Happy Women’s History Month!
March is all about recognizing the strength and resilience of women. And we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to introduce you to six phenomenal ladies that we are lucky to call our partners.
From spa owners to tour operators, these gals are passionate about sharing experiences and showing the world what's possible when you dare to dream big. Get ready to feel inspired as we dive into their unique stories. Spoiler: they're chock-full of girl power!
Bianca Beale, Founder of So Diego Tours
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about So Diego Tours?
A: So Diego was established to share the stories, local businesses, and neighborhoods of San Diego. We offer daily food tastings and historic walking tours in some of the most exciting neighborhoods of the city. We are a full-service experiential company in San Diego, and love to create memorable activities for groups and individuals so that they are experiencing the best San Diego has to offer.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them?
I started So Diego back in 2009 after working in the hospitality industry in downtown San Diego. During those years, I landed a dream job working for a local Segway tour company. I researched San Diego history and fell in love of the story of my home city. With my knowledge and fondness of the Gaslamp Quarter, I knew the concept of a walking food tasting tour would be a great activity in the area.
Today, with a dream business partner, incredible clients and a great team, we've overcome setbacks, including the COVID-19 shutdown, recessions, and marketing struggles. It's been a long journey but owning my own business has provided me the freedom to raise my children, make my own schedule, travel, and dabble in passion projects. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I thank my family and friends for the support throughout the years, because running a company can oftentimes feel lonely and scary.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: As corny as it may sound, my parents have always inspired me to start my own company. I remember being a child when my dad started his own company, and the struggles he and my mom faced at the beginning. They pushed through, and finally got to a point where they were totally free and generating residual income. They've always encouraged me to become a business owner, and they both have been there when times were tough. If it weren't for them, I would have given up on my dream a long time ago.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: I'd suggest doing the internal work to get you to a place of loving yourself wholeheartedly. When you love yourself, you're more confident, less affected by setbacks, and willing to get back up when you fall. People become more interested in what you're doing, and want to be a part of it, or help you on your way. Trust in the journey and keep your eye on the prize. Stay true and make decisions quickly when things aren't lining up.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A: We're all about creating unforgettable experiences in San Diego. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our tours promise to entertain, enlighten, and showcase the best of America's Finest City. Our guides are selected for their professionalism and personality, ensuring a great atmosphere for everyone on the tour. In just 2-3 hours, we blend fun, history, food, and drinks, all while celebrating San Diego's essence. We work with local establishments, so the tours you give are very true to what San Diego represents…we are Soooo San Diego!
Kellie Phelan, Owner and Founder of The Works Seattle
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about The Works Seattle?
A: We offer hands-on experiences through both in-person classes in our Seattle brick and mortar location, and DIY kits which we ship nationwide. We call ourselves The Works because we do a little bit of everything, from cooking and gardening, to creative crafts.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them?
A: After a decade in environmental consulting, a major health crisis led to me reevaluate my priorities. I decided to focus on building a community, connecting over passions, and sharing skills at The Works. Within six months of starting, The Works went from local partnerships to having our own brick-and-mortar.
Despite closing due to COVID after just 18 months, we adapted and distilled the magic of our in-person classes into DIY Kits – complete with materials, detailed instructions, and a video to walk you through your projects. This kept our entire team safely employed. While it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, our business is more stable (and scalable) than ever.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: All of the other small business owners around Seattle who are showing up every day and making it work!
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: Don’t be afraid to take a risk! The worst thing that could happen is you fail; my advice would be to fail quickly, and then learn from it and move on.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A: Everything we do is an experience! Our hands-on classes are designed to be fun and engaging. Whether you want to paint a masterpiece, dive into the world of printmaking, or create a one-of-a-kind terrarium, we have something for you. Led by experienced instructors, we provide all the materials you need to complete your project. You can expect step-by-step guidance and support throughout the class, and to leave with a finished project.
Lauren Beebe, Founder and CEO of Like a Local Tours
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Like A Local Tours?
A: Like A Local Tours provides sustainable, memorable experiences in Manhattan and Brooklyn, focusing on bringing people together, local culture, and positive neighborhood impact. Crafted with love, our tours showcase both famous landmarks and under-the-radar gems. We are committed to supporting local, community-based organizations with a cause. Through our Social Impact Initiative, we offer meaningful engagement and funds directly to our local non-profit and community partners.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career?
A: My journey has been about embracing exploration and community. Falling in love with the creative spirit and energy of Williamsburg inspired me to connect people with its local businesses. Thus, Like A Local was born. From crafting the first tour to navigating the travel industry, every step has been a lesson in growth. Through perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, I've turned my love for the neighborhood and NYC into a thriving business dedicated to showcasing the best of New York City's communities.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: My mother, definitely. Throughout her career leading various non-profits, she was never afraid to do things a little differently and ruffle a few feathers. Like many women leaders, she faced a lot of adversity, especially in rising to and staying at the top. But she always kept her eye on the target, rose to the challenge and never backed down.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: To the next generation of female leaders: embrace your unique perspective and let it guide you. The journey of entrepreneurship is like navigating a bustling city—exciting, unpredictable and ripe with opportunities. Remember, your voice is powerful; advocate not just for your business, but for the community, and values you represent. Surround yourself with supportive mentors. Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths. Forge your path boldly, resiliently, and unapologetically. The world needs your vision, courage, and leadership.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A: Each tour is carefully curated to showcase the heartbeat of the city, making them perfect gifts for those craving adventure, connection, and genuine local flavors. What makes us a perfect match for Virgin Experience Gifts is our shared commitment to offering extraordinary experiences that enrich lives and broaden horizons. We're both in the business of creating moments that aren't just gifts but are gateways to stories, laughter, and discoveries.
