All friends were once strangers…
October 16, 2010 | Author Teresa
As I spoke to the Texas Insurance Association tonight about having a life of purpose, I mentioned about the significance of the kind word and how a small act of kindness will always make a big impact whether we might ever know it or not. I asked when the last time was that they had sincerely walked up and asked someone, “How are YOU today” and waited for a response.
I mentioned how that in the horrible times we had last year, only TWO people came up and asked me how I was…they all inquired about the business but only two asked about me. I remembered those two because they stood out to me having been so significant.
I challenged them, as I do to you, to take time every day and ask someone how they are and you will be amazed at how that small act of concern will leave the person’s day a little lighter. I returned to my seat and a woman at my table mentioned that at her hair salon was a quiet lady that she did not know but she knew her husband had recently passed so she got her address and sent her a card. A CARD.
Remember those?
The lady was so moved that the next time she saw her there she told her how much that single card had meant since she was so timid and had few friends. They are now very close friends and as the title states…all friends were once strangers. Make the effort to make a new friend each day, send a card, ask about their being, and enjoy the wonderful feeling you give and receive when you do!
Halloween gifts & candy…time’s are different
October 7, 2010 | Author Teresa
Browsing through the local stores and seeing all the aisles of candy and Halloween decorations brings many childhood memories. I always looked forward to the one or two houses on the street with the retired grandparents who had the BEST quality candy and always gave LOTS of it! I planned for weeks about just the right outfit…trendy but unique that is still my company motto today. It also saddened me though to realize how so many children are missing out on those wonderful memories due to the evil and unsafe threats in our neighborhoods today and it made me a little sad.
Though I have no children, I can imagine that parents must make a hard choice as to only go to certain homes or to only visit church fairs or malls to avoid the issues all together. I am amazed how big Halloween has become with costumes, props, decorations, home decor pieces, and much more. In the gift business, we have seen a sharp upswing in Halloween gifts from grandparents sending to the grandchildren to companies sending Halloween gifts to clients. I think the holiday is here to stay in a big way, but I hope as it grows, we are able to get back to a safe place our kids can enjoy the parties, costumes, and neighborhood treats. If you can host or sponsor a local event in your area or on your block, make the effort to do so and let’s make a difference one neighborhood at a time!
Remembering to say “Thank You”
September 25, 2010 | Author Teresa
Remember to say thank you
I was having lunch this week with a client and we talked about the lost art of thank you notes and gifts. Not that many years ago, it was common to send a thank you card or small gift after every meeting, dinner, party, or just to recognize a kind gesture. We all love to be appreciated and to receive a special something from time to time, so why has it become to difficult to find a few minutes in our day to be courteous and show our appreciation to others? We keep those special notes for years and reference them often, yet we do not make the effort many times to do the same for someone else…
I love owning a gift company and seeing the reaction from people accepting a thoughtful thank you gift from others…there is no better feeling than in that moment! Please join me in slowing down enough to write a simple thinking of you, thank you for being you, or just because note to someone this week. You will love the feeling and they will love the gesture!
Beginning in Business, growing in Gift Baskets
September 22, 2010 | Author Teresa
Well, I am very excited to be joining the 21st century and through advice of MANY in my business life, now have a blog!! I trust you will enjoy reading as much I will enjoy sharing my thoughts and experience with you on a variety of topics!
For the first one, I am fondly reflecting on my start in my gourmet food and gift basket business, Teresa’s Treasures, as this is our 10th anniversary year! I started with a card table and chair in a little attachment maybe 200 square feet and had a folding chair and telephone. For years, I have taken my staff, now as many as nine, to see where it all started because I know there is value in remembering where you came from. We all need to do so in our personal lives to keep us grounded and be thankful for the ability to have choices in your lives. I get very sentimental thinking about how much time and work not just myself, but family, friends, and dozens of staff have invested into our gift business. It has paid off though now being the largest gift and gift basket company in our area of Texas with 8,000 square feet and clients worldwide.
I am often asked did I ever think it possible, of course I knew it could happen as I know my commitment and abilities, but I never counted on the amazing people, places, experiences we would have along the way. This photo reminds me of that long road and how much the journey has been a part of my life and I thank all of you who have helped and our clients who have become friends along the way! It is with heartfelt gratitude, I thank you and ask for your continued support as we travel a new chapter beginning this anniversary celebration! Think for yourself the roads you have taken and how your life might have turned out if different paths were chosen–not regretting, but maybe even grateful! I look forward to your stories!