Today we’d like to introduce you to Marin Slanina
Hi Marin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Star Sailor, the brainchild of Marin Slanina, has spent her career in the hospitality industry. She was running the floor at Urban South Brewery, but Covid-19 changed her direction. Without a taproom to manage, Slanina decided it was time to set out with her own concept. Star Sailor, she says, is the combination of all of her passions, perfectly aligned for a time when she feels people are craving a small and safe space to see people and enjoy the small things in life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Star Sailor has been through probably every single hurdle you could think of being a small business in the City of Houston. From burglaries and theft, hurricane flooding, power outages from storms, lack of access to capital, and ebbs and flows of sales in a declining economy. However, we are still standing, the lights are on, the coolers have beers in them, and our kitchen is stocked. The cherry on top, we have a dedicated team that shows up every day with a positive and creative outlook to tackle obstacles head-on to ensure continued success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Star Sailor. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Star Sailor is an all-inclusive restaurant that also provides space for gatherings, celebrations, or just a relaxing setting to enjoy a meal as a home away from home. Plus, there is a small patio out front and a narrow area on the side of the building that houses a custom mural by local artist, Nicky Davis. When the work day ends, Star Sailor takes on more of that party/bar scene with TVs and a digital TouchTunes jukebox.
The location includes multiple outlets and USB ports for plugging in devices. A casual menu helmed by Miranda Quintanilla that has mouth-watering Smashburgers, Cuban sandwiches with house-marinated and smoked meats, in-house crafted salty snacks, plus vegan, vegetarian, & gluten-free options, all designed to refuel customers.
Naturally, craft beer takes a center stage with offerings from local breweries like Great Heights, Equal Parts, Holler, and many others. House wine, coffee, mocktails, and elevated beverages are also available for all walks of life.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable with anyone or anything can be challenging. However, starting a small business venture is the most vulnerable state any one person will experience. When it comes to confiding in a mentor – it is no different than taking the leap into opening a small business. Utilizing resources in your community, like a chamber of commerce, can be beneficial in accessing these resources and making connections with folks you grow close to and in turn, can lead into an easily accessible mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://starsailorhtx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/star_sailor_htx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starsailorhtx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/star-sailor-houston-2
- Other: https://untappd.com/v/star-sailor-htx/
