Meet Teri Baron

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teri Baron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Teri, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My parents played a significant role in shaping our generous nature and compassionate outlook on life. Their influence on me, both in terms of demonstrating the importance of helping others and in actively participating in acts of generosity, has clearly had a profound impact on the person I’ve become. My upbringing in an environment where kindness, empathy, and a willingness to help others were consistently demonstrated has not only shaped my personal values, but has also inspired me to establish and lead a non-profit animal rescue.
I donated a kidney to my brother. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made which exemplifies a deep-seated commitment to helping others in need. A selfless act of donating a kidney is a powerful demonstration of generosity and willingness to make a significant personal sacrifice to improve the lives of others. I wish more people considered organ donation. Doing so literally saved a human life.
These experiences and values have not only shaped my personal life but are also reflected in the impactful work of my non-profit organization.
And I owe so much to my late parents.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I consider myself a creative person, and my love for beautiful, vintage furniture has been a significant part of my life. I’m incredibly passionate about finding and selling unique, well-made pieces, and what’s even more fulfilling is that a percentage of the proceeds from these sales go directly to support my nonprofit dog rescue. For me, creativity isn’t just about the furniture; it’s about finding beauty in the world around us and sharing that beauty with others.

I find so much joy in traveling and discovering one-of-a-kind pieces with a rich history. There’s something truly captivating about the craftsmanship and stories behind vintage designs. I’m particularly drawn to the concept of recycling and upcycling, as it allows me to breathe new life into these timeless treasures. The same goes for my passion for rescuing animals, objects, and even people. I believe in the power of giving things a second chance and making the world a better place in any way I can.

Ultimately, my goal is to help everyone and everything I can. Whether it’s through my work with the nonprofit dog rescue or my dedication to preserving and repurposing vintage design, I’m driven by the desire to leave a positive impact on the world around me. I truly believe that every act of kindness, whether it’s towards animals, furniture, or people, contributes to creating a more beautiful and compassionate world for us all..
Our on line shop is linked to Chairish and now 1st Dibs!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on personal experience, it seems that the following three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful:

1. Interpersonal Skills: The ability to connect with people and understand their needs has been crucial in successfully matching dogs with the right families. This skill has likely also been valuable in my vintage furniture shop, as building relationships with customers can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. To develop or improve this skill, early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on active listening, empathy, and genuine interest in others. Building strong connections with customers, suppliers, and supporters can be key to long-term success.

2. Passion and Continuous Learning: My commitment to reading and learning as much as possible about areas of interest has likely been an important factor in my success. For those at the beginning of their journey, it’s essential to stay curious and maintain a thirst for knowledge. Embrace opportunities for continuous learning, whether through books, courses, or networking with others in your industry. Staying informed about trends, best practices, and new developments can give you a competitive edge and fuel your passion for your work.

3. Resilience and Determination: Ones ability to maintain motivation and push through challenges is a vital quality for any entrepreneur. A “never give up” attitude and ability to persevere in the face of obstacles have likely been instrumental in overcoming setbacks and achieving my goals. To develop or improve on this quality, early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on building resilience through practices such as mindfulness, self-care, and seeking support from mentors and peers. Recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey and learning to navigate them effectively can help entrepreneurs stay focused and motivated.

In summary, for those early in their journey, the advice is to focus on developing interpersonal skills, maintaining a passion for learning, and building resilience. These qualities can be cultivated through practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to personal and professional development. By honing these attributes, entrepreneurs can position themselves for long-term success in their endeavors.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Certainly! I’m constantly seeking opportunities to partner and collaborate with individuals and businesses who share a passion for design. I’m particularly interested in working with designers and clients who are interested in unique pieces. If you’re reading this and have ideas for collaboration, feel free to connect with me through email or social media.

In addition, for the dog rescue, we are in need of dedicated, loving foster homes and adopters. If you have love in your heart and capability of housing dogs in need, I would love to hear from you. Donations are also greatly appreciated and play a vital role in supporting our rescue efforts. If you’re interested in collaborating or supporting our cause, please reach out to me through the contact information provided.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
I took this photo of a rescue puppy who had parvo and a vintage ice bucket

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