We recently connected with Vanessa Gilbreath and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vanessa , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose is to help children in any way I can. I volunteer with juvenile Court with children in foster care. I found this because I remember my mother telling me that one of the big problems for her ,growing up in an orphanage, was that no one ever asked her what she wanted. I now have the opportunity to ask children what they want to happen to them and request that the Judge make that happen. All children need a voice and deserve to be heard.
Most important in the ongoing extensive training we go through is to learn to listen and to hear what is often left unsaid. We also are given the opportunity to not judge by financial circumstances and to try to imagine how hard it is to function without family support or educational advantages.
This helps me to balance with my business which is a luxury brand only open to people with means.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I created a small, luxury brand in wedding and events industry. When Prince William got married I held a viewing party at my home and all my guests commented on the English China Tea sets. I decided to research if there were any vendors in that niche in my area. There were not! I proceeded to collect some inventory and then attend networking events. I participated in many photo shoots with other vendors and made long term relationships with them. Soon I was working weddings mostly but also bridal showers and business lunches etc.
Covid was a challange but as I had my inventory in my home I had little overhead. We rescheduled events and have caught up on revenue. During Covid a lot more at home events took place. This gave the opportunity to develop what has become a good segment in our business. Bridal showers, baby showers all tea party themed and per head much more financially lucrative than weddings and are usually in day time.
We are also now taking part in many Female owned business events. This gives the business the opportunity to create something memorable for clients. Far better than plastic cups and paper plates
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?
I strongly recommend researching the area you are looking to enter. If possible work for someone who is doing the same thing or similar. You dont know if you are going to be a good fit if you dont try it first.
I also suggest jumping in and you never know how successful you will be until you simply do it.
Net working was vital for me. In my industry there are opportunities to network with others , sometimes they were worthless other times priceless. If you dont try you wont know.
Resraching your brand and what segment of the market you wish to be in is also very important. There are many vendors in a lower price point to me. That is fine there is room for us all. I positioned myself at the upper end which is a much smaller market but makes more money. Its a choice, decide what works for you.
I have another income stream from taking some fine china and re selling online. I use my knowledge when I buy and can cover expenses when it is not high season for events.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have a few mentors who have been in the business longer than I have and they are invaluable to me. Often things come up that would stop me from accepting a job. They advise how to get through to be able to accept a job.
I also have friends that are self employed with whom I can discuss marketing challenges and of course business rules and regulations.
My bookeeper has also been a vital part of my success. She helps sort through the ins and outs of taxes etc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vintageenglishteacup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vintageenglishteacup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vintageenglishteacup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-gilbreath-3b8ba68/
Image Credits
1. andre brown photography 2. Myself 3.Matt Yung Photography 4. Once like a spark 5.Willetts 6. Myself 7. Laura Stone
