“Giving me the experience of growing a successful business, Grace Manor Bed and Breakfast is a continuous journey of personal growth paved with confronting and breaking barriers of doubt and fear. It helped me learn to be brave and courageous by walking in and by faith. I broke through an industry typically dominated by white males as one of a handful of black bed and breakfast owners nationwide. I love being a trailblazer, paving the way to open doors for others who need inspiration to actualize their dreams.”
When did you open Grace Manor B&B and what did you do before that? I purchased the property in 2007, renovated for two years, and opened the bed and breakfast in 2010. I was the general contractor for the 8,000-square-foot project. Prior to the B&B reno I did interior design, and working in that field proved to be a huge asset. The market share of my career is in fundraising development. I worked for cultural arts, environmental, and higher education not-for-profits in Maryland and private education in Pennsylvania.
What do you find most fulfilling in your job?Meeting people and helping to create wonderful, memorable experiences. It amazes me how people enter as guests, share intimate parts of their lives over breakfast, and often leave as friends. I have been invited to stay all over the world. To date, I have visited former guests on the east coast.
Where are you from? Baltimore. I am a true “city gurl.” That’s how York City charmed me.
Where do you live now? The WeCo area of York City
College attended? University of Maryland
Do you speak any languages? Balamerese, hon!
Go-to favorite beauty item? Anything Kiehl’s makes for facial care
What perfume do you wear? Lolita Lempicka. It’s classic and I love to say it.
Is there a particular item of clothing that you like and buy over and over in multiple colors? Hats, hats, hats, and more hats: vintage, couture, handmade the more eccentric, the better! (Check out Joanne in a couple of her signature hat styles at Susquehanna Style’s Best of York parties past!)
Favorite piece of fashion you own? An African hat that looks like the Queen Mother’s in the Black Panther movie
What shows are you planning to see this year? When I lived in Baltimore, I went to Broadway shows at least once a year. Not so much since opening the B&B. Maybe I will revisit that tradition, but in the meantime I go to Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre about three times a year. Top rate!
What's your Netflix addiction? Anything Brit Wit. Love Chewing Gum
Favorite movie? Any version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but the 1951 classic with Alastair Sim is my favorite.
Best dish you ever ate? Anything in New Orleans
Favorite place to eat in York? World Grills, authentic Thai cuisine
What do you do to unwind? Read interior design books or veg out on the sofa watching my favorite reality shows (guilty pleasure)
Tea or coffee? Tea, unless it’s a cup of chicory café au lait served with a beignet at Café Du Monde
Most meaningful possession? My “You Are My Sunshine” mug. It was a Christmas gift from my daughter inspired by a childhood memory of me singing it to her. She purchased twin mugs so we’d each have one. My dad sang this song to me, so it is extra special. She currently lives in Atlanta, so when I look at the mug, it brings joy and sunshine even when my day is cloudy.
What’s one thing people would not guess about you? I am a rebel. If you ask the right question or push the right button, she’ll appear.
Who is your style icon? Betsey Johnson and Lupita Nyong’o
A Few Favorite Things:
- Sap Rising is by Christine Lincoln. Ms. Lincoln is a Lutherville, MD, native living in York, PA. She was featured as a Phenomenal Women in O Magazine and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. She is the Poet Laureate emeritus of York County and one of my favorite authors.
- I collect antique teacups with beautiful patterns and use them on cold winter days while curled up with a book. This teacup and saucer were purchased on a trip to Quebec.
- String Theory handmade fiber necklace by Mylea Thompson. I am a hopeless, unapologetic romantic, and this is reflected in the suites at Grace Manor. The “Kiss Embrace” piece was found on a trip to the Shenandoah Valley and goes perfectly with the sign in the background, “Always Kiss Me Goodnight.” If you kiss your significant other like that every night, whoa, child, you’ll never go to bed angry!