Kim Gandhi, Chief Operating Officer at Food Fire + Knives
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Food Fire + Knives?
A: Everyone loves the magic professional chefs create with food! Food Fire + Knives’ mission is to empower culinary professionals, connecting them with food lovers all over the USA. We’re excited to promote the work of talented chefs within a framework that allows them creative freedom, flexibility, and the compensation they deserve for their amazing work. FFK’s interactive experience offers amazing food, sparkling conversation, and so much more.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them?
A: Anyone that sees my background may wonder how my journey led me here. Sometimes I wonder about that too! My first manager told me that all women were good for was getting married and having kids. It was retail in the 1980's. I realized pretty fast that I wasn't meant to be there, so I turned to IT and started a journey working for some of the largest companies in the world.
Fast forward to over 4 years ago when I stumbled upon Food Fire + Knives while booking a chef for my son's birthday. Impressed by the concept, I shared my enthusiasm with the FFK team and now, interacting daily with chefs and hosts, I've found my dream job.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: My family. I have a pretty big family to inspire me. I am so humbled when someone reaches out to me to get my perspective or sometimes just to listen. But it's also inspiring that I can reach out to them for advice or just to check in to see how they are doing and share their successes.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: Learn from my mistakes! Seriously though, a few items that I live by:
- Lead don't manage. Let people make mistakes and let them grow and learn.
- Don't stay in a role where you wake up every morning dreading what is to come. We only have so many years in us and it's not worth being miserable for long periods of time. That being said, first figure out what is making you unhappy. If it's fixable or can be changed, make it happen.
- Learn every day. Read something, take a class, listen to a podcast. There may come a time when something you learned turns into an amazing opportunity.
- Put a time limit on being angry. You'd be surprised to see how many times you actually can't stay angry for as long as you thought you could. Oh, and once you are done with being angry, let it go.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A meal with Food, Fire + Knives is more than a gift – it’s the start of an adventure. Rather than giving cash or a generic gift that will sit forlornly in the back of a closet, give them a fantastic experience with a custom meal made by the best chefs in their area.
Partnering with Virgin Experience Gifts has been amazing. They also pride themselves on creating memories and share the same excitement we do for bringing joy through gifting.
Renée ReBell, Founder and CEO of Gourmet Food & Wine Tours
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Gourmet Food and Wine Tours?
A: Gourmet Food & Wine Tours specializes in elevated food tours with wine. We showcase destination towns by visiting four restaurants or wine tasting rooms. It is like a progressive lunch or dinner, but with luxury wine at each stop. Our guides are well versed in local history, geography, culinary arts, biodynamic farming, winemaking, culture and are excellent hosts. All tours are on foot with each location connected with short, beautiful walks.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them?
A: Despite facing numerous challenges, I'm thrilled to celebrate our 10-year anniversary this month! From consecutive natural disasters to the pandemic shutting us down for over a year, it's been a journey. I did the opposite of what “they” say and only hired my friends…people I knew and trusted after doing the tours solo for two years. The two times I did not hire friends, I got burned. I have a micro staff of four guides, and we keep the group sizes small too.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: Jesus, but in my industry, it would be Jeong Kwan, Anthony Bourdain and Julia Child. I got to spend a little time with Jeong Kwan at Napa’s Culinary Institute of America. I have a cherished photo with us from two years ago and it makes me so happy to look at it.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: Don’t think in gender. Be your wonderful self and maximize your God-given talents. Do what you know and love because it weaves into the fabric of your everyday life.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A: A Gourmet Food & Wine Tours experience makes an ideal gift because most everyone loves to eat! For those that don’t drink, we go out of our way to have really nice mocktails so that they feel very much included. It is especially helpful for hard-to-buy-for, discerning friends or family members who already have everything. Time has shown that people are more interested in experiences vs things and that is a trend I don’t see going away.
Charity Franklin, Owner of Ageless Day Spa
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Ageless Day Spa?
A: Ageless Day Spa offers affordable spa treatments in Las Vegas. We have couples’ massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. All of our technicians have been with us for over 15 years.
Q: Tell us about your journey so far. How did you get to this point in your career? Can you pinpoint any challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how you overcame them?
A: I have been an owner since I was 18 years old and an owner/operator for over 35 years. Being an owner has its ups and downs, you have to depend on yourself and be strong. COVID was the biggest challenge for us. It was a big deal when everything had to close for nearly 6 months. But we overcame it and survived through that rough time. Overall, it has been an incredibly rewarding career, and I wouldn’t change it. It has given me a lot of freedom to do what I want in life.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?
A: I am my biggest inspiration. Becoming a successful businesswoman takes a lot of inner strength and determination.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders in business?
A: My advice for the next generations is to be dependable. Do your due diligence before you get into business. The beauty business isn’t all fun and games and you need to take it seriously in order to build clientele. It takes patience, time, and effort, but if you can do that, it’s incredibly rewarding.
Q: What makes your business perfect for experience gifting? What characteristics of your business make it an ideal fit for Virgin Experience Gifts?
A: Our spa experiences are the perfect gift for people looking to relax and unwind from the daily stress. At Ageless, we strive to make people experience relaxation and enjoy catering to everyone's needs.
Summary
It’s no secret that we work with some of the most incredible ladies around. After reading these six unique stories, we hope you feel just as inspired as we do. This Women’s History Month, let’s all join together to celebrate these courageous ladies – and all of the amazing women around the world!
