Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Darby.
Gretchen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my own consulting company in 2009, after spending more than 15 years in the hotel business. I was on the Opening Team for Hotel ZaZa in 2002, where I was responsible for our entertainment and sports clients. I also assisted with the re-opening of the iconic Stoneleigh Hotel in 2008, after a multi-million dollar renovation. I have always enjoyed networking, communications, and promoting events and businesses that I love – so it was a natural transition for me. I have 3 young children — Presley (7), Jagger (3), and Jax (3), so the flexibility of owning my own company and being able to work remotely and set my own hours — is a perfect fit for my family. I enjoy being very involved in my community and local schools, volunteering for causes I believe in, and working closely with my clients to fulfill their dreams for their businesses. I love connecting people, being visible and involved in the Dallas community, and traveling whenever possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not a smooth road, lots of twists and turns — but I do think everything turns out in the end the way it’s supposed to. I was laid off in 2008 during the mortgage crisis and economic downturn, but what started out as a difficult situation ended up being the catalyst that propelled me to start my own Consulting company. When I was laid off, I had found out just weeks before that I was pregnant with my first child, so moving right into a new position with another company would prove to be difficult. I had been thinking about going out on my own for years, but finally was put in a situation where I just decided to go for it. I’m so glad I did!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gretchen Darby Consulting story. Tell us more about the business.
Gretchen Darby Consulting, LLC (also known as GDC) is a boutique Consulting firm based in Dallas, TX that specializes in Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, and Promotions. I typically work with small to medium size businesses, or may also assist larger companies with projects on an as-needed basis. I would say I’m known for being an influencer, people-connector, and having my finger on the pulse of the Dallas market. I’m very proud that my clients can rely on me to truly CARE about their businesses and their success, and I work very hard to maintain a very positive reputation in my industry. I strive to do whatever it takes on behalf of my clients, and I think they all appreciate that. I enjoy being an advisor, confidant, and helping other people succeed.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think life is a combination of preparation, opportunity, hard work, and a little bit of luck. Sometimes just being in the right place at the right time, or knowing someone that can help move things forward – is HUGE. Sometimes what may appear as bad luck (i.e. a layoff, etc.) can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6701 Sondra Drive,
Dallas, TX 75214 - Website: www.gretchendarbyconsulting.com
- Phone: 214-707-8217
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/gretchendarby
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gretchen.darby
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/gretchendarby
- Other: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchendarby
Image Credit:
Sherrina Peters Photography
Bob Manzano Photography
Danny Campbell Photography
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