Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Tabbah.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jacqueline. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated Loyola University New Orleans in 2008 and shortly after started working “temporarily” for my father, Rawi Tabbah at his company, International Stoneworks, Inc. My first task was to simply answer phones; however, my curiosity and passion for stone care and maintenance drove me. After completely re-vamping all online material and creating a social media campaign, I think my father realized how much I loved the company. Today, I am Vice President. I have a hand in just about all aspects of the business, from estimating jobs to shipping stone care products. I feel truly honored that I get to work in a business that my father built from the ground up.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am a woman working in a man’s world in the stone industry, but I have turned this obstacle into my advantage. I embrace being a minority in a male-driven industry and I celebrate my individuality.
We provide stone restoration services to commercial and residential customers and I am able to relate to female property managers and homeowners. I also want my voice heard in the stone business, so I write a blog, “Written In Stone” where I discuss topics ranging from how to care for your marble kitchen to how to polish a ceramic tile floor.
My advice to other young women would be to find your strength and use this skill to set yourself apart. Also, I recommend joining industry organizations. I am on the steering committee for Women In Stone and they are such a supportive group.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about International Stoneworks, Inc. – what should we know?
International Stoneworks was established in 1982 by my father, Rawi Tabbah. We restore and maintain natural stone surfaces: we can hone and polish marble kitchens and showers as well as refinish stone lobby floors.
Many Texas buildings and homes have used International Stoneworks to clean, restore and protect natural stones such as marble, travertine, granite, slate, limestone, terrazzo and other natural stones.
We also sell safe and efficient stone care products in order for clients to maintain their stone investments.
I am most proud that we are a family business that offers a unique service. We preserve and beautify one of Mother Nature’s most stunning materials, stone.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
It can be intimidating being the only woman on a panel or in a meeting, not to mention that I am only five feet tall and look younger as well. I find that I constantly have to prove myself. However, stone care is my passion and I am prepared to work harder. I want to make a difference in the stone industry and I am willing to put forth that effort.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8650 Fairbanks N Houston
Houston, Texas 77064 - Website: www.intlstoneworks.com
- Phone: 713-956-8291
- Email: jjtabbah@intlstoneworks.com
- Instagram: @intl_stoneworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intlstoneworks/
- Twitter: @intlstoneworks
- Other: https://intlstoneworks.com/blog/
Image Credit:
Jacqueline Tabbah, International Stoneworks, Inc.
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.
