Meet Teresa
When it comes to hospitality, you might say Teresa was born with it. From an early age she watched and admired her mother as a gracious host. Her mother, being a preacher's wife, would host events of every size and host visitors in her home, invited as well as unexpected visitors. Teresa observed her mother's guests feeling comfortable, welcomed, taken care of and fed! Her mother always had a large garden at her home in the mountains of Virginia and she was the master of using what she grew to put on a very tasteful meal; planned and quite often last minute meals for others. Growing up in this home environment Teresa acquired the skills of what it takes to be an exceptional host; ensuring guests feel welcomed, are comfortable, and are well taken care of. Teresa credits her mother for showing and teaching her genuine hospitality; whether it be learning to be well prepared or making the most of unexpected situations, and being resourceful!
INSPIRATION
Teresa earned a degree in business management and hospitality at the National Business College in Roanoke Virginia before moving from the mountains of Virginia to the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks. Being a vacation destination, this was the ideal location for her to become proficient in the hospitality industry!
EXPERIENCE
For 25 years, Teresa worked for the Tranquility Company at the Tranquil House Inn and 1587 Restaurant. Working in a boutique inn with a fine dining restaurant provided her many opportunities in various positions to use and cultivate her skills. She managed employees of the Inn and the Restaurant; scheduling, training, hiring, terminating, etc. Responsible for banking, generating reports and updating all POS systems, she was assigned project manager for a $450K remodel of the Inn. She helped develop the wine list and cocktail menus as well as assisted the chefs with the food menu. During Teresa’s tenure 1587 Restaurant was featured in Wine Spectator Magazine. The Tranquil House Inn was featured in Southern Living Magazine. Due to the superior quality of the Tranquil House Inn and the staff’s reputation for respecting guest privacy, the Inn was known for hosting prominent guests (celebrities and high-ranking professionals) who valued privacy, regularly dining at the Inn’s restaurant while enjoying fine wine from the extensive wine list. Teresa is a natural at the art of discretion and guest privacy while maintaining a high standard of service to all guests. In her 25 years with the Inn and Restaurant, she has the ability to ‘wear many hats’.
AN ROBUST HOSPITALITY BACKGROUND
Although Teresa worked primarily for the Tranquility Company, she didn’t let the grass grow under her feet. Winter of 2017, she had the privilege of managing La Tapa Restaurant in Saint John, USVI, obtained her North Carolina real estate license becoming a NC broker. Most recently Teresa began freelancing for a wedding floral & event company, “Holiday House”, where she assists the owner/designer with floral design, lighting and event creations, managing logistics and behind the scene details for both intimate and premium events. She was a hospitality consultant for the White Doe Inn in Manteo, NC, and The Inner Banks Inn in Edenton, NC. Teresa has experience as an interim innkeeper for multiple inns along the coast of North Carolina.
SPECIALIZED HOSPITALITY FOR YOUR NEEDS
Teresa's expertise in the industry has led her to create her own business in 2022, GUEST HOST FOR YOU. She is striving to achieve and exceed your and your guests’ expectations! She is providing services as an interim innkeeper, event manager, and hospitality consultant. Although Teresa is based on the coast of North Carolina, she holds a current passport and is willing to travel. She spends a few months of the year in the Pacific Northwest enjoying the West Coast very much. She is up for an adventure wherever it takes her! Learn more about Teresa’s services and reach out with any questions.