Six questions with Gwenn Eyer-Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast

What inspired you to launch your business? 

I grew up in a small town with a dad who never met a stranger. I say that I have the Henderson hospitality gene. My friends were always welcome - whether our home, my grandma's, my aunt's - bring 'em on. There was always "enough" to make others feel welcome. My husband and I honeymooned in B&Bs in Canada, and I knew then that innkeeping was my dream. We put the B&B on hold when we began our family, but 35 years and five adopted kids later, I'm living the dream. I started working on contract in child welfare in the mid-80s, raised four adopted kids, and the year I turned 50 was the year we relocated to Jacksonville, Illinois, to open Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast. 

What are you most passionate about? 

I am passionate about almost all aspects of innkeeping - meeting people and getting to know them, planning menus, cooking, entertaining, and serving as concierge as I share the Jacksonville community. Housekeeping, not so much. But I am good at hiring a great housekeeper. Marketing is an aspect that I enjoy and work hard at when I have time, always trying to learn the latest and do better - on a budget.

How do you start your day? 

I always say that my next book will have the title, "How to Run a Bed & Breakfast When You Don't Like Getting Up at the Crack of Dawn." With only two guest suites, I can stagger guest breakfasts as needed, meet dietary needs and preferences, and serve at their convenience "at 8 am or later." I learned that little trick after I asked a fisherman what time he'd like to have breakfast, and he said, "5.30 am." The tables are set the night before. I do advance prep, I have some hacks, and I typically plan an hour to prepare and present breakfast. 

Favorite local business to support? 

All of them. And more are opening all the time. Recently, I shopped with a friend at the Cork & Crown, Market House Antiques, Our Town Books, Just Good Trade, and No Regrets Cookies. We missed the A Bloom Bar pop-up by just a few minutes. I draw people to Jacksonville to experience Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast, but I need the local shops and restaurants to keep them coming back. It's all about the experience. Jacksonville has so much to offer, from shopping and dining to history, sports, and the arts. 

What do you deem as success in business? 

I believe we are a success when living up to our high service standards and serving others with the highest satisfaction. That's my mission - demonstrate hospitality and meet others' needs. Last year, during the pandemic, when my B&B business was nonexistent for months, I was able to provide five complimentary overnights for active military and veteran couples on Veterans Day. And, for the past several years, I've invited my friends and local businesses to cover their dinners, flowers, candy, etc., during their stay. I love a five-star review, but their appreciation is without compare. I'll never forget 70-year-old Jerry, a Vietnam vet who followed me around the whole time he was here, saying, "I just don't know how to thank you, ma'am. I just don't know how to thank you." He did the same thing as he was spending the gift certificates to local businesses we gave him. I could not make him understand that we were all doing it to thank him. That says it all. I am not all about making money, thanks to my outside employment. I don't have benefits, but I have a decent part-time income that helps pay the bills. I would love to save enough money for a new roof, and I need a new roof, but I'm not sure that will ever happen. I have other priorities. Having a high level of guest satisfaction, return guests that feel like family, and guests that become friends we visit when we travel makes it all worthwhile. My 37-year-old daughter and her family relocated to Jacksonville, and she helps out from time-to-time. My now 17-year-old moved in just before we opened when he was a four-year-old foster child. He has grown up in the B&B, and he "gets" service to others. That's part of our success story, too.

What is your number one piece of advice for business owners? 

Play well with others. We all need to put others first. I work hard to promote our local businesses, and I have a good reputation with them. I survived sudden cardiac arrest in 2015 related to a congenital heart defect. In 2016 I had surgery, chemo, and radiation for breast cancer. I am so thankful for the support from the community. I know I can call for special favors if needed. I guess there could be some very independent businesses that don't rely on building relationships, but I don't know anything about them. It's just not me. 

You can find out more about Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast on their website and on their Facebook page.