developed friendships with such amazing and kind people that inspire me all the time to continue to make work. My work is very collaborative. Together with Brenda Cruz-Wolf, we have a collective called Las Girls Collective which has been very active in the past couple of years. In addition to being an artist, I am also a very active real estate agent. I got my real estate license in 2011, at the same time that I was doing my MFA. It has developed into a great career, which has allowed me to also meet incredible people. I feel extremely fortunate to have dual careers that allow me to connect with people all the time, which is ultimately my greatest passion.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ll be honest, I didn’t love Houston from the beginning. After living in Florida, Chicago and Dubai, starting again in a new city wasn’t the most exciting idea at the time. I also decided that I didn’t want to be in the advertising industry anymore and was very confused about what I wanted to do next. Joining an art program was not easy since I had no formal background in the arts. The constant critiques were terrifying and I was very insecure about my work. Simultaneously with real estate, I had to build a network of people in a new city. New beginnings are always exciting, but equally challenging. With the “one day at a time” philosophy and lots of patience (and failures), I have managed to design a life that works for me. It’s an ongoing process, but I continue to work every day on my artist-realtor life.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Daniela Antelo – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The job of an artist/realtor Dani style? Here it goes…
I have realized that my greatest passion is connecting/connecting with people. This is the common factor in both of my careers.
When I wear my real estate hat, I assist clients in finding their dream homes, which is ultimately assisting in realizing their dreams, as a home is the container of a LIFE. It sounds dramatic (please bear with this artist) but truly, this is the space where you spend the most of your time, building goals, dreams, a family, a life. I find this fascinating! It’s a very intense process, so you get to connect with people on a very intimate level. I specialize mostly in the loop, which is where I live. I am most proud of the connections that I am able to make and share.
Speaking of connections, I am the co-founder of Women 2 Women Networking Group, with Sonia Faig, a fabulous friend and financial advisor. We both share the passion for connecting people, so we started this women group as a way to further connect and support other women in the community. The group has been running for an over a year now. Each meeting features a woman-owned business, organization or subject.
When I wear my artist hat, I get to work with so many creative souls. Collaboration is magical! Nothing can happen without the support and input of other people, at least in my practice. I am very proud of my latest show at Lawndale Art Center, Intersections and Interaction on Language which literally could never have happened without the active participation of people. I am also very proud of Las Girls Collective with Brenda Cruz-Wolf. We have made multiple site-specific performances and currently are exploring installation and live performance work. We are part of the Rec Room Residents this year as well as recipients of the HAA Let Creativity Happen Grant. There are also lots of new projects cooking for the future.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There are not enough words in the English language to describe my love for Houston (here’s the artist again).
I have described Houston in the past as the “nice guy” that you introduce to your single girlfriend after she asks “is he hot?”
Well people, no. Houston is not the hottest guy in the crowd. But it’s certainly the nicest and most interesting, that you get to fall in love with over time. See, what I love about this city is the kind and open people that live in it. The city is so diverse! Everything you want in life can be found here if you look for it.
I wish the city was a bit more walkable. But, it has gotten better since I’ve been here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etceterabsolutely.com
- Phone: 713-494-8170
- Email: antelodani@gmail.com
- Yelp: www.danirealtor.com
- Other: www.lasgirlscollective.com
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.
