Building a career from our pipe dreams can seem like castles in the sky, however, I was excited to chat with 3 inspirational men who have succeeded in doing just that, exceptionally well!
Derrick Spain’s electric blue Harley sits in the courtyard of his “Reclaimed Leather”, store in Old Town Spring, accessed through a heavy fortress door we step back in time to the aroma of real wood and leather, it’s like entering a hidden speakeasy. With a penchant for British antiques, and a particular love of the Chesterfield sofa, Derrick has created an intriguing business with an old-school twist. Having a naturally strong design aesthetic, his vignettes presented around the store, are comparable to a luxury interior atelier. A Le Corbusier cow hide chair sits quietly, while a rare, refurbished green leather porter’s chair guards the entrance. Each piece has its own story and Derrick knows everyone.
Derrick was fascinated by antiques from an early age and became a dumpster diver from the grand age of 10, filling the home garage with “junk” which he resold for a profit, it was the beginning of something wonderful!
When a Chesterfield arrives, the restoration begins. After reworking the padding and legs, Derrick refinishes the original leather with his magic touch! Nicknamed “The Leather King” by his UK supplier, he has honed his craft to an exemplary level. After experimenting with hand dying, he eventually trained overseas in leather refinishing. Achieving the intensity of color on a piece is an acquired skill, these button-backed sofas have an aged depth of color around the button indentations, which is difficult to execute. Popular colors move with the trends, but traditional emeralds, reds, blues and browns remain in constant favor. Using the original leather keeps a soft smooth feel, but with a strong resilient finish.
Matthew McConaughey was recently interviewed in a Reclaimed Leather chair, and some were also featured in the TV drama, “The Blacklist”. Jesse James from “West Coast Choppers” is a regular client.
As well as the Old Town Spring location at 209 Midway, Reclaimed Leather also has an online store at www.reclaimedleather.com.
Eric Williams is a musician, a teacher and previously, a music therapist. Along with his wife, Robin, also a musician, Eric is the founder and owner of Arbor Music in Magnolia, a quaint country ranch with a front porch where music is key. Every second Saturday, Arbor Music students and music lovers alike gather to partake in an “Acoustic Jam” session, where they can appreciate each other’s skills and jam together. With lessons available in piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, banjo, voice, drums and bass, this is quite the event!
So how did it all begin?
When Eric William’s mother drew a keyboard inside a drawer as a child it was an indication of her passion and future, for herself and for future generations! She was lucky enough to attend music lessons from an early age, she then went on to earn her music degree and teach. Eric's father shared her passion and enjoyed singing and playing guitar, he taught Eric his first chords. Growing up in a home surrounded by music, from opera and classical to bluegrass and folk, Eric naturally continued this passion. The Williams adult children are, of course, musicians too, their daughter is an opera singer and teaches at Arbor Music and their singer, songwriter son has 3 digital albums under his belt.
Music is a skill we can learn and love, it’s relaxing and social, and it’s a means of expressing ourselves. Eric's previous music therapy sessions would help clients with anxiety and other mental health issues. Music can be life-changing, and many adults attend lessons at the facility, you’re never too old! An elderly gentleman student of Erics didn’t play a note until retirement, now 80 years old he travels the country attending bluegrass festivals and jam sessions. It has given him, and his wife, also a music student, a new lease of life. It’s never too late to discover your inner Renaissance man (or woman)!
Find out more at www.arbormusic.com
Having a naturally caring and warmhearted nature has resulted in Chef Faysal Haddad owning 6 successful Island Grill restaurants in the Houston area. These wonderful eateries offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and are open from 7am until 9pm daily.
Originally from Damascus, Syria, Faysal has lived in Houston since 1981, the food he serves is partially inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, with a pinch of American fusion. The ethos of using superior ingredients has been of utmost importance since day 1 of Island Grill. Flour containing less gluten is sourced from Italy, as well as first press EVOO. Chef Faysal uses the freshest seafood, wild cod fish and gulf shrimp, never farmed, and the hummus is made completely from scratch! These great ingredients mean that the menu is healthy across the board, there’s a superb selection for kids as well as those with specific dietary requirements, meaning that every member of the family can eat here and eat well. Did you know that when you order from the “fresh squeezed and pressed juice” menu, your juice is prepared right in front of you?
Family is important to Island Grill, Faysal and his wife Maria, are both at the helm and their children are now part of the day to day running of events. Loyal clients who have supported the restaurants over the years have become extended family, clients who previously dined there as children, return to dine with their own children, it’s an experience for all generations. Famous Houston clients have included President George Bush and First Lady Barbara, as well as countless political and sports personalities; J.J. Watt ate here every day for a while! Island Grill also operates an extensive catering service, providing food for private events in the medical, oil and gas, and legal fields, for university sports teams and countless other special occasions.
When asked about the secret to his success Chef Faysal simply said “To treat people as you want to be treated”, I can’t agree more.
Check out islandgrillhouston.com for its extensive menu and story!
We celebrate the persistence and determination of these hard-working men, their well-earned success, and the richness they bring to our community!