Art & Autos

Anna Perez
Alvin, Texas
By: Vicki Rae


Anna is an excellent example of a woman who has taken her skills and talents and united them with her passion for the automotive industry. Having a passion in this industry along with other skills/ education, can really set you apart and give your business a competitive advantage. Here is Anna and how she combined her love for automotive & her skills as a talented artist & publisher.

What type of business do you own?

I am the CEO of 914 Grafix, FastHer, and High Octane Family. In the auto community I create digital art work for decals, tshirts, publications and more. I am also a photographer for many race events in the Houston area. 

914 Grafix

I started 914 Grafix because I was in school for graphic design and found that all my work revolved around cars. Simply put, cause that's what I know. I found this made me unique compared to many other students, and even more so in my area.

FastHer

In 2010 I created TBSS Ladies. It was a group of Trailblazer SS women drivers. It had grown and became a great source of information and support for many ladies. However over the past year I had noticed that it was dulling down. the age of teh trucks have caused many ladies to upgrade to newer vehicles. Many staying in the performance vehicle area. G8's, GTo's, Jeep SRT8's , Camaros and Mustangs. So that made them not so much a TBSS lady anymore. Not to mention the amazing women I was started to meet at the events I was attending and meeting on FB.

 In 2013 I knew i wanted to create a new group and expand my followers and promote women behind the wheel. Also the women that are just into the auto scene as the guys out there. I found a few pages that were somewhat what i wanted to do. But all were themed. Either Mustang girls, import girls or what ever. Only one other I found that really was open to ALL girls. So it took me a few months to come up with the name. But when it hit me, i knew it was time. Hence, Faster started in April 2014.

High Octane Family

I use my talents to create the new online magazine geared toward families in the car community. High Octane Family is a magazine concept that I started as a school project in 2013. I created the first demo using photos from events i attended and shop in 2013. I finished it like a full fledged printed magazine in January of 2014. It is a magazine that is more geared toward car FAMILIES. the ladies, the kids, the local events and track nights.

Not just professional car photo shoots talking about the car, the modifications and getting a hooker in heals to pose with it. I want to educate those that know nothing about our world to what we do. I want them to see the kids helping push dads car through the staging lanes. The teenage girls driving the car they built with their dad down the track kicking ass.The wifes that are cheering next to the burn out box. I want to show that we are not a bunch of heathens. We are a family...A retarded one at times...but a family


Did you have any mentors/ inspirations that sparked your interest in the industry?

I have been around cars my whole life. I never really thought about it though until I got older. My dad always took immaculate care of his C10 that he had for year. I got it when i was a senior in high school as a "punishment" when they took my car away. I think i shocked them when i told them to keep the car, i will keep the truck.

My dad had a large family and we would always go out together to eat or to the beach when i was a kid. Back in the 80's they all had bad ass rides and CB radios. So now that i look back at it, it was like our own car meet!

Then when i turned 16 I met my ex-husband (still best friends today) and he was into show trucks as well. Over the years we morphed into the race scene around 1997. Going to illegal street races in Houston and Galveston. Running from the cops. Some real Fast and the furious stuff.

As we got older he got more responsible (not much) and started going to the track. We have raised our two kids in the car community. My son could name every car he saw on the road before he was 10. My daughter isn't as interested, but i have a feeling she will surprise us some day.

What are your goals in the industry?

I want to be the go to person when it comes to creativity and automotive. I want to be a known name in the automotive industry, particularly the performance end, as the top women in photography, publishing, marketing and design.

Known to empower women behind the wheel with encouragement and attention. Showing the world the game is no longer men owned.

What would you like to see in the future of women in the industry?

Equal respect. Just as many women on the track as men.

What would be your words for advice for someone looking to start a business in the industry?

Have nerves of steel, understand your clients and the field, if it's what u love stick to it. Remember not everyone is going to "get it" teach them.

What is your dream vehicle?

Alpha romeo....the the Americanized one.


In every industry, what "makes you" is what sets you apart from everyone else. Don't be afraid to let your passions take over even if they may not be conventional or accepted right away. Push the envelope and break new ground. And always remember, anything that is worth something is not going to be easy. If it is something you believe in, stick with it, hard work will always pay off.

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