Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob and Donae Chramosta.
Rob and Donae, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my career working for my family business, an international marble and granite company. I would travel internationally buying and selling granite, which echoes what I am doing today. Only now I am traveling internationally to source the finest luxury pieces. About 10 years ago, I left the family business to pursue my passion for fashion and merged my business with my husband’s, creating The Vintage Contessa & Times Past. I come from an Italian heritage where family is incredibly important and a key part of who I am. We try to emphasize our family values and giving back to the community in everything we do, including our business.
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?
It’s so interesting to share our road to today. With every step forward, it was followed by two steps back. With every successful trunk show there were two horribly unsuccessful events we hosted immediately afterwards. It all comes down to grit and tenacity. You have to keep trying and putting yourself out there. You can’t quit.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Vintage Contessa & Times Past story. Tell us more about the business.
My husband and I created The Vintage Contessa & Times Past, which is an internationally recognized showroom based in the amazing city of Houston. We travel the world together, sourcing the most beautiful items which are 100% authentic and fabulous. We are truly committed to what we do, and therefore our showroom is the go-to place to find the best deals on luxury items in Houston. From estate jewelry, fine watches, designer handbags and accessories, GIA diamonds, rare coins, and antiquities from all over the world, our collection is well curated and everything has been carefully selected for our customers. I think that people are drawn to luxury items because of their long-lasting value. As a business, we are most proud of our collection because each piece we own tells a unique story and is sold to our customers at an honest value because building trust with our customers is so important. Personally, the relationships we have built through our business is something we are thankful for every day because it has provided us with the opportunity to give back to the community.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
Growing up, my mother was the most giving, generous, and sweet woman. My father was active in the community through leadership roles with charities. Given my upbringing, when I graduated from Texas A&M University, I joined the board for Catholic Charities, which was my first experience with charity. People are always surprised to know that I grew up hunting and fishing with my dad as a young girl. My passion for fashion and handbags also stemmed from my childhood. I remember my father, who is of Italian heritage, buying me token Gucci bags when he traveled to Italy on business. My family, heritage, and upbringing have shaped my business and who I am today. In addition to running my business, I am co-chairing the KNOW Autism gala in February, was named one of the Crime Stoppers 2017 Leading Women for Public Safety, and am involved with The Women’s Home. It’s important to help bring awareness to these issues.
Pricing:
- Vintage Chanel jewelry starting at $200
- Vintage Louis Vuitton wallets, handbags and accessories starting at $250
- Cartier jewelry starting at $1,000
- Rolex watches starting at $1,500
- Hermés Birkin and Kelly handbags starting at $4,000
Contact Info:
- Address: 622 Richmond Avenue #540
Houston, TX 77057 - Website: https://thevintagecontessa.com
- Phone: 713-977-7296
- Email: info@thevintagecontessa.com
Image Credit:
Daniel Ortiz; CKO Digital
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.
