Thank you for following along with our monthly Chamber Camaraderie series, which highlights outstanding and hardworking team members from Chambers of Commerce throughout Massachusetts.
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Introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do at your Chamber of Commerce?
Hi! I’m Katie Raimondi and I am the owner of The Gifted Heart. Soon to be celebrating my seventh year in business, The Gifted Heart is a traveling women’s accessory boutique offering fun, fashionable and affordable scarves, handbags, jewelry and more! You can find me popping up at over 50 markets all over the South Shore.
I became a member of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce in 2019. In 2021, I was invited to become an Ambassador. In that role, I support the Chamber as a volunteer at all of the major annual events that the Chamber produces such as the Leadership Breakfast, Golf Tournament, Taste of Quincy and the Annual Meeting.
In addition, as an Ambassador, I visit new and existing businesses throughout the city to see how the Chamber can best support them. Whether it is helping to coordinate a ribbon cutting ceremony, promoting a particular event they may be hosting or just overall highlighting their business on social media, the Chamber is committed to partnering with businesses to help them reach their highest level of success.
What made you want to join the board for the Chamber of Commerce?
As a member, I was so impressed with the support that I received from the Chamber and the positive impact it had on my business. We’re all in this together and I wanted to actively be involved in helping other businesses grow and thrive.
What do you love the most about the area where you live in Massachusetts?
The City of Quincy is special! Historically, it is known as the “City of Presidents” and is the birthplace of two U.S. presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. It is also the birthplace of John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Geographically, it is conveniently located to Boston, Cape Cod & The Islands. With miles of coastline along Boston Harbor, it offers spectacular views and picturesque sunsets! It has a diverse range of fabulous restaurants offering something for everyone to savor. You’ll find live music, concerts and festivals throughout the year in Quincy Center. There is always lots of family fun to be had!
Why do you think it’s important for everyone to be a member of a Chamber of Commerce?
Being a member of the Chamber has given me the opportunity to meet and connect with other business owners. These connections have led to an array of resources that have helped support and grow my business. As a member of the Chamber, I was able to participate in the QUEST Program and earn a Certificate in Streetwise “MBA’ through Interise. This program helped me evaluate my current business situation as well as develop both a three and five year business plan.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
Be honest about your gifts and challenges! Do what you do best and enlist assistance to address the areas that don’t play to your strengths!
If you weren’t in your current position, what would your next dream job be?
My original business plan was to open a gift shop and I still dream about doing that! I was encouraged to participate in Pop Up markets while I searched for a brick and mortar so I could build a following while I looked for a location. We didn’t find one that suited my vision and then COVID hit! I am not sure I would have survived that so early on in my business so I think it all worked out for the best! But I do still like to dream about it!
When you’re not working, what activities do you enjoy?
One of my favorite things to do is enjoy outdoor dining! I am a foodie at heart! Marina Bay is definitely at the top of the list of frequent destinations for myself and my husband. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out!
My husband and I are spontaneous day trippers! We love to jump in the car and explore towns among the North and South Shore poking around shops and finding great lunch spots for outdoor dining with a view!
I also love to take long walks with my three year old cockapoo, Riley! We get out as often as we can & one of our favorite places to go is along Wollaston Beach.
Thank you for sharing more about yourself! Tell us how we can get in touch with your Chamber of Commerce or find it online.
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