Jese Lewing Gary // Founder Luxegiving LLC
Jese Lewing Gary
//
Founder Luxegiving LLC
Meet Jese Lewing Gary, Founder Luxegiving LLC
Jese shares her story and some advice. Special thanks to Jese for sharing!
Tell us in a few sentences how your brand helps others?
We focus on supporting property managers and realtors with showing appreciation to their customers. We create memorable moments that support connection and loyalty that leads to retention and referrals. LuxeGiving was started to help people feel connected in a world that is disconnected.
What was the inspiration to start this business?
I was inspired to start LuxeGiving as a resource. I didn’t know that apartment complexes hosted monthly events until 2012. Property managers and staff are overwhelmed with the task to create appreciation events. The goal was to do a few events as a resource and charity. It wasn’t until hosting the first few events that I found there was a need. One of the event patrons discussed how much she loved the opportunity to actually get to know people. LuxeGiving was created at that very moment. I didn’t know how or what it would look like. I just knew that I wanted to help other people feel connected.
When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?
Never in a million years! The funny part about starting LuxeGiving is it did not start as a business. My original goal was hosting five ladies’ night events to help collect clothing for the Dress for Success organization. I feel blessed and honored to wake up each day to have the opportunity to impact our world. Eight years later, I aim to stay in gratitude for not giving up when it didn’t make sense. I’m a planner by nature so the whole stepping out on faith was extremely literal in the beginning of LuxeGiving. Now, I do take time to envision what I want to see the brand to represent in 10 years. I look forward to having an international brand.
Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?
In the first five years, I did face a lot of challenges. t wasn’t really any competition. I couldn’t just look at the best and try to emulate their steps. I had to learn lessons from our entrepreneurs and innovators. At first, everything was handled differently. I was the face of the brand. My capacity and sanity stayed in limbo. I had to learn the power in partnership. The biggest lessons came through humility and allowing others to help. Instead of doing all of the events, I had to empower a team that worked together to grow.
What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?
You don’t have to do it all alone. I definitely went into business with something to prove. Unfortunately, it created a self-reliance mindset. I was able to shift my mindset by reading two phenomenal books. It was Christopher Gardners “Start Where You Are” and Blake Mycoskie “Start Something That Matters”. Both helped laid a foundation for teamwork and scaling up economically. Everything was self-funded. I had to learn how to leverage partnerships and platforms to grow. It couldn’t only be about me.
What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feeling like it's too difficult?
If you are struggling with your business, I would highly recommend a self-inventory of your beliefs on the challenges or opportunities. Some of the hardest things to overcome are not physically real. It can often by in our mental mindset. We unconsciously create stories that feel and seem real. Once you do the inventory, acknowledge how is this belief attributing to or hindering your future success then let it go. I would recommend doing this practice with a coach or mentor that will be honest too.
What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?
I’m inspired by how my business can create ripples within our market. It may sound cheesy. Our growth means better relationships within multifamily housing. Our growth means supporting small businesses. I love to see our partners expand and grow. I love it when we see regular tenants participate in the events. It’s inspiring to see how our events help people make new friends and love where they live. Every day I don’t always see the connection. When I do see the role our brand plays, it refills my tank. I’m inspired by the results that come from us making a difference.
Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?
You can start a business doing anything. Don’t allow yourself to talk yourself out of it. With that being said, stay open to adjusting and learning how to make it work. I do recommend being committed to the purpose and mission of your business. I do not recommend being attached to what it looks like. In the beginning, I was against half of what we do because it was contingent on my skills. Once I learned to have skilled and talented people around me, I was able to do more in my business purpose.
How can FEMS follow you?
www.LuxeGivingLLC.com