Today 
we’d like to introduce you to Gloria and Hector Henry.
Gloria and Hector, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My husband and I started humbly in a small flea market booth in Houston, Texas. Then began attending festivals in 1993. We traveled all over the U.S. displaying our products. We sold products at music festivals, conferences, churches, and other gatherings. We also visited schools to display items of cultural significance such as books, clothing, and artifacts.
We then moved to our storefront in 2014 where we continue to sell culturally important products as well as have community service and educational events.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running our business was a lot of hard work! It was a challenge to finance inventory and having the time to create a perfect atmosphere to provide customers with the items they see on television or on the internet. We must innovate our purchasing process to find the exact items that reflect what we believe in and what the customers are looking for. Since our products are so niche, we must fine-tune how we sell. There is a lot of travel involved in going to places in the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of the U.S. to find products that are suggested by our customers because we are the store of the people.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Henry’s Place Africa’s Gifts – what should we know?
We are an Afrocentric retail store that specializes in African and Caribbean clothing, jewelry, health and beauty, home fragrances, and art. We are very proud of the support we get from the community and that we can give back. What sets us apart from is our personalized customer service and cultural selections at its finest.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everybody! We had the support of my family, friends, customers, and expert help in fields accounting, marketing, and other business services. I even have the help of my lovely grandchildren who model for me occasionally and are on some of our product labels. Sometimes we even have customers come in and dress some of our mannequins. It is a truly a group effort.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1020 Cypress Creek Parkway St. 10
Houston, TX 77050 - Website: http://henry-place-africas-gifts.business.site/
- Phone: 832-259-0779
- Email: koujamry@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/_henrysplace
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/henrysplacehouston
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.
