We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jacqueline Tabbah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jacqueline, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
It can be a lonely island sometimes being a woman in the stone industry. There have been many construction meetings where I find myself to be the only woman in the room. However, I have learned that this difference is a positive, not a negative. Standing out is not necessarily a bad thing and many times I am able to present a different perspective on natural stone that perhaps my male counterparts did not consider.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Natural stone restoration is a niche, but I like to think of it as beautifying Mother Nature. At International Stoneworks, we work on-site in homes and buildings to clean, hone, polish and seal all natural stones. Everything from marble kitchen countertops to large granite lobby floors. It is a privilege to sustain natural stone. Just because it is looking drab, does not mean that the stone surface needs to be replaced – it can be restored to look gorgeous again! As an estimator, I come to evaluate the stone surface and deduce what restoration techniques we use to beautify the stone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I am fortunate to work for my father, Rawi, in our family business. One of the first lessons he taught me was to listen. Sounds obvious, right? Well, I am glad he made a point to tell me so. Do not assume you know what the customer needs; let the customer explain what is concerning him or her before jumping in. This piece of advice has saved me on more than one occasion.
I have also learned along the way to always be open to new ideas. Even if you have been working one way for many years, does not mean that is the most effective way. In the stone restoration industry, we constantly test products in our own warehouse to find the latest and greatest.
Lastly, I make an effort to “do my homework.” When you meet with a potential client, make a point to learn about his or her business. Coming prepared to meetings has always served me well.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
My biggest challenge is not unique to me. I think I share the struggle of work-life balance with many working mothers. I have two wonderful sons that are my world, yet at the same time I need to fulfill my own professional goals. I am a work in progress and luckily, I have the support of an amazing husband and family. If I do not have the time to cook a hot meal for my family or do a load of laundry every day, I try not to beat myself up about it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.intlstoneworks.com
- Instagram: @intl_stoneworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Stoneworks-Inc/371675049599
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/international-stoneworks-inc-b2b6251b
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mxaHzE9nSU
- Other: We also sell Stoneworks® stone care products on Amazon.
