We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennie White and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting this business we had 1 goal: deliver more to the customer than we charge for. The convergence of our passion for woodworking, our service-oriented commitment as a veterans, and a keen understanding of the power of personalization in business really helped us cut through the noise of our competition.
I really wanted to create something meaningful, not just for myself, but also in its impact on other businesses. The idea of personalized cutting and charcuterie boards struck me as a unique way for entrepreneurs to leave a lasting impression. Having served in the military, I also wanted the business to reflect the values of service and commitment.
The decision to plant a tree for every board sold was a natural extension, a commitment to sustainability that resonates with both our customers and our dedication to leaving a positive mark on the world. This year we planted 435 trees!
Our best customers have undoubtedly been fellow entrepreneurs and business owners who understand the value of making a lasting impression. Realtors, photographers, roofers, and financial advisors, recognizing the potential of our products in building and strengthening client relationships. These visionary individuals understand that a beautifully crafted, personalized board not only enhances their professional image but also creates a memorable experience for their clients, fostering loyalty and trust.
This has been incredibly rewarding, affirming that a thoughtful, handmade product can not only enhance business relationships but also contribute to a broader community and environmental impact.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I take immense pride in the fact that our personalized cutting and charcuterie boards have become not just a beautiful product people love to receive as a gift, but that they’re a precision tool for businesses to enhance their client relationships and drive referrals. The one-day turnaround for our customized boards is a testament to our dedication to meeting our customers’ needs promptly – the military really taught us how important it is to provide the right tools quickly.
Professionally, the journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t easy to establish our niche in the gift market. Overcoming these challenges required a combination of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to quality. I surrounded myself with a talented team that shares the same passion for craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. We invested time in understanding market trends and consistently evolved our product to meet the changing demands of our clientele.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of listening to customer feedback. Our product enhancements and innovations have often been inspired by the valuable input we receive. Additionally, our commitment to planting a tree for every board sold has not only contributed to a positive environmental impact but has also resonated with customers who appreciate businesses that give back.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston has so much to offer! Like many of us who moved to Houston, it’s almost a right-of-passage to discover how complex and diverse this city is! Our ah-ha moment when we fell in love with the city came after a night out with some friends. We started at Saint Arnold brewery, caught a musical in the Theater District, then ended the night with some world-class Asian cuisine on Bellaire Blvd. We felt like we experienced 3 different countries in one night. As Veterans, we’ve lived all over the USA and there’s nothing like Houston’s diversity and friendliness combined in one city.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our Realtors deserve all the credit. I’m so impressed with their intelligence and work ethic. This year their market went through many of ups and downs, but their persistence and dedication to their clients was amazing to watch. The agents we work with are overproducing their peers because they continue to trust our product to strengthen relationships and spark a reminder for a constant flow of referrals. They believe in us and love our product and that’s encouraged us to keep working hard with a smile this year!
Website: https://www.samaratableco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaratableco/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/samara-table-company
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Samara-Table-Co-100063931637032/