The Artisans: Jessica Berry
The BLLA Team sits down with Jessica Berry, Hospitality Manager at Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel, as she delves into her experience as a boutique hotelier.
BLLA: What is your company’s mission statement?
JB: The world is your oyster, and we truly believe you can achieve anything you wish in life and go anywhere because you have the opportunity and ability to do so.
BLLA: How did you enter the hospitality industry?
JB: I entered the hospitality industry at 15 years of age. I began working at golf courses in Atlanta, then went directly into restaurant management at 18. At the age of 29, I opened my own successful women’s boutique. This year, I will turn 40 and for the last five years, I have been the GM of Oyster Bay Boutique Hotel.
BLLA: What does“boutique” mean to you?
JB: Boutique meant carefully curated fashion by brilliant designers during the entirety of my 20’s and 30’s. Now almost 40, I understand that a boutique is more than just fashion; it is a refined strong artistic sense, sophistication, and an emphasis on design. Promising services, Instagram-worthy settings, and location.
BLLA: How are you an artisan?
JB: As an Artisan, I am a calming and stable force on the team. I’m known to be understanding, straightforward, and deliberate. I thrive in and help contribute to a culture of precision. My strategic, data-driven approach to building my team is what helps my organization win. My boutique hotel is located perfectly in our historic downtown and offers exciting amenities and activities that add to a guest’s travel experience.
BLLA: Why do you celebrate the path of independence?
JB: We prosper because we are tailored to our location. We incorporate local artwork with luxurious amenities creating a unique accommodation. We create a destination within a destination. Our guests are willing to pay more for the experience because we leave a lasting impression. We thrive by implementing a localized approach, executing outstanding service, and focusing on the intricate details.
BLLA: What advice would you give to first-time hoteliers?
JB: Don’t underprice your rooms. Create excellent social media and CRM. Choose the right location and know the area. Without integrity, you have nothing.
BLLA: What would you say to hotel lenders & investors reading this?
JB: Do your due diligence. Location, location, location. Make sure you have a future goal in mind. Get your marketing plan in place and begin identifying your target guests.
BLLA: What’s next for you?
JB: My husband and I will be purchasing an RV next summer and taking our two boys Pennington, who is turning 7, and Slade, who will be 9, on a yearlong cross country to see all the beauty of America and to explore its national parks.
About BLLA
The official organization for the world's independent boutique lifestyle hotels and leaders who are entrepreneurs themselves, promoting capital, resources, connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA's boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today's traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com. BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via its Boutique Money Group division.
The corporate manifesto is: Experience the intention behind the brand.
