Connect
http://www.stelladot.com/sites/gretapeoples
Education
Tulane University - Bachelor of Science in Management
University of Texas at Austin - Master of Business
Like many women, Greta Carey Peoples first heard about Stella & Dot through a friend. Despite zero familiarity with the line, or even the company, Greta knew she still had the ability to help her friend (and her friend's business). She enjoyed the experience and, a little while later, hosted another party. This time Greta — and her friends — were hooked.
A firm believer in "doing the unexpected," Greta loves that her job allows her to nurture relationships, entertain and help other women feel better about themselves, all while indulging in her flair for fashion and style. And although Greta will say point-blank that owning a home business doesn't present as steady of a paycheck as her previous job in the corporate world, she'll also point out that her business trajectory is pointing her in the direction of meeting (and perhaps even surpassing) her previous salary. Most importantly, it affords her more time with her family — something that's truly priceless.
Understand your purpose and manage your business accordingly.
Stella & Dot Week: This interview is part two in a series of five interviews featuring Stella & Dot employees this week.
How did you discover your current job?
I first learned about Stella & Dot while I was living in Canada. A friend asked me to host a Stella & Dot trunk show for her. I hadn't heard of Stella & Dot, nor had I ever seen the line, but I agreed to host the trunk show because I wanted to help my friend and support her business.
When I moved back to the U.S., I decided to host another Stella & Dot trunk show and simply enjoyed the product line and the experience. More importantly, my friends really loved the product line and the experience. And the rest, as they say, is history.
What is your typical day like, and what types of things do you do in your job?
One of the things I love most about my career is that there's no such thing as a typical day. My career gives me the flexibility to structure my day and my time in a way that works best for me and still maintain dedicated, quality time for my family.
Some days I'm out having lunch or dinner with friends to network, nurture personal relationships and show off my new pieces. Other days I'm sending thank you notes to my customers and making follow-up phone calls to customers to ensure they're happy with their purchases and provide any additional service they might need. Other days I'm planning fabulous trunk shows with my hostesses or meeting with women who are interested in learning more about careers with Stella & Dot. Stella & Dot is a perfect marriage of all the things I love to do!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
There are so many rewards from having my own Stella & Dot business, but I would have to say the most rewarding part of it is simply being able to honestly say I'm doing something I truly love. I love meeting new people and building authentic relationships with them. I love great fashion and style and sharing my expertise in that area with women. I love entertaining and making women feel incredibly special. And I love being in a supportive community of other business owners where we share ideas, information and insights to help support and encourage one another. Stella & Dot has truly been a gift!
What challenges keep you awake at night?
I can honestly say that there are no challenges related to my career with Stella & Dot that keep me awake at night. As a Christian, I have the peace of mind in knowing that we'll always face challenges in our lives. These are expected because they are a test of faith and a means of strength. So, when challenges and struggles do come my way, I know that I'm not alone and my faith will see me through.
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
The biggest personal sacrifice I had to make with my career is no longer having a steady stream of personal income. With Stella & Dot, as with any other direct sales or commission-based career, your income fluctuates from week to week.
Leaving a full-time career several years ago where I was earning more than six figures to become a full-time mother was certainly an adjustment for me, both as a full-time mother and now full-time stylist. It's an adjustment to not have the type of financial flexibility, stability and independence I once enjoyed. However, I see the long-term potential of my Stella & Dot business and am fully confident that my earning potential will match, if not exceed, my previous corporate salary if my business continues along the trajectory that it's going. Plus, the benefit of having more quality time to spend with and support my family is immeasurable and far outweighs any of the short-term financial readjustments I have had to make.
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
Many years ago, my teacher once told me to “do what is unexpected” and that mantra has, for whatever reason, always stayed with me. Now that I'm older and have more personal and professional experiences to draw from, I understand how important this lesson is. Doing what's unexpected means I have to first connect with individuals and have them open up enough to learn what it is they expect in a given situation, what their previous experiences have been, why they're looking for that which they seek and what their benchmarks are. Based on those insights, I'm better able to create and improve the experience I deliver to my customers -- and it's worked every time!
Who are your role models?
I've been very blessed to have an infinite number of role models in my life. I firmly believe that each one of us possesses a gift and the joy in life is discovering it.
Having lived in several states and countries, I find that I'm constantly inspired by people I know and new people that I meet. In fact, I look for those qualities in other people that exemplify attributes to which I aspire, as well as reject those attributes about others I feel don't serve value in our society.
What advice do you have for women who want to be in your industry?
The advice I would give to women who are seeking to own a home-based business is:
Understand your purpose and manage your business accordingly.
Be realistic in your expectations but uncompromising in your pursuit.
Have clear, measurable and stretch goals, and stay focused on your goals.
Be passionate at all times.
What’s your favorite wear-to-work piece from Stella & Dot’s Summer Collection?
I absolutely love the Bahari, Palamino and Campari necklaces and Lindsay bangles. They add such an amazing and fun splash of color to any outfit and the necklaces bring an incredible presence to any look.