Kelly Simants, of Sage Wedding Pros, received a phone call on a random spring day from Debby Jewesson, owner of Branching Out in Dallas. Within the first three seconds of their call Kelly was struck with an instantaneous connection to Debby. Kelly knew from the get-go that this call was genuine and sincere. Debby has this incredible ability to make people feel at ease. Her approach is fun, light-hearted, friendly and caring. And, the best thing about it is that it is totally SINCERE and HONEST! Read more about Debby and her business…
Debby Jewesson
Owner, Branching
Out
Dallas,Texas
www.branchingoutevents.com
Established 2009
Why did you start your business?
My career path has taken quite a few twists and turns over the past 12 years. After graduating from college in Austin, I spent 2 yrs teaching PE and coaching competitive volleyball. When we moved to Dallas, I started teaching at an elementary school. I recall telling my husband, “If I continue to teach, I don’t think I ever want to have children.” (insert career change…)
I picked up a copy of “What Color Is Your Parachute?…” by Richard Bolles. Although I didn’t read it cover to cover, I picked up some very useful tips. I composed a list of dream jobs, then analyzed my positive attributes. Taking a leap of faith, I started knocking on doors at floral design companies. (Did I mention my Mom was a floral designer? She’s always been an influence on all things creative in my life.)
Luckily, I landed a job at a high end event company, sweeping floors and processing flowers. I was advised, “Think of this opportunity as getting paid to go to school.” I asked questions, swept, watched other designers, swept and before long, started assisting a lead designer on handwork (bouquets and such). After several months, I was hired at he company’s boutique flower shop as the head designer and manager. I guess I was oozing potential.
I spent 1 year at that retail flower shop, then decided to resign and join forces with 2 other partners/friends to start a floral and event design company of our own. I co-owned the company for 2 _ years, until I had my first child. Selling my ownership was a difficult decision, but I knew focusing on my new little family was the right thing for me. And, I knew I would come back into the floral design industry one day.
So, here I am. 2 kids and 11 years later. I returned to the industry in January of 2009 as Principal of BranchingOut. The name means multiple things to me. I am branching out from a previous career, previous ownership in a company and motherhood. I am more enthusiastic and ambitious than ever before, and most importantly, I feel alive and fulfilled!
What book (business or soul-searching) do you recommend to new business owners? Why?
I’ve never been an avid reader. Between Dan Brown novels, I thumb through Martha Stewart and House Beautiful looking for design inspiration. Based on the recommendations from friends (and Oprah), there are a few soul-searching books that have been quite influential to me: “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne and “A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose“ by Eckart Tolle. I get a fair amount of comments from my cynical friends, but I am a true believer in many of the principals defined in these books. I believe positive energy is more powerful than anyone can comprehend, the more you give the more you receive and taking time to be present in your life is the key to happiness (still working on that last one).
Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?
Making a wish list is a must! My list started 8 years ago when I was involved in my first company. We were brainstorming about goals and plans for the business. Things on the list were getting far-fetched, but we kept adding anything and everything we wanted. I remember writing “free furniture for our new studio.” After a meeting one day, we found old office furniture and shelving by the dumpster at a church. We asked if it truly was free for the taking and voila! Free furniture!
At the beginning of this year, I started a new list. I have a section for personal and business goals, even a section on my relationship with my husband. I keep it next to my bed tucked away in a book. Occasionally, I check back in to hold myself accountable and to keep myself motivated. And when that husband of mine pokes fun at my list making, I remind him of the vacation we took last year: “4 days, alone, without kids, quality time, beautiful beach.” It was on the list!
What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?
Biggest challenge: turning my brain off and not thinking about work. For this, I try to take deep breath, read a magazine and have a glass of wine.
Second biggest challenge: staying motivated and positive. For this, I remind myself of quotes from wise friends, “It will all get done whether you freak out or not!” and “Just keep moving.”
If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?
Lucky for me, I’ve already had the opportunity to do this. This time around, I am more confident in admitting that BranchingOut is a young business. Previously, we used to think telling clients how long we’d been in business was a turn off, that people wouldn’t trust us and our talents. Now, I’m just honest about my story. I think people like relating to their vendors on a personal level, too.
Secondly, I’m not afraid to turn away business. Long ago, we took every piece of business, sometimes compromising our personal time. I remember decorating brunch buffets for our weekly hotel account on Thanksgiving and Christmas day! Now, I keep my priorities in check. I have been known to block out weekends when months start getting too full, just so I can spend some time with my family. I also don’t overbook myself on the weekends. My sanity and health are far too important to sacrifice for a few more dollars.
Thanks Debby!
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by Michelle Loretta
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