Meet DeMarco Howard | Owner & Founder

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

Hi DeMarco, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
From an early age I knew I wanted to have a business of my own. After working for other dance studios in Abilene, Texas and Missouri City, Texas, I knew there had to be a way to combine all the great things that I experienced at one studio while avoiding the not so great things witnessed at another. I wanted to create a fun and educational space for the entire family to come and express their creativity. Each student that walks through the door is greeted with a kind face to make sure they know someone truly cares about them. Starting a business came from following a passion and finding different programs that give our kids what they need to succeed and be creative is definitely our passion. We’re exceptionally lucky to earn a living doing something we love so much!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As the largest aerial and circus arts studios in Houston, Texas, we pride ourselves in offering a variety of disciplines that includes aerial arts as well as wall running, hand balancing, tumbling, dance, contortion, conditioning and much more!  Our staff provides entertaining material while keeping safety in the forefront. I personally entered this business as a student. My wife decided one day she was going to take an aerial class so I decided to join her and we took classes together for 4 years. Soon after we took a break and had our first child, we got a call from the owner asking us if we would be interested in taking ownership and soon after, The Artz Houston was open for business. The previous business was struggling and we’ve managed to grow on a consistent basis to now offer a kids program that’s the biggest in the city. Transforming the business took an incredible amount of work and a lot of effort from our team. While developing a new brand in the shadows of the old company that was here, we had to create an awareness that things would be different. We had to rebuild the business from the ground up and make it known to others that the aerial community would be better with our new approach to circus. Our brand stands for family, community and cre8tivity. We put our heart and soul into everything we do and know for a fact that we are nothing without our amazing community and all the learning experiences they provide us as a business.

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?
There are SO many great places to visit in Houston! From the food to the festivals, farmer’s markets and fun, there’s an endless array of options for everyone. The Heights has tons of walking and biking paths, Hermann Park houses the Houston Zoo, Botanical and Japanese Gardens and happens to be right in the middle of the museum district. We always recommend going and grabbing some local grub, scope out a museum or the zoo, grab a smoothie and come get in the air!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without the support of the people who introduced me to the skills and thrills of what I do everyday, I would be stuck behind a desk doing something I had no passion for. Monica Josette was my very first dance teacher! For the times I spent in sparkly purple and silver sequins, (although itchy) was an unforgettable experience. I had to learn how to move my body in a creative way and with control. Teri Wilkerson changed my life forever,  pushing me to explore how to teach, encouraging me to develop different aspects of programs, trusting me to lead when others had their doubts. To this day, hands down the best teacher and mentor I have ever had. Emma Foster, who introduced the world of aerial to me in a way that challenged me to want more and forced me to come back week after week. She sparked a fire in me that remains lit until this very day. Lori Rutledge gave me the confidence to go after being the absolute best that I could be. She continues to push me on a regular basis. Charles Howard, Gwen Howard, Terry Strauder, and Marcella Strauder are the best group of people a guy could ask for when it comes to advice, support and just being able to look out for our family and our business. And last but certainly not the least, my wife Tara Howard. She is the biggest support system I have and without her, our business would not be where it is today. She constantly goes above and beyond, putting in over-time to make sure we stay afloat. To these men and women, I thank you. You’ve made me what I am today so that I could make our business what it is.

Website: www.theartz8.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartzhouston/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theartz8
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartzhouston
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwS0qFrwOoVg9ejRsrfkvCw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Cre8tive Interpretation, LLC