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

Carol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

Our family’s heritage is German – which has it’s pluses and minuses. Growing up, my parents were incredibly hard working (my dad started at least 6 independent businesses, including a Ford Car Dealership and even a restaurant/hotel/convention center.) Literally working from sunrise to well past bedtime, my parents demonstrated that to be successful, you had to roll up your sleeves, fully invest yourself, give 110% and most importantly love what you do. If you love what you do, your workday will never feel like work – and it is so very true!

My parents loved to entertain and we frequently would have family / friend gatherings of 12 or more people. I’d help my parents prep Porterhouse steaks (with my dad’s secret marinade), sweetcorn, potato casseroles and cantaloupe with vanilla ice cream to top the evening off. Thanksgiving dinner was always a major production and everyone had their assigned tasks to get the meal on the table. To this day I still use many of my grandmother’s recipes. Is it any wonder, then, that I acquired my love of hosting?

As a business owner, your workday is never done. Whether I am cleaning a room, baking scones for High Tea, or giving guests recommendations for things to do or places to eat, I give it my all – 110%. The love I have for this profession is palpable and guests frequently pick up on the passion I feel day in and day out. Some days I pinch myself just to make sure I am not dreaming – that I actually am working my ideal job: meeting and entertaining people, preparing elaborate meals, and doing all this surrounded by a grand old Victorian house complete with wide porches and elaborate gardens.

Carol, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Since I was in fourth grade, I knew I wanted a Victorian home (I am an old soul, born about 100 years too late) and began squirreling away small items given to me by my mother and grandmother. Every week as my mom drove me to my piano lessons we would pass by a gothic Victorian house that I loved. I told her I would own that house one day and I did! I literally knocked on the door one day, handed the owner my business card, and said to call me if they wanted to sell. Three days later, my dream house was mine.

By the time I graduated high school, I was buying antique furniture and linens. Crazily enough, in College I bought a wicker breakfast tray to use in my future Bed and Breakfast…in a grand old Victorian home. I love the tradition and formality of the Victorian era. Victorians knew how to create an experience of even the most simplistic of daily tasks – like pouring a glass of water – a beautiful event using a tilting silver water server with a personal silver cup. My ultimate goal is to pamper each and every guests and create a relaxing, restful experience reminiscent of a bygone era. I love sharing historical facts, traditions, and stories about a kinder, gentler time when guests were treated as royalty. I love to pamper my overnight guests with delicious breakfasts, relaxing time on one of our grand porches, recommendations, and fabulous conversation.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Crazily, the most effective strategy to grow my clientele has been delivering an excellent experience for all guests. This results in word of mouth – personally and digitally. Satisfied guests tell their friends, neighbors and colleagues about their 5 Star Bed and Breakfast experience and referrals result. Satisfied guests leave 5 Star reviews which lead additional guests to our door. I am frequently told by guests that they chose their stay based on reading great reviews.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

COVID-19 negatively impacted our Bed and Breakfast significantly. The B & B was incredibly busy – chugging right along until mid-March when dozens of reservations were cancelled. For two months, we had not one single reservation. Then, an occasional booking would surface and we were so excited! Obviously, income was limited, if not non-existent. But we put our heads down and continued to provide an excellent experience for our guests. While we were incredibly lean, we persisted, and gained additional business and more,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://flowertownbandb.com/
• Instagram: Flowertownbedandbreakfast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlowertownBAndB/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-koenecke-grant-3b4a237/