We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bethany Sharp a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
As the new owner editor of the scout guide magazine , the emerging trend I am seeing rise is the love that people have to support local. In the, Amazon prime instant delivery world that we are living in, we are seeing communities of people rise up and support their locals. After Covid took a hit on many small businesses nation wide, the average person would rather support their local businesses in any way they can when presented with the choice.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a mom of two beautiful girls selah and London who are 10&12, I recently became owner & editor of the Scout Guide for Jupiter PBG.
What drew me into this exciting opportunity as owner/ editor are a few things. I love that The Scout Guide is women founded and owned, and emphasizes supporting each towns local businesses. As a Jupiter FL native & resident, I believe I have what it takes to connect with business owners and be heavily involved in the conversations, events, connections, & ventures that The Scout Guide will require to create a beautiful success.
My journey as a Yearbook Editor in both high school and college, paired with my degree in graphic design, has given me a solid foundation for creating a magazine that is both visually captivating and successful. Having called Jupiter, FL home for 36 years, I am excited to showcase the unique charm of my quaint beach town and all its treasures. Moreover, my experience as the former owner of Lady Jetset from 2017 to 2020, where I built a thriving online women’s fashion rental company, has equipped me with the wisdom to navigate the complexities of owning and operating a business. Lastly, having faced the trials of closure due to the shadows of Covid, ignites a great passion within me to advocate for local businesses and champion their journey to enduring success.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I recently purchased the Scout Guide for Jupiter PBG territory. A beautifully curated once yearly coffee table book that is a timeless showcase of our best local businesses. I was able to purchase this guide and fund it entirely on my own cash purchase because of the real estate investments that I have been doing for the previous 5 years.
I took the money I received from my divorce and immediately bought my first investment fix and flip. It was very successful with a 70% rate of return. I then took that money and bought 4 more , I found a local team to help me renovate the properties and re list.
I currently have two very successful fix and flips in the works. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey to see the income produced from real estate investment to know allow me to purchase the Scout Guide which will be an incredibly fun successful passion project for me, to support my amazing local community.
My advice , “ let your goal be to , “Be your own bank” Move the money out of the stocks and take a risk. My phrase for 2024 was
Risk=Reward.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2017, I was married to a race car driver and had a busy traveling life, I came up with a business and fashion idea that I had wished existed for me. Lady Jetset, the name of the company I created built & launched in 2017 and had the joy of running for a few years. Lady Jetset, a high end women’s clothing rental delivered to destination, my company slogan, travel light your wardrobe is waiting. With beautifully curated fashion pieces that I selected including full designer ski wear , women were able to save on travel wardrobe and pack light. It was an exciting journey of learning and growing and even being accepted a phone call and interview process with the Shark Tank! Thanks to the best PR firm and friend Emily Pantelides. Then 2020 hardest year of my life and for many people around the world. Travel, Events and fashion needs were no longer in anyone’s mind sight which brought my business to a screeching hault. Followed with divorce , my life was left to complete restart. The hard decision of having to close my company down and sell everything left me heartbroken. But i remember hearing a quote that changed my life, when bad things happen we get the choice to become bitter or better. And i decided right then and there , I was going to become the best damn version of myself and nothing was going to stop me. I decided to learn things that I never thought I could do on my own or take risks that I never thought possible like starting real estate investment. And the reward was worth everything.
I learned this it is very okay to walk away from something that can no longer serve you, in fact you should and you must. Then get back up, and find what your next thing is that will serve you and grow you and challenge you.
It’s so rewarding to take on your biggest fear and realize that you can do hard things and you can overcome and become better!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tsgjupiterpalmbeachgardens & @bethany_sharp
Image Credits
Eve greendale palm beach creative photography