Diana Garza’s Dream Lights & Décor

Dream Lights and Décor opened its doors for business in April 2003.  The new enterprise, located in Mission, is owned and operated by Diana Garza.  It sells lighting fixtures and accessories to contractors as well as to walk-in clients. 

The business showcases decorative lighting, such as fluorescent tubes, fans, lanterns, tabletops, wall and ceiling lights, chandeliers, and other ornamental accessories.   

Finding herself out a job at the beginning of the year, Mrs. Garza decided to follow her dream and open Dream Lights. With ample management experience in this field of work and having worked for a lighting fixtures shop during the past 3 years, she decided to borrow a loan to begin her venture.

With an SBA loan in mind, Mrs. Garza compiled a business plan and loan package with the assistance of a Business Development Specialist at the Small Business Development Center, a component of CoSERVE, at The University of Texas—Pan American. Within a short time, she was able to obtain a direct loan.  With this capital and with the emotional support from her husband and his help in getting the location set-up for operation, Mrs. Garza was ready to open her shop for business in April of this year. 

Mrs. Garza feels she will have truly succeeded when she no longer has to worry about cash flow or when she has established a stable customer base to sustain the business. She notes that, with patience, Dream Lights will slowly grow. “Knowing how to take care of people will bring repeat customer,” she states. Mrs. Garza publicizes her business through word of mouth and supplements that with promotional fliers.

What she enjoys most about entrepreneurship is being her own boss. She notes “I am doing the same thing as before, but for myself and not for others.” And as for people thinking of starting their own ventures, Mrs. Garza suggests “to go ahead and do it,” but reminds them to carefully manage the financial part of their business.

Mrs. Garza does not expect to “get rich quick” but is satisfied with the business’ start and looks forward to achieving her goals.  With her experience in inventory management and book keeping, she feels she is well prepared to carry Dream Lights forward.

Dream Lights & Décor is located inside a mini-mall at the intersection of 495 and Shary Road at 2503 Griffin Parkway, Mission, Texas. For further information on the services offered by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), please call the SBDC 956.292.7535.  SBDC staff will be more than glad to answer any questions you have on starting and/or expanding a business venture.