Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Veltrica Jean-Baptiste. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Veltrica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Nearly six years ago, just before the pandemic, I found myself contemplating a Middlescence Pivot—reevaluating what the next chapter of my life would look like. My world was shifting, both professionally and personally, and I wasn’t just considering a career transition but a complete reset, including a new place to call home.
As I mapped out the pros and cons of my Next Chapter, I researched cities, states, and even countries. Most importantly, I sought residences that aligned with my lifestyle preferences—places deeply rooted in nature and culture. It was also crucial to have the flexibility to explore different locations, “trying on” new destinations until I found my forever home.
To my surprise, the ideal setup I envisioned didn’t exist, at least not in the way I needed. And so began a six-year journey of creating a platform for Baby Boomers like myself—those eager to explore not just new destinations but their own evolving identities, as a well-earned reward for a lifetime of hard work. This phase of life, known as Middlescence, became my driving force. I told myself I couldn’t be the only one seeking this experience, and after conducting a social survey among friends, I realized I was far from alone. At 63, I embarked on a new adventure, determined to bring my vision to life.
Fast-forward beyond the business plan, ideation, and planning—I decided to truly **live** my Middlescence experiment. I sold my home in New Jersey, where I had lived for 30 years, and moved to Savannah, GA. Preparing to leave was a deeply personal process—every corner of my home held memories, a life in review stored within its walls, reminding me of a chapter that was coming to a close. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, yet necessary to step fully into my Next Chapter. Selling my home allowed me to let go of the past and make space for what was to come.
I chose an apartment within walking distance of the historic district, sight unseen, and within two months, I was settled. The plan was simple: spend one year experiencing Savannah, determine if it felt right, and establish it as my U.S. home base.
But my journey wasn’t meant to end there. The second part of my plan was to live part of the year in Europe—specifically in the Maremma region of Tuscany, Italy. I knew the area well, having represented a luxury resort and spa there during my PR career. Over the years, I formed close friendships and developed a deep connection to the region, making it feel like home.
What started as an idea—a concept I had envisioned for years—was now taking shape, unfolding rapidly into something real and tangible.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am the founder of Morgensheer Hospitality Inc., a consortium of hospitality, financial, and real estate professionals. I established the company after more than two decades in hospitality, serving as a PR director for leading hotel brands and later running my own award-winning public relations firms.
At Morgensheer Hospitality Inc., my primary role has been strategically connecting developers and investors with capital, facilitating hospitality transactions, and aligning projects with the right financial and industry partners.
Throughout my career, I have learned the importance of pivoting to remain relevant in times of economic uncertainty—a lesson reinforced during the 2009 recession, when the travel industry was greatly impacted. That experience forced me to reconsider my business model, and I vowed never to be in a position where market shifts dictated my next move. Instead, I became proactive, developing strategies that would allow me to pivot quickly and successfully. I shared these insights in my book, **Operation Reset: A Guide to Reinvent Your Career in Any Economy**.
Today, I am pivoting once again—chasing my dreams at 63 because I know I’m not done. The best is yet to come. This next chapter is about more than just business; it’s about creating something deeply meaningful. I’m focused on bridging my expertise in hospitality, real estate, and financial strategy to develop innovative solutions that redefine how people experience luxury and investment. More than ever, I am driven by the desire to build something lasting—something that not only aligns with my passions but also leaves an impact on the industries I’ve dedicated my career to.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding a business is challenging in any economy, but it becomes significantly easier when you’ve established yourself within an industry and cultivated a network that recognizes and respects your work. I am currently in this process and take great pride in the network of investors I have built.**
Investors support opportunities they believe in wholeheartedly—ventures they can relate to, that have the potential to scale, and where demand is strong. These principles have been the foundation of my fundraising journey, guiding me as I secure the right partnerships and resources to bring my vision to life.**
As I continue this journey, I remain focused on building relationships with investors who share my vision and see the transformative potential of what I’m creating. Every conversation, every partnership, brings me closer to realizing the full scope of my business.**
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honing my skills, establishing expertise in my industry, and serving as a valuable resource to others have been essential in building a strong reputation. My strategy has always been to exceed expectations—delivering results that are not only effective but also insightful, forward-thinking, and impactful. This dedication attracted a network of influential contacts who recognized and appreciated the value I brought.
Throughout my career, I have remained committed to earning and maintaining their respect, fostering meaningful relationships, and ensuring that I continuously express my gratitude for the trust and opportunities I’ve been given.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morgensheerhospitalityinc.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgensheerhospitality/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-424367321/women-in-thought-leadership
Image Credits
OMOS Photography Savannah, Ga