Tell us about your business and why you decided to take a leap of faith in opening.
The Party Space Place is a micro venue, dedicated to events of 80 people or less. Birthdays, receptions, pop ups, and meetings are perfect for our venue. Before the pandemic, The Party Space Place was taking shape with refining the business plan, research, and funding options. Some would say we were crazy to do this in 2020 with all its craziness—but for us, we thought this was the perfect time! With the push for smaller events, the importance of sanitation, and attention to details concerning the health and safety of others, TPSP was ahead of the game in the development of the venue plans. We had already been thinking this has to be unique in not only its design, but it must be a safe clean space for our customers. My husband (co-owner) Marshall Sanders who’d been pushing since the idea had taken shape years ago, was very critical in our reviews of locations and my twin sister (co-owner) Tina Forrest really took on the role of critical thinker regarding our abilities to thrive within such a unique time of all our lives.
What is it like running a business with family?
The chemistry is off the charts! We were a well-oiled machine when it came to the development of the business concept and execution. We are all dedicated to making this business work. It’s become our personal mission to provide not only a space, but an experience of accommodation and the feeling that they may not be home, but they and their guest will feel like they are! Now is it always sunshine and roses? No, of course we have disagreements, but with a joint goal and the same passion to succeed, we always end the day with smiles and a feeling of accomplishment. It makes dinner time that much more enjoyable with something so positive to talk about.
Are your children a part of the business? What do you think this teaches them?
I remember years ago in college the three of us as students at KWC talking about the future and entrepreneurship. From then to now the goals remained the same but passing the torch to our daughters and my sister’s nieces became a critical component of this business. Our youngest daughters assist in several roles like assisting with tours, set up, take down, and day to day operations. Am I under the false impression that this is what they want to do forever? No, but do I feel this has been a huge teaching tool in their growth and development into their young adult lives? Absolutely!
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced? What is your biggest success?
Biggest challenge I would say was overcoming obstacles and fears of the unknown to make this happen. Faith and support of our business owner friends like Jay and Antoinette Johnson of J’s Good Grub, Jackie Smith of Jackie Blue Handmade and Will Jerome of Office Furniture Solutions gave us the good, the bad, the ugly. They also prayed for us and cheered us on. As for the biggest success—aside from a dream realized, was being embraced by this community and the fact that we have flourished despite the pandemic. The community support is unreal and humbling.
What do you hope to see through the holiday season for Party Space Place?
We want to continue to see happy, healthy families celebrating their special moments in our venue, which has been nothing but a blessing for us. We only hope that people will come into our space, feel the passion we have for our community, and continue to use our venue for years to come.