Stacey Hoops, Owner – Wausau Area Concierge, LLC
What do you do?
Wausau Area Concierge, LLC is a personal assistant/lifestyle management company specializing in professional organizing.
What education, classes or training were helpful to you?
For 10 years I worked in an office setting, managing employees and was a personal assistant to the owner. This worked honed my skills of multi-tasking, customer relations and organizing. After leaving my job and becoming a stay at home parent for the next 10 years, I was able to reinforce all those skills while building my business plan.
Why did you choose this sort of work?
I have always been an organized list maker and this kind of work has always appealed to me. When I became a working parent, I realized there was never enough time. Not enough time to finish what NEEDED to be done and definitely not enough time to do what I WANTED to do. When it was time to go back to work, I knew that there was a need for services that could give people back their time.
What do you like best about your work?
I love my clients and building a trusting relationship with them. It is always exciting meeting new people, helping them check off their to-do lists and giving them the opportunity to reclaim their time. I have met so many interesting people and I can’t wait to meet more!
What advice would you give girls who want to get into your field?
Definitely do your research and take your time building your business plan. Take all the opportunities your community offers, such as business classes and places like the Entrepreneurial & Education Center we have right here in Wausau.
Definitely DON’T doubt yourself! It is easy to say “it’s too hard” or “too scary” but it will be worth it! You are worth it! Being your own boss is the BEST!
What is an example of something you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Fear. I was thinking I was too old to start a business. I hadn’t been in the workforce for almost 10 years and had no experience starting a business. It was scary. And if I’m honest there were many times I wanted to quit. But when I started looking into other woman-run businesses in town and visited the Entrepreneurial & Education Center, I was inspired and motivated!
Anything else we should know?
I LOVE my job and LOVE this city! I am thankful for the support I have received so far on this journey and am looking forward to be able to pay-it-forward.
Thank you Stacey Hoops!
To read more interviews with local wonder women, check out the Wunderfrauen Archive.