Providing consulting, fashion sense

Joan Gamble, a retired CVPS executive, began to run two very different businesses out of her home in Rutland in 2012. Wanting, as she says, to “satisfy both parts of my brain,” Gamble is now a strategic change consultant and a fashion stylist. Here she speaks of both enterprises.
What is nature of your business?
In my consulting business, I help organizations and teams thrive through difficult transitions. Through skilled assessment, facilitation and coaching, I help organizations develop a clear motivational vision, focus on their key strategic goals, organize themselves with key action steps and accountability, and achieve high levels of employee engagement.

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Quite simply, as an independent CAbi fashion stylist — (Carol Anderson by invitation), a designer women’s clothing collection sold exclusively by a network of independent consultants, or stylists, through in-home trunk shows — I help women of all ages and sizes look and feel beautiful. As a CAbi leader, I inspire a team of self-motivated women achieve their dreams of running their own businesses.
How/why did the company begin? What was the inspiration, the story behind its beginning?
I had been a successful executive at CVPS for 24 years, and I loved my job, my colleagues and the positive culture we built together. When I retired after the merger I wanted to tap into my entrepreneurial drive and develop a new sense of self and purpose, so I started the two businesses. Although different, the businesses complement each other. I get immense satisfaction both using skills I’d honed over the years and stretching myself in a completely different arena.
With strategic change consulting, I was in my comfort zone from the start. With CAbi, I knew I wanted to empower women who had been held back by self-esteem issues, and also have fun, meeting new women and exploring the creativity of fashion.
How did you get to where you are today with the business (if it has changed focus, grown, downsized, etc.)?
I’ve enjoyed the variety of clients I’ve served in my consulting business, including Project VISION, the Rutland City Police and the Housing Trust of Rutland County. It’s been rewarding being a part of the positive changes occurring in our community.
I’ve been happily surprised by the close relationships and personal growth I’ve experienced through my CAbi business. Also, I love the flexibility both businesses afford, so my husband and I can travel!
How is your business unique?
Running two very different businesses at the same time is an exciting challenge. Both of my businesses are customized to the needs of either the organization I’m working with or the women I’m serving. The CAbi shopping experience is especially unique; women discovering their own style through a magical confluence of positive supportive energy, helpful fashion tips, laughter and wine!
Why Rutland?
My husband and I have both lived here for over 20 years. After we retired, we considered moving, but realized we can get what is important to us here in Rutland, a strong sense of community, easily accessible outdoor activities, cultural events and stimulating friends of various ages.
As a business owner, what is most important lesson you’ve learned?
To take the lows in stride, be persistent, deliver what you promise, and keep growing and learning!
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