Today we’d like to introduce you to Elissa Davis.
Elissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I got my bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, from the Hilton College of the University of Houston, and trained extensively as a professional chef. A dead-end training program resulted in my finding work at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and a new career path. I worked in the Gift Shop Department, eventually becoming the Assistant Director.
In 2001, I was seeking a change of pace, from the constant hustle and bustle of the Museum. An opportunity was to be found managing the bookstore of The Jung Center! I was brought on board at The Jung Center, to help revive a failing bookstore. What I discovered was my vocation. As one of the few extroverts roaming the halls of our Center, I get great joy from helping our customers and students. I want to provide the best possible customer service for any situation. I have since risen to Director of Customer Service and Retail Sales, where I still manage our bookstore and library, but am also responsible for all aspects of customer service. And best of all, I still cook frequently with my husband, for family, friends and coworkers!
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?
Is anyone’s path smooth? If so, how lucky! I had to shift careers in my mid-twenties, from professional chef to Museum Professional. Of course, my career is in the non-profit world, which always presents unique challenges and obstacles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Jung Center story. Tell us more about the business.
I work at The Jung Center, which, for more than 50 years, has served as a nonprofit resource unique to Houston – a forum for dynamic and compelling conversations on a diverse range of psychological, artistic, and spiritual topics. Our mission is to support the development of greater self-awareness, creative expression, and psychological insight – individually, in relationship and within community. We offer continuing education for the human spirit.
I am the Director of Customer Service and Retail Sales, and in addition to running all aspects of our bookstore and library, I am responsible for all aspects of customer service at the Center. I am known for my warm, positive temperament and willing spirit. I want to connect our customers with resources for their personal, inner journey, taking into account where they are now and where they want to go. I have heard countless accounts from customers about how The Jung Center changed their lives (and by extension, the lives of their families and communities) for the better. Assisting and fostering that process never fails to amaze me.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I sell a book titled “There Are No Accidents” by Jungian analyst, Robert Hopcke. The Jungian term of synchronicity (the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection), often replaces “luck” for us. When I was getting terribly unhappy in my previous job, I ran into a friend at a local coffee shop and she happened to mention that The Jung Center was looking for a new bookstore manager. I had never even been in the building! These “slender threads” can often only be seen from a distance, but they make up the story of a life. Even with “bad luck”, I find myself seeking meaning and finding something to learn, going forward.
Pricing:
- Our events range from free to $375.00, depending on the duration of the event.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Jung Center
5200 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006 - Website:junghouston.org
- Phone:713-524-8253
- Email:info@junghouston.org
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/junghouston/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/junghouston/
- Twitter:https://twitter.com/JungHouston
- Yelp:https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-jung-center-houston
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
