While a typical day for Vanessa McGovern involves the chance to empower small travel advisor businesses across the country – while meeting some wonderful people – sometimes the stars align for an unexpected dose of glamour!
As Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Gifted Travel Network, Vanessa co-founded the company in 2013 to support travel entrepreneurship and the local professionals who are making it happen. “GTN is not the direct seller of travel, and we are not consumer-facing,” she explains. “As a host agency, our role is to support approximately 400 travel advisors who are small business owners around the country, through a focus on business education, various programs and industry affiliations. Our travel advisors are among the most respected in luxury travel.”
Just as her professional career has been built on supporting small local businesses, Vanessa was thrilled to reach out to some of her favorite Mooresville small business owners when she was honored with the opportunity to attend the 76th Emmy Awards this past September.
While Vanessa certainly never thought she’d be walking the Emmy Awards Red Carpet, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offered her team the chance to connect with some amazing Mooresville entrepreneurs and spread our very special brand of Lake Norman community vibes all the way to Los Angeles!
“It’s proof that big or small, you can always dream big!” she says.
Vanessa attended the Emmys as a guest of The Ritz-Carlton – the official hotel partner of the 76th Emmy Awards and one of her own close business partners. Her whirlwind three-day visit to Los Angeles included a behind-the-scenes tour where she watched some of the evening’s talent rehearsing, her own Red Carpet “moment” and the chance to attend the Governors Ball, the Emmys’ well-known after-party. (And, while Vanessa met many celebrities that weekend, she especially loved meeting Connie Britton – whom she described as exceptionally lovely and down-to-Earth!)
A natural extension of her personal quest to support independent businesses, Vanessa was thrilled to showcase a few of her favorite Mooresville spots that were instrumental in helping her achieve her stunning Emmys look!
If you’re a fan of Juelerye in Mooresville (Vanessa is a frequent customer of the boutique known for artisan jewelry, art and memorable gifts), you already know that Owner Jacqueline Bassett is something of a master organizer – and Vanessa credits Jacque with basically acting as her “agent” during preparations for this event. Once Vanessa had selected her dream dress for the night, Jacque offered her artistic expertise by suggesting exquisite Melinda Lawton earrings – a brilliant mix of Ethiopian opals, emeralds and diamonds – as the perfect jewelry accent. She also knew an iconic clutch from the Kent Stetson collection would finish the elegant look in style. (You can purchase your own finishing touches from both Melinda Lawton and Kent Stetson at juelerye.com.)
Now for that breathtaking gown that Vanessa wore so splendidly! A shopping appointment with Dina Haugstatter at The Perfect Dress in Mooresville was a given, and Dina shares that this beauty by Ivonne D, a montage collection, was the first style she selected for Vanessa to try on. “None compared to this one!” says Dina, describing the black sleeveless, strapless crepe mermaid-style gown with classic sweetheart neckline, 3D organza layered skirt and detachable 3D organza cape. Vanessa relied on the expert services of John Emily Studio in Charlotte for precise alterations and an amazing fit.
“It really means everything to me to be able to support these local businesses and share the beauty of what they do, right here in our Lake Norman community!” adds Vanessa. “We’re promoting the beauty of shopping local, with women-owned and women-led businesses.”
As a guest of the Ritz-Carlton company, Vanessa was one of only three clients invited to walk the Red Carpet and garner their own up-close Emmy experience. The evening awards ceremony was held at the glorious Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, right across the street from The Ritz-Carlton.
When she’s not educating and guiding travel advisors across the country, Vanessa is happy at home in Mooresville, with her husband, Don, son, Ethan, 13, and daughter, Ella, 10, who was especially delighted to discover her mom was going to be our “cover girl” for November!
Experience the joys of Juelerye for yourself by visiting the boutique at 112 South Main Street in Mooresville. Shop both Melinda Lawton jewelry and the Kent Stetson collection on their website at juelerye.com, and stay updated on the latest designs and events by following them on social media @juelerye. For more details or inquiries, call 704.728.9880. The Perfect Dress is your local go-to boutique for proms and homecomings, mothers’ gowns, special occasions and quinceañeras, and is located at 500 S. Main Street, Suite #116, in Mooresville, 704.978.9928, or online at theperfectdressnc.com. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. And, for a perfect fit every time, John Emily Studio is located at 1222 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, 704.705.5282, johnemilystudio.com.
