Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Spring 2017 - 30

entrepreneur's corner

Thrifty Gypsy Co.

www.thriftygypsyco.com

A Conversation
with
Whitney Raifsnider,
Owner
Ellen Albright, Greater Reading Chamber

he Greater Reading Chamber celebrates the role of entrepreEA: Whitney, your journey so far as owner of Thrifty Gypsy Co.
neurs in our community each and every day. We work with seems to have been an exciting one! What is your most memorable
these business owners to provide counsel, deliver solutions experience so far as a local entrepreneur?
and expand their networks. But behind each of these businesses
WR: I started the business from a spare room in my apartment.
lies an untold story of diligence, aspiration, and most importantly
The moment I was able to move it to a small space on Penn Avenue
- the story of the individuals responsible for creating vibrancy and
was the first time I really saw my vision come to fruition. Although
innovation in our region.
we have since moved to a larger space, I still hold on tightly to that
Thrifty Gypsy Co. is the ultimate success story. Whitney Raifsnider initial feeling and use it as motivation whenever I feel "stuck." Along
turned a passion of repurposing into a string of projects, and through this journey, I've also learned that I am capable of a lot more than
persistence and perseverance (and an overwhelming word of mouth I ever gave myself credit for.
demand), evolved into what is now today the unique and thriving
EA: It's remarkable that you've built an all-women team specialThrifty Gypsy Co. The company began in 2014 with a mission of
izing in such a vast array of home renovation and design services.
providing hard working people with the home of their dreams, while
How have you been able to build such a niche team of individuals?
maintaining a price that people can realistically afford. Oh, and did
we mention this woman-owned business employs an all-women
WR: Whatever position I am hiring for, I make sure the person
team? It's kind of their "thing" and we kind of love it.
who fills that position is better than ME at that position. I realized
years into owning this business that I don't have to do it all, only
Get the full story below in the conversation below between
the job that I am good at.
Commerce Quarterly and Whitney Raifsnider, Owner - Thrifty
Gypsy Co.
EA: That is great advice to those small businesses looking to grow
their team! Do you have any other advice you've received over your
The Thrifty Gypsy crew is a team of female licensed and insured
few short years in business that has been helpful or eye-opening?
contractors that specialize in frugal home design, giving the home
an updated, modern look at a modest price! Estimates and design
WR: To expect 90% from my team and be willing to give 110%
consultations are free, and include 3D renderings of the space being to compensate. Expecting less than perfect from your team will put
renovated to aid in the visualization of the project. Without sacrificing a lot less pressure on you and them, allowing your team the space to
quality, Thrifty Gypsy provides many frugal design options including: have creative freedom and to work effectively without micro-managing.
* Refacing old cabinetry and countertops by giving them an
up-to-date, stylish look you'll love

EA: Alright, so let's back up a bit to the start of your company.
Why remodeling services, and why Berks?

* Upcycling and modernizing home furniture - advising not to
buy new when you can rehab the quality furniture you already own!

WR: I wanted to offer remodeling services to everyone. I wanted
to make it obtainable for anyone who owned a home, to have a
space they loved to live in. That's where our motto "Frugal Home
Design" derived from. There are so many creative, unorthodox ways
of renovating a space that can save people a fortune and give the
look of a complete gut/remodel. Doing business locally has shed

* Remodeling home space from top to bottom. Our design
team provides high-end interior design services for a low-end price,
including painting/wallpapering, flooring and decorating.
30 COMMERCE QUARTERLY SPRING 2017

http://www.thriftygypsyco.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Greater Reading Chamber Commerce Quarterly Spring 2017