Today we’d like to introduce you to Pascha “Posh” Ford.
Hi Pascha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m a Port Arthur, TX native and a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA). I’m a licensed pharmacist and have been practicing for over 10 years. Although I like working in healthcare, I wouldn’t call it my true passion.
I’ve always said that my ideal job would be shopping professionally. I’m an impulsive online shopper and will often spend hours comparing prices, looking for hard-to-find items, reading reviews, etc. My friends often turn to me when they need help finding an item or don’t have the time to purchase it themselves. For example, I was able to purchase a PlayStation 5 on its original release date back in 2020. A friend of mine wanted one but told me that I probably wouldn’t be able to get it the day it was released. The comment was harmless but I took it as a challenge. After several hours and using multiple electronic devices, I managed to buy it that day.
I enjoy shopping but I never thought it was something that could be monetized and pursued professionally. To be honest, I didn’t really research the idea because I had already convinced myself that it wasn’t feasible. Being a pharmacist was my safety net because it was guaranteed income.
Let me say this: Burnout, especially job burnout, is a serious condition. I honestly believe it isn’t talked about enough, but when it is discussed, it’s often downplayed. Several years into my career, I started to notice signs that I was becoming burned out. I slightly reduced my hours at work thinking that would help. When it didn’t, I reduced my hours even more. Eventually, it got to the point where my employer and I ended our 11-year relationship. Breakups are never easy but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Once my “safety net” was gone, I realized I didn’t have anything to lose so I decided to start my own business. I knew I wanted to focus on high-end personal shopping so my next step was coming up with a name. I spent some time researching and brainstorming because I wanted something catchy but also wanted a name that fit my vision for the brand.
A few of my friends call me Posh. Since the definition of posh aligned with my brand aesthetic, I wanted to be sure to include that in the name. Even though my focus is personalized shopping, I still wanted a name that would signify that my services go beyond that. One day I had a eureka moment and “The Posh Concierge” was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say that this road has been smooth, but no journey is without bumps and roadblocks. Starting my own business has been an eye-opening experience. I have a newfound respect for business owners because this process is not easy.
I know it might sound odd, but I’m one of my biggest obstacles. I’m guilty of standing in my own way. The fear of failing and feelings of self-doubt can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. The current state of the economy had me worrying about whether or not my timing was off. There were many times that I questioned if entrepreneurship was the right decision. The hardest thing is being motivated and STAYING motivated regardless of how the business is performing. I’m blessed to have friends that constantly encourage me and refuse to let me give up.
I’m an introvert so it’s ironic that I’ve chosen a business model that requires me to be more extroverted. My business coach always reminds me that promotion is extremely important because customers can’t patronize a business that they don’t even know exists.
Another challenge I’ve had to navigate is rebranding at an early stage. The Posh Concierge is currently being rebranded as Posh The Concierge. The name is slightly different and the logo is changing, but the concept remains the same. There are other businesses with similar names so I decided it was best to reevaluate my approach. Since I’m Posh, owner of The Posh Concierge, I wanted my name to reflect that and set me apart from everyone else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Most people usually think of a concierge as someone who works at a hotel and makes reservations, arranges local transportation, etc. In actuality, the concierge industry includes much more. The primary goal of a concierge is to save a client’s time. How that time is saved depends on the individual needs of the client.
I’m a luxury lifestyle manager who specializes in personalized shopping. One of my more unique offerings is researched based shopping. Some clients know exactly what they want to be purchased but other clients might need additional information before making a selection.
For example, Client A is pregnant and wants me to purchase a stroller. Client A has a specific brand/model in mind and doesn’t want any other brand. In that scenario, I would simply buy the requested item and make arrangements for delivery. On the other hand, Client B is also in need of a stroller and has specific features in mind, but doesn’t know which brand/model is best. In that case, I would research different strollers that fit the client’s criteria and present my findings. With the choices narrowed down, Client B is able to make an informed decision and select a stroller.
Another popular offering is the VIP Reminding/Gifting service. This service helps alleviate the stress of remembering significant dates and buying gifts. During the onboarding process, the client and I map out important dates like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. We’ll discuss the recipients, gift ideas, and budgets for each date. Once details are finalized, the client can rest assured that I will handle the rest and they don’t have to worry about forgetting important dates or scrambling to buy a gift at the last minute.
Although my specialty is personalized shopping, my services aren’t limited to that. Ultimately my main objective is to help my clients reclaim their time and be able to focus on more important things. Whether it be planning a romantic date night or booking a vacation, I’m here to assist my clients and make their lives a little bit easier.
I currently reside in Southeast Texas but given the nature of my business, I’m able to service clients from almost anywhere. For instance, I recently planned a surprise birthday party that took place in Dallas for a client who currently lives in California.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If anyone is interested in becoming a client or would like more information, feel free to send an email, text message, or reach out on Facebook or Instagram.
I’m transitioning my social media pages to Posh The Concierge, however the original page “The Posh Concierge” will remain active.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (832) 356-9223
- Website: www.theposhc.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/PoshTheConcierge
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PoshTheConcierge
Image Credits
Kim Thao Pham Photography
