Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Flaherty.
Hi Nancy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the founder and publisher of the online websites, Hidden Gems with Nancy and Hidden Gems with Grace (formerly Grace in Paris). I was the US Editor of the French fashion and lifestyle magazine, “Captendance” for several years, when my Parisian editor and I decided to leave the print world and create a more fashionable vehicle for our knowledge of style and our desire to travel to Paris, and so the company Grace in Paris was born. “Grace” offers shopping tours of Paris specializing in small groups or one on one shopping adventures. Finding that “unbeatable get” is the greatest mission for me when I am in Paris with a client. Information about the next trip with Grace in Paris can be found on www.hiddengemswithNancy.com Always eager to explore new places and finding that elusive hidden gem, I started Hidden Gems with Nancy in 2019 to promote other places beyond Paris to explore even more shopping adventures. In 2021, my book, “French Flair: 10 Essential Items for Style and the History that makes them so Iconic” was created out of my love of that chic Parisian woman who always presents herself with style and sophistication and her passion for the history behind fads and fashion.
My current connections in the fashion world include leading the board of the Fashion Group International of Atlanta which offers Atlanta area fashion and beauty professionals opportunities to connect with fashion designers and retailers and the support industry around it. (Follow us on @fgiatl) I have been active in fundraising and events for several charities around Atlanta such as the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, and anything supporting sweet four-legged friends. When I am not at home in Alpharetta, I divide my time between my three favorite spots on the planet: Paris, New York City, and anywhere in California.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting out as a journalist was a dream job for me and writing about French finds here in the US for Captendance Magazine was wonderful because it opened so many doors for me. I was able to attend several Paris fashion weeks, and when I transitioned to Grace in Paris, I thought, “who wouldn’t want to go shopping in Paris with me?” I can’t not mention that elephant in the room and say that we all have had a challenging past two years, but now that travel is becoming accessible again, I would identify my biggest area for needing improvement would be finding the right customer who wants to go on my trips. Fortunately, I’ve been supported by friends and family along the way, and as for any major struggles I’ve encountered, I’m naturally optimistic so I don’t dwell on challenges – I face them head-on and solve them!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take people shopping in PARIS! I’ve been going for many years as a reporter for the fashion magazines, and have discovered so many hidden gems in that beautiful city and can’t wait to share them with anyone who wants to learn. That is my favorite description for what I do, my elevator pitch, but there is so much more to who I am and what I am passionate about. I am a journalist, having written articles for many print and online publications as well as maintaining my own blog of all things Paris. I have written a lovely book about French style, defining the Parisian woman’s version with ten iconic pieces. Around Atlanta, I am available to host fashion presentations on topics such as my vintage collection of the Little Black Dress or present-day fads and fashions that emulate French style. Ladies luncheons, charity events, dinner gatherings have all been the setting for my talks. I have created a wonderful tour of Atlanta area shopping destinations where we find places to visit that remind us of being in Paris, and I focus them on shopping for vintage, luxury, and contemporary brands with French Flair. I offer a monthly email where you can find out how to spend time with me – sign up at www.hiddengemswithnancy.com
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important thing I’ve learned along the way of this adventurous journey is how to recreate myself and keep my business direction current. When offering my tours in Paris, I have to be able to answer questions and meet the needs of my customers on the fly with an attitude of helpfulness and expertise. Being flexible is key. I believe my readers and customers have identified this trait as one of my finest characteristics that has helped me build my business to what it is today. You never know what tomorrow will bring, maybe shopping in Paris?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hiddengemswithnancy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemswithnancy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgZNBguUc1jDoM_QsDqdabg
Image Credits
Herve Mouyal
