In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin interviews Krisann Blanchard and her father, Fohn Bendele, the owners of Sparrow Field Estate Wedding, a Texas venue located just 30 minutes west of San Antonio. They share their inspiring journey of building a wedding venue from Krisann’s own wedding experience, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of a family-run business. With insights into balancing family roles, fostering open communication, and creating a whimsical outdoor space, Krisann and Fohn provide a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors, including a farm-to-table business and candle-making venture.

About Our Guest:

Sparrow Field Estate is a family-owned wedding and events venue operated by Fohn and Jana Bendele in the picturesque countryside of south-central Texas. The idea for the venue began when their oldest daughter, Krisann, dreamed of getting married at her childhood home. Two years later, after their twins left for college, that dream began to take shape. With countless family meetings, construction projects, and renovations, Sparrow Field Estate has now become a reality, with each family member playing a role in crafting an unforgettable experience for the couples who celebrate there.

The venue includes everything needed to make a wedding day special: a scenic field with grazing longhorns, a sparkling pond, a grand white reception tent, and a charming bridal suite.

Find Them Here:

Address: 1175 SH-173 N Hondo, TX 78861

Tel: (830) 741-1129

Email: hello@sparrowfieldestate.com

Website: http://sparrowfieldestate.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowfieldestate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557437662816

In this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes venue coach Bonnie Hawthorne, who shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming the owner and operator of multiple event venues. Bonnie discusses the obstacles she encountered, including navigating complex zoning laws, and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and education for those entering the venue business. She provides valuable insights on designing venue packages that resonate with clients, building strong vendor partnerships, and leveraging CRM tools to enhance operational efficiency. Her shift into coaching reflects her dedication to equipping new venue owners with the skills and support they need to thrive in the events industry.

About Our Guest:

Bonnie Hawthorne is an accomplished venue consultant with over 11 years of firsthand experience as both the owner and manager of a highly successful wedding planning and design company. In addition, she has successfully operated three wedding and event venues. Her primary focus is on helping new venue owners establish profitable and sustainable businesses.

A venue consultant, like Bonnie, plays a crucial role in guiding both new and existing venue owners through the business aspects of their operations. From assisting with initial setup to providing strategic guidance to enhance operations, Bonnie prioritizes the business side, enabling venue owners to concentrate on essential areas, such as managing day-to-day operations and delivering exceptional client service without unnecessary interruptions.

With her own experiences as a venue owner, Bonnie intimately understands the challenges that come with running a venue. Her mission is to provide venue owners with the support and insights needed to create, manage, and sustain their businesses. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and industry expertise, Bonnie helps transform envisioned venues into profitable, well-managed spaces. Her ultimate goal is to equip clients with essential tools, resources, and strategies, along with a well-crafted brand and business plan, to turn their dream venues into a tangible reality.

Find Them Here:

Website: https://www.bonnierhawthorne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brhawthorneteaches

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brhawthorneteaches/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rJW3SEa6pQJ1E25sMfRPg

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brhawthorneteaches/

In this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Leah Nadu, owner of Historic Ashland, to explore her inspiring journey from the corporate world to successful venue ownership. Leah reflects on how her entrepreneurial family background influenced her path, the challenges she encountered in launching her business, and the emotional demands of managing a wedding venue. She shares valuable insights on understanding one’s strengths and passions, achieving balance between personal and professional life, and building a strong reputation. Leah also discusses her unwavering commitment to her clients and her vision for expanding Historic Ashland’s offerings beyond weddings.

About Our Guest:

Leah is a seasoned events professional with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Temple University and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. In 2017, she co-founded Historic Ashland, a premier event venue where she serves as General Manager. Leah oversees every aspect of the business, from operations, finances, and property management to social media, marketing, and sales. Her expertise extends beyond weddings, as she also directs corporate and social events at Historic Ashland. Recently, Leah launched an educator brand under Historic Ashland, offering speaking engagements, presentations, and training sessions to share her insights and experience with the wider industry.

Find Them Here:

Website: http://www.historicashlandevents.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricAshland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@historicashland

Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/HistoricAshland/

X: https://twitter.com/historicAshland
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/historicashland/