Surprise!!! Here is a special Saturday blog post for you.
Today I will be announcing the winner of the #makeyourmarkES $25 American Express Gift card giveaway.
Before that I want to tell you about someone who is truly Making Her Mark.
I’m happy to introduce you to Jese Gary, Model, Jewelry Specialist, Motivator, and owner of LuxeGiving. I interviewed Jese as part of Chasing Joy’s What Brings Me Joy Series. Check out the interview and see What Brings Jese Joy and how she is Making Her Mark.
Me: What is LuxeGiving?
Jese: LuxeGiving is a giving based, for-profit business that hosts events at luxury apartment communities that focuses on bringing awareness to charities and organizations. Our event topics can range from fitness to pet happy hours.
Me: How did you come up with the idea for LuxeGiving?
Jese: It happened by accident. I wanted to help bring awareness to a particular organization. In January 2012, I started to host free fashion seminars for people to donate clothes and receiving styling advice. After several events, I was receiving referrals from other complexes. It was a blessing. I did not realize it was a business until we were booked out 3 months in advance with a waiting list.
Me: What has been your biggest Challenge in running LuxeGiving?
Jese: The biggest challenge has been catching up with the demand. Since LuxeGiving started out of necessity, I had to figure out how to actual run and organize the company. My business degree from Pennsylvania State University is finally being used. I knew the name and organization set up are key components for success. After a brainstorming session with friends, we came up with the name LuxeGiving. The tagline is “where luxury gives back to the community”. The next step was research and market analysis. My business mentor at SCORE provided some helpful tips and suggestions. In addition, I read a great book by the owner of Tom’s on running a giving based business on a non-existent budget. The best tip from the book was the importance of creative interns.
Me: How does what you do at LuxeGiving compare to your other professional endeavors (modeling, sales)?
Jese: I’m passionate about all of my businesses endeavors. It has been a juggle balancing the modeling and Lia Sophia w LuxeGiving. The hardest part is in the prioritizing. Luckily, I’m a stickler for calendar control and organization. LuxeGiving has my main focus. Modeling and Lia Sophia are fit in when there’s a slot.
Me: What do you want people to know about LuxeGiving?
Jese: We are focused on building a strong community. Our business model is set up in a way to encourage awareness of small business and community involvement. We are always looking for service based businesses to highlight in our supported areas. If someone is interested in being showcased, they should send us an email to luxegiving@gmail.com.
Me: What do you find the most rewarding about LuxeGiving?
Jese: There’s no way to describe the feeling of making a difference and impact in one’s community. Before I actually started making money with LuxeGiving, the only thing that kept me going was the overall goal. I loved speaking to the residents about helpful topics. I loved dropping off the clothing to the organization. I loved how something so simple as encouraging interaction can make a big difference. After several events, I realized that most people want to contribute in their communities. The biggest problem is finding a way how. Nothing beats the feeling of knowing that LuxeGiving can play a part in strengthening a community. Plus, I’ve been blessed with an amazing support team. Everyone on the LuxeGiving team started out as volunteers and interns. They all believed in the potential with our company.
Me: What keeps you going? What keeps you from giving up on LuxeGiving when you have a bad day?
Jese: My faith keeps me going. I know that this type of opportunity does not come around every day. I stay encouraged in what God promises. There will be bad days, scary moments, uncertainties and huge obstacles. I remind myself to stay focused not on myself, but what LuxeGiving can do for others.
Me: What can we expect from LuxeGiving in 2013?
Jese: You can expect everything! We are here to make a big stamp on the world. Plus, we will have three complete operating teams in DC, Dallas and Atlanta. We will be expanding into Houston and Philadelphia towards the end of 2013 going into 2014. Our goal is to have offices set up in 10 major cities within the next 5 years.
Me: Please fill in the blank:____________ is what brings me Joy.
Jese: Caring about others is what brings me Joy.
If you would like to find out more about Jese and Luxegiving here is all her info.
Website: www.luxegiving.vpweb.com
Email: luxegiving@gmail.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LuxeGiving
Twitter profiles: @luxegiving, @luxegivingdc, @luxegivingdallas, @luxegivingatlanta
Tumbler: www.luxegiving.tumblr.com
I know form the Lexus #makeyourmarkES contest that so many of you are making your mark. If you want tell me more about how you make your mark and what brings you joy email me to be featured in the What Brings Me Joy Series.
Speaking of making your mark I guess you want to know who the contest winner is. Are your ready? Drum roll please……. The winner of the $25 American Express Gift Card courtesy of Lexus is……Colleen Beaty.
Colleen will have until 11:59 pm 11/21/2013 to respond to my email and claim her prize.
I'd love to learn more when Luxe Giving comes to Atlanta.
Congratulations Colleen Beaty.!!
i want one!
It is wonderful to be able to make your mark in the world by making others happy.