Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Roden and Joana Esteves.
Mark, Joana – please share your story with us.
JoMar Visions began in 2010 as the dream of its founders. Together we’ve grown from these beginnings of a single photography studio into a recognized art gallery, studios and event venue. Relocating in 2015 from downtown to the Northwest Crossing area, we have taken on an even larger role with a bigger venue, more studios and the drive to keep it all going.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We have certainly had our struggles. As with any business the road to success is not always smooth; there are many obstacles, any one of which has the potential to take you down if you don’t play it right. For instance, at the time of what seemed like a peak in our downtown location, we were given notice that the US Department of Transportation was going to widen the Elysian viaduct right into our footprint of the building. It greatly affected us and nearly took us down, but instead of folding it became an opportunity to spread our wings into the new location. Doors close, and then others open; that’s just how it is sometimes.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are all about art and helping local artists grow and find their way. By providing working studios we create a community of creative people who grow together and spread their ideas, at the same time having a place to display their work to the art loving public. We also run a gallery with several artists represented along with guest artists, all of whom are featured during our monthly open studios event. We love to see the comradery among such talented people and we strive to provide an environment rich in the fostering of new and innovative artistic ideas.
What were you like growing up?
Mark: I grew up in Texas, not far from Fort Worth in a small town. I’ve always enjoyed photography and I remember at a very young age being fascinated by my father’s super 8 video camera, which I eventually commandeered to make videos of the local neighborhood birds. I had a fairly normal young life, only occasionally getting into trouble (that I’ll admit to!).
I grew up watching my father paint, and I guess I got some of that talent or at least borrowed it. My first “day jobs” professionally were drafting jobs, so I became very good with the pencil. I’ve been mostly outgoing, but I do enjoy my quiet times as well. I would be suited just fine either in the middle of the action or on the barely discernible fringes of a party. I have always had a strong sense of ethics and have always strived to be fair in all of my dealings with people.
Joana: I was a very happy child, always playing around, singing, dancing, playing music, collecting drawings or paintings I would ask randomly from people in my life.
I have always been very joyful and creative, passionate for all arts and nature.
Music was something I started learning before I went to school to learn how to read and has been part of my life ever since. I started writing poems and songs since I was very young.
Even though I am now more focused on visual arts, I always try to find ways to create events where all the arts come together.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5247 Langfield Rd.,
Houston, TX 77040 - Website: Www.jomarvisions.com
- Phone: 832-474-3116
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/jomar.visions/
- Twitter: Www.twitter.com/jomarvisions
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/jomar-visions-studios-houston
- Other: Www.markrodenart.com
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.
