Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Ann Rivera.
Jo Ann, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Jo Ann Rivera, owner of Victoria’s Black Swan Inn, 1006 Holbrook, San Antonio, Texas. I found this home while on a delivery and found it fascinating. I began to refer my customers to the property for photo ops as it seem to be the perfect backdrop for the vintage inspired clothing and scenes my customers were looking for. One afternoon I received a phone call from a man wanting to know why I was sending people over… I explained and he became interested in my business. He offered to move me onto the property if I was interested… Needless to say I didn’t hesitate to take the offer. After being on the property for a few months I was asked to watch over it as the owners were going on vacation. During this time of their absence realtors were starting to show the property as the actual owners had listed it for sale. Eventually I met with the actual owner and he offered to finance the sale for me. Most of my family and friends urged me to walk away stating it was to much work, would require to much money and the more they implied I couldn’t do as being a single female, the more determined I became to make the dive in.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path has been bumpy and often times almost impossible. From the start I hosted weddings, that had already been paid to the previous tenants, out of my pocket, I learned, along the way about leaking roofs, flooding, road hazards, fire, droughts and city projects that closed me off for several years. Mother Nature and City projects don’t make for the best partners at times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love everything about what I do here at the Black Swan. From hauntingly romantic weddings and social events, to birthdays, anniversaries and memorial services I have been a part of so many amazing events and have met some pretty interesting people. The property is designated a a National Historic sight, has become well known in the paranormal world as one of the most haunted locations in the United States. It has been a wonderful journey and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Although the city has numerous locations for hosting events, I have worked against all odds, to make Victoria’s Black Swan Inn a destination sight for people visiting the San Antonio area.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Creativity…. Being able to think outside the box to create unique and beautiful events, helping to bring a brides vision to life, providing a safe space for people needing to grieve, celebrate, explore, learn, create and ground on a property that would otherwise be out of reach…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://victoriasblackswaninn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackswaninnsa
