Ernestine Valadez has written two self published books on her family and success and is working on a third. Staff Photo
Ernestine Valadez, 79, is no stranger to hard work. Both of her parents grew up during the Depression and instilled a strong work ethic and solid values in their children.
When asked what motivates her to succeed, the co-owner and manager of Academy Window Coverings Co. in Corpus Christi said, “Growing up very, very poor and seeing my father work three jobs to support his whole family.”
Valadez and her husband, Richard, wanted to provide a good life for their family as well. When the couple bought Academy Window Coverings, it had already gone out of business six times. They had to purchase all of their own supplies with cash and work long hours. After five years of struggle and perseverance, they began to earn a profit and are still in business 55 years later.
“Through our faith and with my husband and business partner and our children working together — all united — everything is surmountable,” Valadez said.
While Valadez has achieved success in business, the accomplishment of which she is most proud is her family. She has been married to her husband for 60 years and has six sons, one daughter, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
“With the support of my husband, I have raised a beautiful and wonderful family,” she said.
To share her family’s story with others, Valadez wrote “Success and Survival in the Family Business,” a self-published book.
“I wrote this family business book to give my family some insight about my life and business experiences and the wonderful memories those experiences produced,” she wrote in the book’s opening pages. “Success and Survival in the Family Business” is one of two self-published books she has written. She is currently working on a third.
Valadez wrote the books as informative resources and encouragement for friends and community members who have expressed interest in the family business, she said. Her literary work has earned her an award from the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas.
Valadez moved to Corpus Christi in 1959, when her husband was transferred for a job, and has enjoyed living in the city ever since.
“We were eager to move here because of the beaches and fishing,” Valadez said. “It is a small city but a very sufficient city. Corpus Christi has everything one would need or want.”
In addition to running her business, Valadez enjoys reading, writing and gardening. She is also an active member of St. Phillip’s Catholic Church.
“I enjoy working every minute of every day,” Valadez told Corpus Christi Business News. “Working with my customers is my therapy. Visiting with customers and helping them to choose their perfect window covering.”
Ernestine Valadez
Academy Window Coverings Co. Inc.
4303 SPID (Between Weber and Everhart)
Corpus Christi
361-852-6088
