Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovanna Gabuzzi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began working in the Houston nightlife industry back in 2012/2013. Started as a bartender at private events and well-known bars, then I became a VIP host at Cle Houston when they first opened. I made a real effort to expand my network and became well-known in the bottle service/VIP experience space. I quickly outgrew my position and decided to begin creating my own events and experiences. I went off on my own and threw different parties around town (“Aqua” at Aloft hotel rooftop pool, Nuance44 electronic music events, “Rumba: by the pool, Macarena Latin Vibes). After pandemic, I decided to start from scratch another 2 concepts that are now extremely successful in Houston: The Tuluminati (exclusive Tulum-inspired experience with electronic music DJs and a tropical ambiance) & Canela Candela (elevated Latin experience with reggaeton and Latin pop tunes). I am originally from Mexico City, and I am always striving to bring some of that essence to Houston. In both concepts, we have created safe spaces to connect, dance and enjoy. Every event, you can appreciate the feeling of being elsewhere, not in Texas, and that is what we strive for, to take you on a mystical and magical journey.
Follow us on social media @the.tuluminati @canelacandelahtx @gluwealth
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth ride, and it has been extremely challenging to position myself as the “glu” (glue/plug) in a man’s space. I was one of the first if not the first ever woman promoter that reached a certain status in the industry and I am extremely proud of my hard work and persistence into getting there. As a minority and a woman, most people don’t take you seriously until proven otherwise. It took years to prove myself and earn my place, but I never stopped believing in my potential and my conviction. I pushed myself day in and day out to make new connections and think of ways to best position myself to be of service. In time, people began recognizing my work ethic, transparency, and confidence and consistently returned to seek my services. Word of mouth spread across the US and Mexico and I now hold a 10K+ list of international contacts who reach out to me every time they touch down in Houston. I am so grateful for my past experiences, positive or negative because it made me who I am today. I am honored to be in the position to connect people, venues, and services across various platforms and create a better life experience for my contacts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I am an extremely curious and versatile individual. I am constantly pushing my own limits and questioning my beliefs. I have a very creative side where my outlet is usually the events and experiences I create with my teams as entertainment (@The.Tuluminati & @CanelaCandelahtx). Life is a balance between “working hard and playing hard.”
I also work hard since I am always absorbing new information and asking myself how can I improve my life experience. Last year, I created another space called “Glu Wealth” (because I am the glue between intention and impact). I decided to elevate my skills and got licensed in Texas to teach millennials and their families how wealth works in America and how to prepare for their financial future. I am a firm believer in adding value to other people’s lives is my main purpose.
I love being able to live my purpose in both realms and having the freedom to create my own reality from a place of abundance and clarity.
What were you like growing up?
I am originally from Mexico City. I was born and raised there and moved to Houston when I was 14 years old. My mother is Cuban, and my father is Italian, but I am PROUD to be Mexican! Growing up, I hung out mainly with boys as I am an avid soccer fan. Started playing the sport since I was 8 years old, and I continue to play today.
It was extremely challenging moving schools and making new friends and learning a new language all at once. I found myself always seeking a soccer ball, and that is what open doors for me to new experiences and made me feel at home.
I graduated from UH in 2015 with a degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management and went on to work in the food and beverage space. At the same time, I played semi-professional soccer for the Houston Aces before I became injured and had to find a new passion.
Shortly after my injury, I founded my first business “Marteana Tea Company” and made a national television debut in the show “Billion Dollar Buyer.” Pandemic put a big pause on that project, but I still have plans to launch my tea brand in the near future.
I have always leaned into my entrepreneurial skills, and I became managing partner of a small burger joint in EaDo called “Buns & Drafts,” which I began and developed in 2020. Pandemic put another big pause on that project, and I was able to rescue it and operate it until 2023 when I sold it to dedicate my full time into Tuluminati, Canela Candela, and Glu Wealth. Let’s see where life takes us now! Excited to see what else the future holds for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gamma.app/docs/Glu-Wealth-5jsr22o2w4j19qr
- Instagram: @giotheglu
Image Credits
The Tuluminati
Glu Wealth
