For Cristy and Debbie Johnson, starting their businesses is second nature. Full of a family of entrepreneurs, they are leading the way for others in their family to follow suit. Both women have businesses located in Victoria, BC, with a great network of small business supporters.

Debbie Johnson, owner of Victoria Concierge Services was born into business. At a young age, she was assisting in the family business – a hotel and restaurant in Yale. Later, she taught hospitality and tourism skills and was then an instructor at the University of Fraser Valley.

With a desire to be self employed and a passion for working with people, Debbie opened a bed & breakfast in Courtenay, BC. When her husband was transferred to Victoria, she researched what the city needed and began the process to open Victoria Concierge Services.

Knowing there’s a new market for concierge services; Debbie has been networking with other local businesses that have been very supportive. She offers her services through dedicated client care, providing her customers with more time for themselves and their families. She offers help with managing her clients’ personal or professional lives to give them back the time they deserve.

Victoria Concierge Services offers assistance from errand running to home decorating, grocery shopping to tour information. There are packages to choose from ranging in prices from $40 to $110 per hour. If you need it done, Debbie is willing to accommodate, whether you are visiting Victoria on vacation or you’re a permanent resident.

“Concierge services are no longer limited to condo owners or hotel guests,” Debbie tells me. “Today’s business professionals want to get ‘stuff’ done. We can help.” Her services are targeted towards anyone who needs it, from a family touring Victoria to a senior in need of assistance getting to the airport.

At this point in the business, Debbie is networking and advertising to educate the public about this new service. “When people think about what a concierge does, they think about hotels. I want to help expand this knowledge so people can understand many things can fall under this category.”

Victoria Concierge Services is a member of Tourism Victoria, listed in the Island Visitor Guide among other magazines in the area. She frequently attends the business mixers with Tourism Victoria because she knows the importance of networking. She’s hoping to partner with other business to market one another and possibly offer packages together. “I like ideas that are out of the norm, unique even – that’s what gives me the most satisfaction.” Debbie says.

She’s had support along the way through TACC and the small business community within Victoria. She’s had many companies partner with her to donate items for fundraisers and auctions. A challenge through it is advertising in the right space. With so many magazines and advertising venues in Victoria, it can be difficult to narrow it down to the appropriate locations.

Though at times it’s difficult, Debbie advises young entrepreneurs not to give up. “Sometimes it gets discouraging but your business will need time for the public to know what you do. Networking is so important. Take in every opportunity to network whether it’s related or not, it can all be beneficial.”

“I’m very motivated and have a lot of energy. That’s what drives me to be successful and have my own company.” Debbie explains. “I’m inspired by this new concept of concierge. I can create my business the way I want it.”

She originally heard about TACC through her daughter Cristy who owns her own company, Cristy’s Jewelry Designs that has been in business for two years. Being born into business has gone down yet another generation.

Cristy Johnson had the idea for her business after attended a bead show with her aunt in Tucson, Arizona. Six months later, she started her business.  She started out taking business courses in college – intending to be an accountaint – to developing her creative side and opening Cristy’s Jewelry Designs two years ago.

She had some experience in designing jewlery but little experience in business, learning quickly along the way. She took some business planning workshops through the Community Futures in Courtenay and followed her passion to create these unique designs.

Now, with her new business firmly established, she’s able to do exactly what she loves. The creative process and putting together a new piece is her favourite part to the business.

During the summer months, Cristy is located at the harbour in Downtown Victoria among many other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artists and performers. She’s able to enjoy the sun and create her pieces right where she sells it.

Cristy creates custom pieces in silver and gold making earrings, bracelets and necklaces with the most requests for the Lariet necklace. Cristy’s jewelry needs to be seen and tried on to truly appreciate the effect they have. As customers walk by they are immediately taken by what she offers. The jewelry speaks for itself and people are attracted to it.

Cristy has an honest and personable approach, discussing the pieces and options with her customers, helping them choose a piece that is right for them. Cristy is very accommodating to her customers, allowing payments of cash or VISA and MasterCard right at the harbour.

Her designs are unique with a personal feel to them. She’s beginning to sell in more stores and takes a careful approach, guaranteeing all her products. Cristy creates custom orders from $25-300, targeting women age 25 to 60 years old. She has attended different fashion shows like the Spring Fling in Victoria and advertises through her website and word of mouth.

Cristy has had some great opportunities and experiences for a newly established business. She received an email in May from a marketing company working for the Much Music Video Awards who found her through her website. They requested samples of her work so she could be involved in the gift room of the awards. Soon after, she traveled to Toronto for the awards, as the only Canadian jewelry designer in the gift room.

Through that opportunity she was able to create some master pieces for the stars and has photos of them wearing her designs down the red carpet. She was chosen among some big name companies such as Guess, Mavi and Oakley.

Cristy has had a lot of family support through her mom and dad and her brother is also thinking of starting his own outdoor adventure company. She has also used the services of TACC, NEDC and Community Futures in Courteny.

Her advice, “Believe in yourself and never give up; don’t let anything or anyone discourage you from following your dreams.” With goals to sell in stores across Canada and travel next summer to do different events she’s building her name further.

“I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Cristy’s business is consistent and allows her to create unique designs for her jewelry. She can do what she loves and make a living from it with great locations. In the summer she’s on the causeway at the harbour in Victoria and in the winter she sells in the hospitals.

The Johnson family is full of entrepreneurs. Learning from a young age to follow what you love provides a great start. Now, Cristy and Debbie have their own companies to create what they desire for their life and their family.

Cristy Johnson
Cristy’s Jewelry Designs
250.886.3391
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www.cristysjewelry.com

Debbie Johnson
Victoria Concierge Services
250.478.7785
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www.victoriaconciergeservices.com