Meet Bereniz Velazquez | Graphic Designer, Business Woman and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bereniz Velazquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bereniz, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a little kid, seeing my dad whom was a tattoo artist and muralist, it always intrigued me to create amazing work. Ever since, my dream was to be in the creative field, of course as I got older I became familiar with the different branches that could be considered. The one that I felt the most connected too was Graphic Design. Being able to design visual art to represent, unity, peace, diversity and more through different types of design platforms brings me happiness and joy. When you are in the correct field you just know, you are passionate and it doesn’t get tiring, or it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like something you are happy with doing for the rest fo your life, whether you make good or bad income at the end of the day I am genuinely happy with what I do. I enjoy bringing awareness through art, helping businesses, helping people by bringing their visions to life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Starting to work at McDonald’s at a very young age, I started to really enjoy being able to make money for myself and provide for myself. My mom always taught me to make sure I can provide for myself because life comes with lots of surprises. When I left McDonald’s I started being interested in the hospitality business, I worked around various restaurants in Houston for about 5-6 years and not only made great connections and met amazing people but learned so many business tips that have helped me today. When the pandemic hit, I, like many other Houstonians lost my job along with my mother. I disliked being in fear of me or my mother not being able to pay rent or have food during does times. Not only that but, as everyone knows I can’t stand still, I love keeping myself busy and being productive. That is when I had the crazy idea of starting my graphic design/marketing business. I build it up from home with whatever I had handy, social media and my savings. I thought to myself, opening a business during a crisis probably isn’t the best idea, but god works in mysterious ways and when something is given to you it will always work its way. Thankfully I started with 3 clients, then 5, then 10, and now close to 20 and I’m only expanding more. When I started to see how this journey was going, I made the decision that my goal in life is to work for myself and not having to work for someone else. what exactly do I mean by that? As much as I love working for companies etc. and I learn a lot I have developed the mentality that being my own boss is what my goal in life is. I want to one day retire my mother, and grow my company enough to where having an extra job won’t be necessary. After 1-2 years of having my studio open, I came across an old colleague of mine whom worked with me at one of the restaurants a couple years ago. After connecting me with various restaurants around Houston we both decided to create a partnership and open a business. we opened up a business that both will provide design services for hospitality, and events along with catering and menu consulting. Yes, i know a lot of people tell me “your crazy” “I don’t know how you do it” ” how do you manage all of that” “how do you have time” etc. Being a full-time student, having a part time design internship, and running 2 businesses. Yes, it isn’t easy but this is me building my future, reaching for my goals, becoming more than what I am now, and inspiring others. When you want something, go get it, everything is possible, everything is all a matter if you want it and if you want to make the time and effort to achieve your dreams.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fun fact, I love food!! and I love culture!! I even have a food blog, where I freely upload amazing foods that I’m always trying around Houston and outside of Texas. If my best friend was visiting me for a whole week, I would definitely start by taking them to Tamshi. Tamashi has the best sushi and ramen I have ever had! it is such a tiny place but the service and food is so comforting. I would then take her to the museum district so we can both enjoy some amazing art in an amazing environment. If she wants to take a little adventure by trying different foods from around the world. Travelers table is my top tier dine-in, that has fresh, unique flavorful dishes. After lots of food, a walk around discovery green would be amazing, of course if Houston weather permits, because Houston weather is very bipolar. Lastly my favorite dessert spot, Amorino I literally go there myself every 2-3 weeks, so refreshing and delicious. I could keep writing a page of all the places I would go to, but I will save you all from a long reading haha.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I could have not made it this far in life if it wasn’t for y mother. My single mother who has played both roles of not only a mother but a father, mentor, best friend and of course my #1 supporter. She has seen me fail and succeed and through all of it she still reaches out to hold me by the hand and help me keep on moving. My mother has not given up on my crazy ideas, and financially has been the one to help me get through my education and be the women I am today. Even though my mother is my #1, i am thankful to have amazing grandparents whom from far away through the phone always take the time to listen to my adventures, my hard patches and my triumphs. They, along with my mother push me to be greater and always reach for more. Lastly, my partner. My partner has seen me break down, have my panic attacks, anxiety and all of the above haha. And even through thick and thin, he is still there helping me with not only emotional support through the bad days, but celebrating my great success on the good days. Thank you will never be enough to demonstrate all these individuals how grateful and blessed I am for having them in my life. Because without them, Bereniz wouldn’t be who she is today. Fierce, bold, strong, independent, hustler, creative, loving and kind.

Website: https://bereniztnvelazquez.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: smallstudio.htx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bereniz-velazquez-78666b169/

Other: second business IG: Savory.htx