Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Yannone, Romina Moscoso, Juliana Kenj and Julieta de Cara.
Dana Yannone, Romina Moscoso, Julieta de Cara and Juliana Kenj are the owners of Abrakadoodle Katy and Abrakadoodle West Greater Houston. Since 2016 they have been bringing award-winning creative, mobile art programs to benefit children and adults in their community. Abrakadoodle brand started in Katy back in 2013 and since they took over, they have had an outstanding performance in that area. West Greater Houston started operating in 2017 and it has been growing every year since then.
All four entrepreneurial working mothers have resided in Houston for at least 12 years and share in common not only a passion for art, children and education but also a Latin heritage. With a goal of making a difference in their Houston community, they established a wide range of art programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, in-school field trips, special events and arty parties delivered at daycares, schools, community centers, and other sites that serve children. Abrakadoodle also offers creative art programs, social art parties and events through its Art Splash program, which is designed specifically for adults.
Dana Yannone is an Architect by background and has been working as a professional photographer for the past nine years. She spent a few years in Romania while touring Europe doing photography exhibitions. During her time in Romania, Dana’s photography was part of three books about Romania benefiting several charity organizations. “This was very important to me,” Dana commented, “because I have enjoyed helping people through my art.” Dana loves art and working with kids. As an Educational Director, she is responsible for art class planning and materials management. Dana has two boys. She said, “We are mothers, professionals and most importantly friends, and together, we are building a business that also supports our community and personal goals.”
Romina Moscoso is a CPA and has worked in the auditing field for many years both in Argentina and in Houston. She left Argentina with her husband in 2004, after a few years, Romina and her family moved to London for a year and have lived in Houston ever since. She has two daughters. Ms. Moscoso said, “I always loved art in all of its expressions and looked for different ways to combine this passion with my ‘numbers’ background.” She explained, “That’s why I have many hobbies connected with art. I have been a dancer, and I love teaching kids and also have a strong passion for photography, Seven years ago, Romina was diagnosed with breast cancer. “My whole life changed,” she remarked and added, “You realize what is truly important, and since then, I have been looking for different ways of going back to work without having to compromise my family time. That is when I discovered Abrakadoodle, which made me realize that I can have a great family-work balance and reconnect with my background at the same time.”
With a degree in Sociology, Julieta de Cara moved to Houston in 2005 due to her husband’s career. She applies her experience in human resources to benefit her business. She spent about ten years working with kids in a nonprofit organization dedicated to prevent child abuse and neglect. Julieta wanted to combine her business experience and belief in high-quality art education programs to help build a strong, community-centered business. She is married with three children and loves her family time and running a business that helps shape a well-balanced lifestyle.
Juliana Kenj is originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. She graduated in Dentistry and dedicated most of her career to her private practice. In 2006, Juliana’s husband was transferred by his company from Brazil to the U.S and she saw this as a great opportunity for gaining international experience in many different areas. “From my personal standpoint, I viewed this as a chance to further expand my knowledge in a variety of ways in a new career”, said Juliana. Since arriving in the US, she has worked at different companies, including the Institute of International Education helping students abroad to reach their goals towards a good education. Juliana has always loved art, and when she found Abrakadoodle she was certain it was the right business for her. “I am confident that my work experience within different fields along with my passion for art lead me to achieve the success with Abrakadoodle,” she stated. Juliana and her husband have two children and have been living in Houston area since they moved to USA.
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the most significant challenges we faced since we bought the business was Hurricane Harvey. The storm personally affected us and impacted our ability to provide our services since schools were closed and Houstonians were struggling. There are many challenges involved in a new business, but we can overcome all of them and provide an outstanding program to our community.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Abrakadoodle – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sterling, Va-based Abrakadoodle (www.abrakadoodle.com) was co-founded in 2002 by award-winning educator/ franchise developers Mary Rogers, CFE, MA (retired) and Rosemarie Harnett, CFE, President. Abrakadoodle is the most comprehensive creativity and art education company of its kind, offering extensive visual arts classes, camps and parties for children ages 20 months old-12 years old at locations across U.S. and in several international locations. Abrakadoodle’s programs inspire children’s imagination by immersing them in such art forms as painting, sculpting, drawing, mosaics, collage, stamping, anime, paper & fabric art and much more at schools and other community locations. Abrakadoodle’s Art Splash program features creative art parties and events designed for adult “artventures”.
We are very proud of Abrakadoodle’s philosophy of “Process Art, which emphasizes the “process” of making art rather than any predetermined composition. With this in mind, our program focuses extensively on creativity and is always encouraging and nonjudgmental. All participants feel supported and empowered to discover art, build skills and enjoy the confidence that is natural for ‘makers”. With more than 1.700 unique art lessons, Abrakadoodle is a powerhouse in visual arts education. Among the factors that set us apart is that Abrakadoodle exceeds National Standards for Visual Arts Education. We celebrate the uniqueness of each student!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Pros about Houston: A city characterized by diversity with a strong economy related to oil and gas and health care business. Houston is a city that offers a high standard living at a relatively low cost. Many cultural backgrounds coexist making a plural city and very tolerant enriched by multiple ways of cultural expressions.
Cons: Sprawling city with long driving distances, car-dependent with not many walkable areas. Houston is behind on its public transportation system but it’s made improvement effort recently.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abrakadoodle.com
- Phone: 832-348-9257 / 832-243-2578
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: AbrakadoodleWestGreaterHouston, Abrakadoodlekaty_westhouston
- Facebook: @
abrakadoodlewestgreaterhouston, @abrakadoodlekaty
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