Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Gibbs
Hi Shana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I believe that timing is everything! In my life, it’s always been a pivotal force to take me to the next level.
With over twenty years in event management, my industries have all been so different (political, non-profit, corporate) but foundationally, the skill sets that I gained in industry taught me never to discount a job or career path.
Recently I was reminded of a great adage: Be stubborn with the Vision. Be flexible with the Plan. As an event operative, you must adapt to the changes of the environment.
I grew up in Texas and attended the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Government and Communications. I had my sights on a political journalism, alas at the beginning of 2000s, this is the time when print was beginning to pivot to online journalism. And so did my path, I decided to become a political fundraiser, where I learned to love events and the myriad of people that you meet. Creating experiences for people became a passion for me.
Once my short political career was retired, I turned to the non-profit world of Wounded Warrior Project, where I served post-9/11 veterans navigating the civilian world with programs designated to assist in their transition. My family comes from a long line of Army veterans and it was an honor to give back to those that gave so much.
With a team, I organized a national four day cycling program called Soldier Ride – a four day event in sixteen cities across the U.S., Germany and England that provided an opportunity to ride bikes and connect with other veterans, while empowering each other through cycling. My passion was not only creating events for others, but events that served purpose and mission. I was able to watch as these events brought people together and gave them outlets to test their limits but also create new relationships.
Sometimes are callings open new doors, which is where I turned toward hospitality and corporate endeavors. I have worked with Destination Concepts for over seven years, headquartered in San Diego, providing a high level of corporate services around the country to our clients.
And this year, opened the doors of my own company, Mission Beach Concierge, giving me the pleasure of curating experiences for locals and tourists alike. We are bridging the concierge gap for short term rental guests, wanting to live San Diego like a local … giving an elevated guest experiences to San Diego attractions.
While I consider myself a native Texan, California is home. San Diego brought me a new quality of life with water, salt air and sun but it gave me a broader sense of the world and connection to those living in it. Which is why I love highlighting all the city (and it’s people) have to offer through Mission Beach Concierge.
I never could have forecasted the experiences that I have been able lead, but making strategic leaps and being open to the next shift has truly served me well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In twenty years, there definitely have been speed bumps and struggles along the way. Growing experiences don’t occur in a vacuum or safe environment.
My biggest challenges and best learning experiences are all in the arena of people and learning how to communicate up, down and across with colleagues, teams and clients … the world!
A few lessons that I’ve learned through working with people:
– I will say the toughest leaders that I have experienced, were/are my biggest advocates.
– Managing expectations for yourself & others will always result in better experiences.
– Flip the script, when people go low … you go high. Stay positive, even when surrounded by a toxic environment.
– Speaking to others, tone is everything.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mission Beach Concierge. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Mission Beach Concierge is a hospitality company, specializing in destination management services such as transportation, tours, catering, photography, beach and boat rentals and event services. With our local relationships, we partner with businesses to create flawless experiences for tourists (or locales!)
My partner and I travel extensively, we have high expectations for exceptional service and really love getting to know the local feel of any city & country that we spend time in. Our concierge concept came from seeking that same quality of service, while showing off our local beach community – which we love so much and is a special place for many.
We are bridging the concierge gap for short term rental guests, wanting to live San Diego like a local … giving an elevated guest experiences to San Diego attractions. Our mission is to be the one stop shop for all the vacation needs of guests and connect & support our local business partners their specific needs with keen detail and high touch, as if they were our own neighbor.
Examples:
– Would your family like beach portraits, while they are here? We can do that!
– Would your bachlorette party like private yoga instruction? We can do that!
– Do you want to haul out beach chairs and paddle boards to the sand? No? We can do that!
– Does your party need decorating or entertainment? We can do that!
– Do you need transportation to & from the airport? We can do that!
– Does your boys trips need golf reservations at a local course? We can do that!
– Would you like to spend a day on the bay by boat? We can do that!
Vacation like a local! Let us handle the details, while you hit the beach!
On top of this, we also host monthly community events each month such as Padres games, St. Patrick’s Day Trolley Pub Crawl, Wine Tours and other fun events to engage with our neighbors.
I’m most proud that when guests leave, they truly feel like they are part of this very special community that we live everyday … and they can’t wait to come back.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Surround yourself with good people. These people will support you, guide you, check your facts, empower you and drive you to the next level. My best memories early in my career are those that were by my side, as we were all just learning the course.
And ask questions! No one has all the answers … be the first to ask, others will thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.missionbeachconcierge.com
- Instagram: missionbeachconcierge or scgibbs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094527533086
Image Credits
Maggie Spicer
