Today we’d like to introduce you to Marin Slanina.
Hi Marin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My career in hospitality began about 15 years ago – after operating many independently owned, small businesses, I knew I wanted to start my own venture of owning and operating my own space. During the midst of shut down in 2020, I had a lot of ‘free’ time on my hands, and only thought it was best to use this time to start my own restaurant & bar. Sounds super crazy, I know. But with the help of my business partners, we were able to pull it together in just a few short months and opened the doors of Star Sailor in December of 2020.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been the most challenging opportunity I have created for myself. It has also been the most fun, but there are daily hurdles and challenges that I face from the moment I get out of bed all the way until I burn the midnight oil. The connections I am making, the community Star Sailor is creating – are all worth the hard work and daily struggles of opening a hospitality-based business in the midst of a declining economy & global pandemic.
We’ve been impressed with Star Sailor, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Star Sailor is a 7-days-a-week hangout spot – that includes all the amenities of a restaurant, craft beer bar, retail shop, and event space. There is always something fun happening at Star Sailor, whether it’s a candle-making class, a wine tasting, a special food event paired w/ a watch party, even patio parties that benefit puppies! Plus live music and a daily kitchen menu that is out-of-this-world. I am very proud of the inclusive-safe-space Star Sailor has become in its very short months of being open. ‘Stella’s House’, as we call it, has become a neutral zone for all walks of life to coexists and have a great time. In Stella’s House, we support one another, the community, and strive to raise each other up.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity that is HTX & the acceptance in our culture to be creative and start something new and different. I least like that there is not more spotlight on HTX, its culture & supportive community for the rest of the world to share.
Contact Info:
- Email: marin@starsailorhtx.com
- Website: starsailorhtx.com
- Instagram: @star_sailor_htx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starsailorhtx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Star_sailor_htx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/star-sailor-houston-2
- Other: linktr.ee/starsailorhtx
Image Credits:
@Whatd_she_order
@Bubblebuie
