Vondra’ Barnwell-Williams has a Computer Science degree and a well-rounded background in IT, Legal & Fashion. The name Vondra means “The Love of a Woman.” She has traveled with Moet & Chandon as a Fashion Designer with the brilliant Curator – Lloyd Boston (www.lloydboston.com). Vondra’ has catered to upscale clients from New York City to Dubai. Her client base has always admired her impeccable taste & exceptional style.
Tell us about yourself?
The Caviar Lookbook is my 3rd successful company and I know exactly what my clients love. The Caviar Lookbook is not your average gift-giving company. Hence, our objective is not only to send a gift on your behalf.
Our goal is focused on touching the heart and creating an unforgettable memory. At the end of the day – it’s imperative to us that our clients relish in feeling special and most importantly – enveloped in love.”
What does your business do?
The Caviar Lookbook is a Luxury Gifting Company. We are the creme de la creme. We are the full-service Gifting Experience – where nothing is out of our reach. The Caviar Lookbook has clients from small to large corporations. All of these are possible with the business relationships we have with over 50 brand names such as Sennheiser, Sugarfina, George Jensen, Foreo, Epara, and others.
What problems does your company solve?
We partner with both private clients and large corporations to fulfill the gifting experience from the start to end. We partner with you to enhance and strengthen your relationship with your client, vendors, and prospective clients 365 days a year.
Statistics show that Corporate Gifting can help establish or enhance critical business relationships. The Caviar Lookbook can affirm relationships and enhance the personal connection between you and your recipients.
How do you solve your customer’s challenges?
The best way to solve a client’s challenge is to listen first and act second. You cannot understand or comprehend if you do not have clarity or understand the deliverables of your clients.
Who are your ideal customers?
My clients are women who are CEOs and are extremely busy to do what I love. My clients are people who want to send the very best. My ideal clients are attorneys, doctors, and the busy CEO. I would love to have the entire sports organization desiring my business.
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
My day is like a snowflake; no 2 are alike. My time is spent communicating with new clients and prospective clients. Another part of my day is spent in meetings & conference calls which is vital for my business.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
You have to learn and know what are the priorities. You have to learn the importance of balance. However, my family is first. I have learned it is imperative to run the business but not allow the business to run you.
What motivates you?
Love for people. I love people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and countries. You have to love people when you are in business, you have to get to know who you are doing business with, and with all that is really understanding the needs of your clients.
How do you generate new ideas?
We travel a lot. I happen to be in Milan, Italy when I developed The Caviar Lookbook. The Caviar Lookbook was the blueprint idea from simply relaxation in Milan, Italy. I love when I travel because that is when inspiration and creative ideas start.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
The only fear I have is of my God Jehovah. I do not fear anyone and I cannot afford to fear something that has not occurred.
How do you define success?
First of all, I would like to say you are not successful when you do not help other women in business. I do not do business with selfish people, it is not in my DNA and it’s a pet peeve for me. To me selfishness breeds greed and i am the opposite. I would describe myself as being extremely generous.
Everyone defines success differently and it depends on their experiences and background in life. I define success as creating amazing business relationships.
Yes, I know we run a business for profit. But for me, it is getting to know my client and the business relationship goes beyond business. When you have clients who trust you completely and feel absolutely fond of you and your business. That is success.
Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
I can say the first step is to research, research, and more research. I am a person that does a lot of research. Talk with other business owners and create a blueprint of what that business looks like. However, once one engages in a deep dive of research they will be fondly surprised as to what a business looks like to them.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
“Reaping the fruit of your labor’ as they say. I gain a deep satisfaction when I am able to help my clients, but also help other women in business that need to get from point A to Z.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When I sent packages to Will & Heather Packer. Will Packer directed the Oscars this year and he is also a brilliant Movie Producer his wife, Heather, his wife is also amazing. The Packers simply loved what they received from The Caviar Lookbook and for me, that was just one of many satisfying moments in business.
Another satisfying moment is when you go on Thecaviarlookbook.com and read the testimonials on my website- the words are like diamonds. The testimonials speak volumes of my character and my business.
When COVID started, i provided beauty branding – FREE for a year – for women. I could have been paid by many companies, but, I chose to balance the scale and give of myself freely.
It was the best decision because I helped other women for an entire year and built amazing business relationships due to my ability to not charge. Yes -I am a CEO at the end of the day running a business for profit however I am a woman of substance.
How did the idea for your business come about?
We do not see many women with my skin complexion in this business space of luxury gifting. Gifting is an art and I know with my background in fashion, being generous naturally and knowing what makes people happy was something I have been gifted in life.
I wanted to create a luxury brand that would touch the heart & minds of people leaving an amazing memory. There is no other greater satisfaction in life. There is more happiness in giving.
What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
I have always wanted to have my own company. I always felt I can work smarter and not harder. When you have your own business it is like having a baby. You watch it slowly grow, but now when people fall in love with your business, you know you have done well.
How do you build a successful customer base?
You have to learn the dynamics of people. When you take a personal interest in people and really get to know who they are – they will want to know who you are.
You have to be a great listener and learn to communicate effectively. Someone told me a long time ago, “don’t just give people what they want – go beyond that and give them more”. Because I followed that advice the customer base for Caviar Lookbook, it is ever-growing.
How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful? Believe it or not, my business is marketed by clients and on social media.
What advice would you give to people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Ask yourself – what are your strengths and how does that translate into a sustainable business?
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I could have started the Caviar Lookbook 10 years ago.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Great Listener
Determination
Laser-Focused on Positivity
What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule?
Review your schedule the day before and outline what are the top items to fulfill. Most importantly, stay balanced and learn to say no.
What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs invest their time in?
Research and Time are your biggest assets. They helped in the development and creation of Caviar Lookbook. They can prove to be the most effective tools and will help you to navigate through the business climate.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My best friend and love – my husband. He is brilliant, super smart, extraordinary, and amazing, he is my love and my King. I would not be able to run The Caviar Lookbook, if it were not for him. Love is not who you can see yourself with, love is who you cannot see yourself without.
What business-related book has inspired you the most? (or, What is your favorite book?)
The Bible – I love the book of Daniel because we are prophetically seeing the prophecy of that image. The book of Daniel revealed that image and we are seeing that prophecy unfold before our eyes on the world scene at this moment.
The book of Daniel speaks of a rock from a huge mountain – that rock is currently in flight. Make no mistake the deep wisdom found in the bible is profound and it can make a significant impact on our lives now and in the future.
If you had a magic stick, which are the three things you would change in the world?
For clarity- I put absolutely no trust in magic because of its origin – but I believe in the power of the holy spirit that has the ability to do anything. With that being said, here are 3 things I am confident will happen in the future:
- Women will be highly respected and valued….soon
- Racism will no longer exist. Unity and Peace will flourish within the entire globe.
- Death will no longer exist. The slaughter of untold millions will completely stop. Life will be respected. Our dead loved ones will be resurrected on earth.
What is the part of your life experience you would alter if you had the chance to?
I have no regrets.
If you were to write a book about yourself, how would you name it?
Vondra: Supporter of Women (The Art of doing business)
Please share contact details
Vondra Barnwell-Williams
CEO@thecaviarlookbook.com or 551.574.0451
