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Meet Alvaro Plaza of Che Che Photography and Champions Sports Films in Energy Corridor

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Alvaro Plaza.

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 the son to a father whose profession was in real estate, and mother, who was a house wife. I became the first in my family to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali, Colombia.

Shortly after completing my degree, I came to the United States of America to pursue a better life for my wife and I, as we were expecting our first child, Sebastian. Upon my arrival in 1999 to the U.S., I wanted to continue my education in pursuit of a Master’s degree. Due to the financial obstacles with relocation to Los Angeles, California and expecting our first child, furthering my educational plans were placed on hold. I did not let any challenges hinder my dreams.

The first challenge for me was learning a second language. I attended Evans Adult School in downtown Los Angeles to learn the English language which was very intensive. Taking an English class five days a week with ten hours of homework weekly; balancing a family life with a new child, while working part-time as a bar tender, a cashier in a Latino supermarket, and a busboy for an Italian restaurant was overwhelming. During difficult times, I tend to find the silver-lining in all obstacles in my life. Having a limited visa status, working several jobs to provide for my family with limited funds, and taking an English class lead me to pursue entrepreneurship.

When I was working in the night club as a part time bar tender, I observed a guy selling Polaroid pictures. This idea lead me to start a company called Splendor Image LLC; providing photography and marketing services in restaurants and night clubs in Los Angeles. A year later after understanding the market, the company grew and was able to expand to upscale clientele.

Within eight years my clientele grew to more than 100,000 people. Some of the clientele includes The Golondrina Café, Camachos Cantina in Universal Studios, Circus Disco, Arena Café, and Cielito Lindo Restaurant (home of Grammy nominated Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Hose Hernandez) and Singer Ana Gabriel. Although I was working with upscale clientele, I was barely breaking even every month while living in Los Angeles.

With the rise of technology with smart phones and digital cameras, my photography business began to slow down. Due to the economic crisis in 2008, I felt it was time for a change. I received my permanent residency during that time and decided to relocate to Houston, Texas. Relocating to Houston was the best decision ever made.

Since 2008, shortly after my arrival in Houston, one of my good fiends introduced me to Houston United Soccer Club: the oldest soccer club in Houston. For seven years, I documented Houston United Sports activities with photography and digital videos. Incorporating my love for soccer, and photography was a huge opportunity.

Another one of my dreams was to pay it forward, or give back to the community. From 2009-2012, I began teaching in an elementary school in Fifth Ward from second to fourth grade. The stability of teaching helped me to purse my Master’s degree in Business in Administration, with emphasis on Entrepreneurship. I graduated in 2012 with my MBA and was awarded to work in the Oil and Gas industry. The organizations I was a part of were Halliburton, Siemens Power Generation, and Hess Corporation.

Continuing my passion for the art of photography, in 2015, I began another company called Cheche Photography, providing unique family portraits including pregnancy and infant photography. Although I was awarded with great opportunities, my passion for photography became stronger due to a recent lay off from the Oil and Gas industry in 2016. Six months later from the time of my layoff, I began another company called Champion Sports Films, providing services of recording sport games from ages five and up. Also, Champion Sports Films aim to provide high quality video to players for memories, analysis while improving individual and team performances.

In conclusion, I would like to expand my entrepreneurial skills in food trailer business, and maybe even a restaurant. The concept of entrepreneurship allows me to not only provide for my family, but become independent as well. Because of my strong faith and belief in the Lord, I know and believe I will continue to accomplish the plan laid out for me.

My only advice I would give to anyone who wants to pursue their dream in entrepreneurship, or any dream is to:

1. Keep God first and foremost in all your plans
2. Never give up
3. Never lose sight of your passion.
4. Keep dreaming and execute an action plan. Even if you fail, you will learn and will keep you improving for next time.

The most difficult thing is not trying to accomplish your dreams.

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?
The largest challenge for me was moving to another country almost 20 years ago and learning a second language. The second biggest challenge was being laid off while my wife is expecting our third child. With little finances coming in, it has been difficult updating some of my photography equipment in lieu of saving money to start a food trailer venture.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Che Che Photography and Champions Sports Films – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Champion Sports Films is a sports videography service placing emphasis on student athletes seeking an athletic scholarship, players can keep the memories and share them with family and friends. Also, we want athletes to see and analyze in the areas that may need improvement.

Cheche Photography provides photography services ranging in pregnancy and infant photography.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
To open a photography studio; and to open a Latino Food Trailer even a future restaurant. The food trailer business, it will consist of different Latin/Hispanic foods from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, and Peru.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Cheche Photography

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.

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