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

Hi Ismael, what do you want your legacy to be?
The legacy behind the brand name and its story, “I&M Creative Legacy”, stands as its own explanation for what I hope may be long lasting and something for others to remember me by. When I look back on the origins of the business, I can’t help but genuinely feel thankful for the passion and pain that molded the business in it’s truest form. When my father, Jose Alvarez, passed away in December 2018, this rocked our family to it’s core, especially considering how much of a supportive and leadership role he had in our lives. Remembering the strength and positive influence he resonated to myself and my brother, Marco, I felt compelled to honor his life by creating a legacy in his name and our family. My mother and co-owner, Laurie Nunez, seized an opportunity to utilize available assets that helped fund the venue and equipment for the business. Since his house was no longer occupied, my mother and I decided to renovate it entirely and come together in 2020 to open its doors to the public in Grand Prairie, TX. Without the significant role and dynamic planning organized by my mother, I couldn’t say for certain if the business would be where it stands today. Just as my father was loved and cherished, this serves as an explanation of how I would want my friends and family to remember me as.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Let me start from an excerpt out of our business page. “Always remember that even on your toughest day, you will always have family willing and able to lend a hand, an ear or even just a hug.” — Jose Alberto Alvarez
I&M Creative Legacy was surely not something planned in a matter of years, but an opportunity established on the foundation of a significant loss. My father, Jose, was a man who stood on principles of family, honor and courage in the face of obstacles placed along life. At the time of his sudden passing, I was still a college student at Sam Houston State University, as well as my brother at Dallas Baptist University. Both of us realized that while our lives were change dramatically, we reflected on the lessons our father instilled into us regarding family. Our mother, Laurie, knew how much creating a legacy meant for my father and decided to pursue an avenue that would surely make his presence known. The business at first, was mostly digital creation and social media branding, not certain of how a business is formally authenticated and established. Fast forward to 2020, I’m now finishing Basic Officer Leadership Course at Ft. Lee, VA for the U.S. Army, my mother had just concluded the last of the necessary documentation to formally brand our business, I&M Creative Legacy. When I realized was the name truly meant, I swelled with pride knowing that my father’s memory and our family stood together to create a unique image. Our purpose today serves to uplift other like-minded individuals and creative thinkers to be seen for their work, but also the passion outside of the camera lens. Outlining a storyboard is one thing, but to paint the picture with visual articulation and context is what makes our brand distinctive. My mother thoroughly formulated a plan to garner clientele in the North Texas region and expand over time, meticulously testing the waters and gaining a larger audience. Overcoming the obstacles along the way was by far some of the hardest. Without the guidance and love from my mother and family members, I would not be here telling our story today. I can say with absolute certainty the process was profoundly molding and served as a focal point towards learning to accept losses and create avenues of opportunity. To those reading this story, understand that you will struggle and surely face losses of your own if you want to consider starting a business, but remember your support pillars, trust in your passion and know you’re never alone.

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?
Beto and Son’s is definitely a must. Their acclaimed nitrogen-based margaritas and home-cooked Mexican food is both a delicacy and memorable. Visiting Klyde Warren Park puts you in the heart of Downtown Dallas, along with a variety of restaurants and sites in walking distance.
In the Northern part of Texas has Texas Tulips, truly a sight to behold for its beauty and color.
Soiree Coffee has some of the best coffee in the Trinity Groves area I feel would satisfy even the most particular coffee drinkers.
Rey’s Restaurant, owned by one of my closest friends, is also a prominent family owned business to wind down the evening surrounded by friends and live music.
Cultural Arts and events hosted by the City of Dallas rotates it’s roster weekly, each time promoting rising stars and creative thinkers.
Monarch captures a 360 view of Dallas and has some of the best steak in the area.
Alamo Cinema promotes the latest movies in its tavern-style theater that anyone would enjoy on a weekend evening.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Christy Ibarra and her fiance, Felipe Rojas, owners of Sunflare Creations, two of the most down to earth and loving souls to be friends with.

My maintenance crew and family, Marcus Bass, Perla Rebolloso and Carneisha Daniels. Definitely some of the hardest working and supportive individuals I have the privilege to call my closest friends.

My mother and co-owner, Laurie Nunez. She truly is the strongest and articulate woman I love and thank every day for the lessons and guidance instilled internally.

The Book, “Can’t Hurt Me”, by David Goggins, has surely played a role to capitalize on the vision of self-development and goal-setting.

My father, Jose Alvarez, although no longer here, taught me priceless lessons of being a man’s man and recalling the significance of family and stepping up to the plate when offering help to others.

Website: https://www.imcreativelegacy.com

Instagram: imcreativelegacy

Linkedin: Laurie Nunez; Ismael Alvarez

Facebook: I&M Creative Legacy

Image Credits
Image Credits to Laurie Nunez Photography Co.

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