Marjorie Spring & Megan Edwards

Tell us about a challenge you are proud that you have overcome.

Establishing our customer base, this is a challenging and rewarding journey in any industry. It is so very satisfying to work from start to finish with a client, and to know once the project is completed, they aren’t going with anyone else because of the TLC we bring to the table.

What is one thing you do every day and why?

Everyday we meet with and talk with our employees as a group before we start the day. We always emphasize the family aspect of High Tide because we come from family owned and operated companies and wanted to establish that narrative with our employees, so they feel like it’s more of a home than a job. It’s an opportunity to reflect on where we are as a company and to discuss what we all want moving foward.

Who is your role model/biggest inspiration?

Marjorie: Sally Brooks, she helped in formulating my drive and mentored me on how to build a successful business.

Megan: My family: They are a large piece of why I have chosen to pursue working in this industry and that are my largest supporters in not only my professional endeavors but personally.

What is the best thing that has happened to you in your journey as an entrepreneur?

That we are able to help so many individuals (whether it’s a customer or an employee). We both have come from work experiences where we had been mentored by both employers and customers and wanted to pay it forward to anyone we work with now and in the future.

What does being a part of the Virginia Beach community mean to you?

(Megan) Being born and raised in that community brings a sense of duty to make sure that we are doing a service to help maintain not only VA Beach but Hampton Roads as a whole. I feel a responsibility to build it up by serving its citizens and focusing attention on making sure that we are leaving it better than we found it.

What is your favorite thing about living and working in Virginia Beach?

The diverse locations it offers. We take joy in knowing that one day we can be repairing a pier for a customer in Croatan right on the water, and then going over to Pungo to try to breathe new life back into an old farmhouse. There are many diverse locations in this city, and we love that we are a small part of trying to keep their spirit alive.

What have been some of your biggest learning experiences in running a business?

Some of our biggest learning experiences when running our business have been learning how to wear many different hats. When it comes to accounting, sales, marketing in addition to the day-to-day operations, you truly learn how to master the art of multitasking.

What makes a good leader?

True leadership is someone that leads by example, encourages growth, and challenges each individual to meet his or her full potential and knows the importance of keeping an open mind and listening to your team member’s ideas and insight.

Meet Debbie McCarter, from Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is the Interior Designer, owner/ operator of Modvintique Home.

Debbie McCarter studied art and design at Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a degree in Fine Arts with emphasis in Interior design. She has been actively involved in the design world since 1998 and have extensive experience in both commercial and residential interiors as well as retail sales and management. Her passion for great design and experience working with individuals in a retail setting prompted her to live out her dreams and start a business of her own. This opened the doors of Modvintique Home back in the spring of 2012. The name of her business came about because most every home she designs has a combination of modern, vintage and antique pieces that represent an evolution of life and memorable experiences that are unique to each client.

In the years since her dive into entrepreneurship, Modvintique Home has had the honor of receiving multiple 1st place awards in the industry including The Progress Index Tri Cities Readers Choice “Best of the Best” in the interior design category 2017, 2018 and 2019 and Virginia Living Magazine “Top of the Trades”2018, and 2019. Prior to moving to Virginia Beach, Modvintique Home was open in two locations, one of them was located in Historic Old Towne Petersburg and the second was in Merchants Square Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. They are now in Virginia Beach and plan to be here for the long haul. Debbie has a great and talented staff that helps keep things running smoothly.