Five Firsts with Rebecca Todd, Owner of The Scout Guide Birmingham
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 Birmingham owner Rebecca Todd’s notable “firsts.”
When did you first discover The Scout Guide?
I became familiar with The Scout Guide in my home town of Fairhope, Alabama, which is a part of The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. They had a gorgeous blue cover for their first volume and it was in all of my favorite spots around town.
What made you decide to become an owner?
I have been so intrigued by The Scout Guide for years and have always loved small businesses, so when I was planning my move to Birmingham the first place I looked to see if they were hiring was TSG. Unbeknownst to me they had been dormant in this area for a few years and the territory was actually for sale. I reached out to The Scout Guide headquarters to get a bit more information and after talking with them and different owners from around the country, I knew this was the perfect fit for me.
“With The Scout Guide you get to be your own boss, but you also have an incredible support system of other owners around you.”
Tell us about the first business you approached to be in the guide?
There were a few members on my must list, including Mariee Ami, Kathleen Varner, Dogwood Hill, Etc., and Paige Albright Orientals. I recall being star struck talking to Neillie of Mariee Ami because I’ve followed her for years and love all of her weddings. When she put her faith in me it gave me the biggest confidence boost.
What was it like to launch your first volume?
It was the best and the most terrifying feeling. I got my guides two weeks before the launch and was too nervous to even flip all the way through it until after the party. But even with a little bit of rain it ended up being the most fun night celebrating The Scout Guide being back in Birmingham. I’m already planning our next launch and hopefully I won’t be so nervous this time around.
What’s the first thing you would tell a prospective owner?
I would share two things. The first is that I have met the most wonderful small business owners, learned so much from each of them, and grown in more ways than I could have imagined this past year. While you may wear a lot of hats, it’s all worth it in the end to get to support some pretty cool people. Second, is the amazing support you get from the other owners in the TSG network. I feel so fortunate to have met so many incredible women and I’m lucky to now call them friends. With The Scout Guide you get to be your own boss, but you also have an incredible support system of other owners around you.
Feature photo by David Hillegas. To learn more about Rebecca and The Scout Guide in her area, visit The Scout Guide Birmingham website and follow The Scout Guide Birmingham on Instagram. Learn more about starting The Scout Guide in your city here.
