We are thrilled to kick off our “Empowered Women Empower Women” series with the inspiring Jackie Botelho. With no prior experience in hospitality, Jackie became the Head Concierge at a San Diego hotel, quickly boosting its TripAdvisor ranking. She went on to found ABCVIP in 2018, planning over 200 successful events. Her latest venture, Botelho, offers bespoke NYC experiences with exceptional service. Jackie’s determination and resilience embody the spirit of empowerment and remind us all to pursue our passions and create a life without limits.
About your journey
TBN: Jackie, with no prior experience in hospitality, you made a significant impact as Head Concierge in a very short time. What inspired you to take that leap into a new industry?
JB: After college, I started as an outside salesperson for WB Mason. This role was invaluable in teaching me how to read people and push beyond my comfort zone. However, I quickly realized that office supply sales wasn’t my long-term path.
I moved to San Diego with no job lined up and knew one person in the city. I quickly made friends in the hospitality industry and decided I wanted a career where my success wasn’t solely defined by numbers but still involved interacting with people. Hospitality seemed like a natural fit so I cold-called myself at a few hotels in the area and ended up getting the Head Concierge position at Tower 23 in Pacific Beach.
Little did I know, that seemingly small decision would shape the rest of my career and change my life. I LOVED being a concierge and pioneered a program that took the hotel from #11 to #3 on TripAdvisor in just 4 months. I always say I found myself and my purpose in San Diego.
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TBN: Transitioning from a hotel concierge to starting ABCVIP must have been a massive step. What motivated you to start your own company, and what were the initial challenges you faced?
JB: After about two years I moved back to the East Coast and I got back into sales but was miserable. One day, a woman asked me, “If money weren’t a factor, what would you do?”. I had never asked myself that question, but my answer was immediate and clear: “I would do what I did in San Diego”. That was the day I started my LLC.
My biggest challenge was getting started. I bootstrapped my company with only $20k in the bank which went pretty quickly paying NYC rent. I had to learn how to budget my lifestyle drastically so I built my company and website from YouTube videos and Google. Instead of going out, I hosted Game Nights and Dinner Parties at my apartment. I took this leap by answering the question I mentioned above but ironically, financially keeping myself afloat was my first biggest challenge. So I had to get creative and find a way to make it work.
When funds became critically low, I expanded these gatherings to local venues, which quickly (and thankfully) catapulted me into planning events for companies like Amazon!
TBN: In your journey, you’ve undoubtedly faced setbacks and challenges. Could you share a significant obstacle you’ve overcome and what you learned from that experience?
JB: The funny thing about life is that what feels like a challenge or setback at the time could turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you. A prime example for me is the pandemic. Days before we went into full lockdown, I was supposed to sign a contract to take over concierge services for four Marriott hotel properties—an opportunity that felt like a dream come true.
However, they required on-site concierge services, which would have cost about $8k per week in staffing. While I was confident I could manage it, the overhead was substantial. When lockdown began, I feared it was the end of this opportunity. Instead, I started hosting virtual networking events and game nights to stay relevant and maintain contact with my Marriott connections.
In May 2021, I received an email with a signed contract from Marriott! It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. For safety reasons, as they were just reopening, they were okay with trying out a virtual concierge. This allowed me to prove that the virtual concierge model works. Today, we are the off-site concierge for major companies. And our members couldn’t be happier with the service we provide without being on-premise. Ironically, the pandemic, in a way, saved my company.
Empowered women empower women
TBN: Can you describe how being a woman has influenced your leadership style? Are there strengths you feel are particularly highlighted through your approach?
JB: My experiences as a woman in business have honed my resilience and adaptability. Navigating challenges and overcoming biases has taught me to be persistent and flexible, which are crucial traits in effective leadership. These strengths enable me to guide my team through uncertainties with confidence and grace.
Particularly when it comes to my team, as a woman, I’ve naturally leaned towards a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels their contributions matter. This not only boosts team morale but also encourages innovative solutions as diverse perspectives are considered and valued.
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TBN: Were there any female role models or mentors who inspired you along your journey? How did their influence shape your career decisions?
JB: I remember seeing Sarah Blakely on LinkedIn when I was first getting started and learning that she never gave away equity, owning 100% of her business. I thought that was so badass. Inspired by her, I decided to do the same. Even during tough times when I could have really used some capital or professional help that I couldn’t afford, I kept her words in mind and powered through.
Today, owning 100% of my company and not taking on any partners or funding makes me feel much stronger and in control of my and my company’s future.
TBN: Risk-taking has been a substantial part of your story. What advice would you give to someone hesitant to take the first step toward a seemingly daunting goal?
JB: Passion fuels perseverance and gives you the drive to overcome obstacles. Accept that uncertainty is a part of life. No significant achievement comes without some level of risk. Rather than fearing the unknown, embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Trust yourself and your ability to navigate challenges as they arise and surround yourself with a support system. Seek mentors who have been through similar experiences and can offer guidance and encouragement. Having a network of supportive individuals can provide you with the confidence and resources you need to go after your dreams!
The-Better-You
TBN: With the demands of running multiple businesses, how do you prioritize self-care and ensure your mental health doesn’t take a backseat?
JB: Balancing the demands of running multiple businesses with self-care is arguably my biggest challenge. Given my role in the industry, I can’t socialize as freely as I used to. Especially as an event planner, many people recognize me, and I need to be on my A-game at all times. The pressure is immense, especially as a woman in a prominent position, and this is an area where I still struggle.
However, I’ve become better at listening to my body and recognizing the signs of burnout. When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back, even if it’s just for an afternoon, to recharge and take care of myself.
I haven’t had a vacation or more than two consecutive days off in seven years. While this isn’t a path everyone needs to follow for success, every dollar I’ve earned has been reinvested into the company. Because of that, recently, I’ve been able to build a team of incredibly talented people. Soon, I’ll be able to take a real vacation, knowing my company is still standing when I return. The day that happens will make all the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.
TBN: Balancing personal life and a demanding career can be challenging. What strategies have you found effective for maintaining this balance while staying mentally healthy?
JB: I have the word “Balance” prominently displayed in front of my computer as a constant reminder. I listen to my body and take breaks when needed. I go for walks and either listen to uplifting music or catch up with old friends, which helps me stay connected and rejuvenated.
Sundays are my designated “mental sabbatical days,” where I disconnect from the world and relax which has been incredibly helpful for recharging. Additionally, I’ve become much more selective about how I spend my time. Given that I wake up between 4 and 5 am every day and often host or attend events most nights, prioritizing activities that truly matter is crucial.
By implementing these strategies, I’ve been able to maintain a healthier balance between my personal life and career, ensuring I stay mentally healthy and energized.
TBN: What message would you like to leave for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to carve their path in industries where they may not have traditional backgrounds?
JB: You can do this! If you feel passionate about something, go for it. Find ways to make it work and think outside the box. Make yourself indispensable in whatever you’re trying to achieve and stop at nothing to reach your goals.
Lastly, always remember that the good times wouldn’t feel so good if it weren’t for the bad times, so embrace the challenges and savor the successes.
TBN: Finally, if we could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
JB: TRUST THE PROCESS! When things feel like they are falling apart, it often means other things are coming together. Also, LESS IS MORE! When you have enough passion to start your own business, it’s easy to take things personally because your company is your soul. Remember that people are busy, and what feels crucial to you may not be as important to others. Give yourself time and grace to process situations, becoming less reactive and more strategic.
Finally, do not let money deter you from your dreams. The money will come when you do what you love, so stay the course, always look for the positive, and stop at nothing to live your purpose. I used to say “the sky’s the limit” but now I realize, there are no limits!
