Meet Patricia Gras of Love Smart Living Media (Gras Productions)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Gras.

Patricia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I became a journalist/video producer/reporter in 1988. I worked for Telemundo and eventually after a Masters in Journalism from Columbia University in NYC, I moved back to Houston to work for Houston PBS (now public media) Throughout my career I have had my own production company doing freelance work.

In 2012 I changed the name of the company based on a national show I had done on PBS called Living Smart which aired in over 100 stations. I wanted to continue the concept of Living Smart, making better choices, and finding better paths to happiness and joy. Thus the trademark Love Smart Living.

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?
It has never been a smooth road! but it is a fun one. There is nothing I love more than producing great uplifting stories. I believe the biggest challenge is finding the right clients who love and understand what you do. I have spent my life telling stories of extraordinary people. They have enriched my life as well as  the lives of my audience. I like to discover people who nobody knows but who quietly make the world a better place.

I believe the biggest struggle for creatives is managing money and finding clients. We tend to enjoy the creative process more than anything else but you must have a great business mind to succeed in this competitive field. I think failure is part of this. I have failed many times in different areas of life, but I persevere, learn and try again. I love my clients and they work closely with me. I always say two brains are better than one. We just have to find common ground.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Love Smart Living Media (Gras Productions) story. Tell us more about the business.
My company Love Smart Living Media is a video and TV production company. I am the executive producer which means I have to do a bit of everything. However, I work with the most incredibly talented team.

All are award-winning shooters, editors and writers. My editor has won almost 30 Emmy’s in his career, yet he is the kindest most generous person I have ever met!!! We specialize in great storytelling. Do you want to tell your life story or the story of your company? We do that very well. We find out what you need, who do you want to reach? What are your objectives? You would be surprised, not all companies or people are doing videos to make more money.

They want to be known for other reasons as well. What sets us apart from others I believe is our extensive experience. I work mostly with former public TV employees. When I do a commercial, I work with my former commercial TV friends. Most of us have over 20 years of broadcasting experience. We also work with young people who understand the new market. We understand it is faster, shorter and meaner!!!

What also sets us apart is that we come from an international background. I am completely bilingual and bicultural in Spanish. I also speak French, Italian and Catalan and have lived in many different countries. I am aware that we have to adapt to our clients. They don’t have to adapt to us. I am moving to Europe for a few months to work on a project there. I feel perfectly comfortable working abroad.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I truly believe luck appears when you are prepared for the task (in other words, you have experience) and you are open to opportunities. I am constantly looking for new opportunities but I also have to be prepared for them. I was just invited to a journalism fellowship in Colombia South America. I was able to go because of my background and experience.

As for bad luck, I don’t believe that when a door closes or you don’t get what you want, it is bad luck. We are not supposed to get everything we want. That’s a lie. We are supposed to know how to respond with a positive attitude when nothing goes our way. I have been there and believe me, it is hard. I cry and I move on. I realize I am already blessed and I believe God has something else for me in mind. As the song says. “You can’t always get what you wanna!” but that’s okay. Keep trying.

Contact Info:

• Address: 15 Greenway Pza 6C Houston TX 77046
• Website: www.LoveSmartLivingMedia.com
• Phone: 713 623 6766
• Email: Patti@loveSmartLivingMedia.com
• Instagram: patriciagras
• Facebook: patriciagras
• Twitter: patriciagras
• Other: LinkedIn: Patricia Gras

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