Woman in Business: Jeanne Wagner

Briefly describe the business you own or work for and your role.

I am the owner of The Spice and Tea Exchange, located on 6th Street in downtown Rapid City. My girls and I decided to open a store almost five years ago. We researched many options and finally picked The Spice and Tea Exchange because it matched our objectives perfectly. We wrote a business plan and worked locally with Pioneer Bank. Our dream became real in October 2015. The basis of the dream was to have regular people feel comfortable in their own kitchens. We believe dinnertime is the most important time for family, where we create “pots of love” for each other. The Spice and Tea Exchange gave us the tools and the ability to share the freshest, safest, and most beautiful products out there. We were a natural fit. We love to teach anyone how to use spices, salts, teas, peppers, sugars in a way that takes the basic meal into a lovely conversation about life, history, dreams, or whatever you want.

Tell us the story behind your business?

In 2013 we lost our son Jake in a car accident. I was a nurse for many years at Regional Health Hospital. I loved it, but I could not find my way back, so I forged ahead. I had always wanted a tea shop and we all loved cooking. Despite the fear of the unknown, we/I decided what is the worst that could happen? I could fail and be proud I tried, or I could succeed. It has been scary as hell. I have failed plenty, cried buckets, laughed lots, learned lots, and everyday I have succeeded in finding my way back to a place where I could be okay and be me.

What do you think is the smartest career decision you’ve made?

Becoming a nurse. It was my life-long dream. Becoming a nurse taught me how to be organized,to give, to heal. It prepared me to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, and now entrepreneur.

What has been your greatest career challenge and how have you overcome it?

The business part, the accounting, oh my God, it was awful. I hired out. I got taken advantage of a ton. Finally, I embraced the beautiful world of QuickBooks. I do it everyday like a load of laundry. Blah to laundry and bookkeeping, but it is what it is. I love clean clothes, and I love having the bills paid. I am a pretty simple girl.

What advice would you give to those with a product or business idea to launch?

I always say be prepared to not make any money, to work harder than any job you have ever had. Do not listen to the naysayers.Believe, believe, believe in you. The next thing you know you are figuring it out and if you stick to the ideas of the original thought you will reach the goal. Get there, celebrate, and then goal up.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I am very protective of my family. Jay and I have been together for 27 years. He and his family own J&J Asphalt Company. Over the years all of us have just stayed engrained in one idea. We work so we can be with each other. It has been a successful plan. I have even closed my store so I could attend the important events like preschool singing programs. Family comes first.

What habits have made you successful?

Absolutely surrounding myself with people who believe in me and who I look up to. When I get overwhelmed I step away and regroup. BHW