We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Felicia Vestal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Felicia below.
Felicia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?
I feel completely comfortable asking my family and friends to come and support me, as I believe it’s appropriate to involve them in my journey. However, it’s important to clarify that their attendance is not required. I am not building my business solely for my friends.
While I appreciate their support, I want to emphasize that I’m not interested in begging anyone to come, nor am I comfortable inviting friends who expect to take advantage of a free tab. It’s fair for friends and family to cheer me on, but they should not expect complimentary items or services.
I want to maintain a professional environment, and I genuinely value their support without the expectation of anything in return.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, I’m Felicia Vestal. At 35 years old, I was born and raised in North Carolina before making the leap to Florida in 2013. My journey into this industry began when I took a chance and worked hard, starting in bars and restaurants at the age of 15. Throughout the years, I climbed the ranks, always striving to be a leader that others looked up to.
My experience led me into the hotel management sector, and eventually, I took the bold step to work for myself. I recognized my potential, embraced the challenge, and here I am today as the proud owner of The Kaleidoscope.
What sets me apart is my commitment to being a team player. I believe that my success is intertwined with the success of my team; we thrive together. I take great pride in the goals I’ve set and achieved, especially coming from a low-income family. I strive to break the stigma surrounding my story.
When you support my business, you’re supporting not just a business owner, but the little girl who once drew pictures of her dreams and is now watching those dreams come to life. You’re supporting a woman-owned business led by someone who truly deserves your support.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building my reputation in the market has been a deliberate and multifaceted journey. It began with a strong foundation of hard work and dedication to my craft. By consistently striving for excellence in every role I’ve held, from my early days in bars and restaurants to my management positions, I earned the respect and trust of both colleagues and customers.
I prioritize genuine relationships and open communication, recognizing that a successful business thrives on positive interactions. By actively listening to my clients and understanding their needs, I’ve been able to tailor my services to exceed their expectations. This customer-centric approach not only fosters loyalty but also encourages word-of-mouth referrals, which have been invaluable to my growth.
Moreover, I’ve embraced a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Staying updated with industry trends and best practices allows me to innovate and adapt, demonstrating my expertise and reliability in the market.
I also prioritize community engagement, participating in local events and supporting causes that resonate with my values. This involvement not only reinforces my presence but also underscores my dedication to making a positive impact beyond just business transactions.
Ultimately, my reputation is built on a combination of reliability, integrity, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. As a result, my business is recognized not only for the quality of services offered but also for the strong ethical values and relationships that underpin every interaction.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team effectively while maintaining high morale is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. Here are several strategies I find important:
Open Communication: It’s crucial to foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy encourage dialogue and help address issues before they escalate.
Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledging both individual and team accomplishments can significantly boost morale. Celebrating milestones, no matter how small, motivates team members to continue striving for success.
Empower Your Team: Giving team members the autonomy to make decisions related to their work shows that you value their contributions. This trust can lead to increased job satisfaction and ownership.
Provide Opportunities for Growth: Encouraging professional development through training and mentoring demonstrates your investment in your team’s future and enhances their skills.
Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encouraging teamwork and collaboration on projects can strengthen relationships and enhance communication, creating a sense of belonging.
Lead by Example: Modeling a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to help others sets the tone for the team and encourages them to emulate these behaviors.
Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Supporting a healthy work-life balance by being flexible and understanding of personal obligations leads to happier, more productive employees.
Solicit Feedback: Regularly asking for feedback on experiences and suggestions for improvement shows that you value opinions and helps you better understand team needs.
By implementing these strategies, I strive to create an environment where every team member feels valued, engaged, and motivated to contribute to our shared goals. Overall, maintaining high morale requires ongoing effort, and building a supportive team culture truly pays off with increased productivity and a positive workplace atmosphere.
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