Five Firsts With Nelina Loiselle, Owner of The Scout Guide Hunt Country

We’re always hoping to make a good first impression, and that first-time readers of The Scout Guide will put the publication down feeling inspired to learn more about the featured businesses—and, if they’re out-of-towners, to seek out (or start) a guide in their own hometown. In this series, we talk to our owners about their TSG “firsts,” from their first encounter with The Scout Guide to the first business they scouted and more. Read on to learn about The Scout Guide Hunt Country owner Nelina Loiselle’s notable “firsts.”

When did you first discover The Scout Guide?

The Scout Guide Hunt Country, Volume 1 launched shortly after I moved to the area and I was drawn to it immediately. I can’t believe that was over 12 years ago! I was impressed with how beautiful the book was and made it my personal mission to visit all the businesses in it. It’s actually how I first discovered one of my favorite local eateries, The Locke Store, which I still frequent today. 

What made you decide to become an owner?

The owner before me—who in typical Hunt Country style I knew through horses—posted about hiring a social media manager in 2015. I jumped at the chance to come on board because I loved the TSG brand. Two years later when she moved on it was a natural fit for me to take over as owner.

“It’s the amazing businesses and fellow owners that I get to work with that keep me going and have inspired me to make each volume better than the last.”

Tell us about the first business you approached to be in the guide?

I first approached the existing members for renewals. Fortunately, with my work as social media manager I’d already developed a relationship with them. The CGE Group was the first one I asked to renew and I’m so happy they did as we’ve now worked together on five  volumes and I just adore them. One of the first new businesses I brought on was Blackburn Architects. I was so thrilled about that as they are world-renowned and I’d admired their work for years. It was a  dream to have them in the book.

What was it like to launch your first volume?

I remember heading to my first launch party and being thrilled and relieved at the same time  that we had finally made it to that day! It was a highlight to see everyone enjoy the book my team and I worked so hard on. I recall thinking after the party “Wow, I don’t want to do that again, it was so much work.” But here I am almost four years later. It’s the amazing businesses and fellow owners that I get to work with that keep me going and have inspired me to make each volume better than the last.

What’s the first thing you would tell a prospective owner?

You have to love all aspects of the job because you will need to wear so many hats in the beginning—head of sales, creative director, art director, party planner, social media manager, writer, bookkeeper, publicist, business developer, the list goes on. That is actually what I love most, being able to do the business side and the creative side. It keeps things balanced and interesting! As you grow your revenue you can expand your team and hire out the for the roles you like the least and focus on your strengths.

Feature photo by Ronda Ann Gregorio. To learn more about Nelina and The Scout Guide in her area, visit The Scout Guide Hunt Country website and follow The Scout Guide Hunt Country on Instagram. Learn more about starting The Scout Guide in your city here.