Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Cortez.
Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2021, my husband Estefan and I opened the Texas Violin Shop in Leon Valley, Texas. With a modest bench and a lot of passion, we welcomed anyone looking for a quality instrument or a little help bringing theirs back to life.
As more musicians found us, we moved to Converse in 2022, where our community grew faster than we ever imagined. Soon, our space couldn’t keep up.
In May 2025, we opened our current storefront in Universal City. It instantly felt like home—a place where students, professionals, and families gather to explore music, learn, and find their perfect sound.
What began as a dream in a tiny workshop has become a vibrant, supportive community—and we’re grateful for every note played along the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. When we first opened in 2021, we were working with limited space, a small budget, and very little name recognition. Building trust in a niche craft like violin repair took time, and there were moments when we weren’t sure if the community would find us.
Each move brought new challenges—packing up our entire workshop, rebuilding our customer base, and learning to navigate unfamiliar areas. Growing during changing economic conditions was stressful, and there were long days when Estefan and I wore every hat: luthier, accountant, marketer, and customer service.
But every challenge helped us grow. Each relocation brought us closer to the space and community we have today. The struggles taught us resilience, strengthened our skills, and reminded us why we started: to serve musicians with honesty, craftsmanship, and heart.
We’ve been impressed with Texas Violin Shop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At the Texas Violin Shop, my husband Estefan and I specialize in string instrument sales, repairs, and maintenance, with a primary focus on violins, violas, cellos and basses. Whether someone comes in to purchase their very first instrument or to restore a cherished heirloom, we take pride in offering thoughtful guidance and high-quality craftsmanship.
What we’re best known for is the Texas Violin Difference: we treat every customer with respect, no matter their experience level, and we don’t just sell instruments—we educate. We believe musicians play their best when they understand their instrument, so we take time to explain setup, care, and options in a way that’s approachable and empowering. Our goal is for each person to walk out feeling confident, informed, and excited about their musical journey.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. We’ve created a space where students, parents, and professionals alike feel welcomed and supported. It’s incredibly rewarding to see customers return not just because they trust our work, but because they feel at home with us. That personal connection, paired with our dedication to honest, skilled craftsmanship, is what sets us apart—and it’s why we love what we do.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest about working at the Texas Violin Shop is the chance to bring instruments—and the people who love them—back to life. As a luthier, there’s nothing quite like hearing the first note from a violin I’ve just repaired or adjusted. Knowing that my hands helped restore its voice is deeply rewarding.
I also love connecting with customers. Every instrument that comes through our shop carries a story, whether it belongs to a young student or a seasoned player. Being trusted to care for something so meaningful is an honor, and guiding people through repairs or upgrades helps them feel more confident in their musical journey.
Most of all, I’m happy knowing that our shop is a space where musicians feel supported. Seeing a student’s excitement when their violin sounds clearer than ever—or a parent’s relief when a beloved instrument is repaired—reminds me why I do this work. It’s the blend of craftsmanship, community, and music that makes every day fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texasviolinshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasviolinshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasviolinshop/
