We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Hudson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.
Camille, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
When I first opened Warehouse 635, my vision was clear: I wanted to create more than just an event venue. Ultimately, I wanted a business that would generate passive income. As a Realtor and Real Estate Investor, I’ve seen firsthand the power of smart investments so I thought, why not apply the same principles to the world of events.
Instead of following the traditional industry playbook of offering inclusive packages and onsite event coordination, I decided to take a page from the Airbnb playbook. Just like in real estate, where every property is unique, I believe every event should be as well.
I stripped down the norm and rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, I structured my business to allow for a custom experience from top to bottom.
Each person that books with Warehouse 635 receives a code to access the space during their designated timeframe. They have use of essentials like tables, chairs and a mobile bar. We also allow outside caterers and licensed bartenders, giving our clients the freedom and flexibility to craft their event exactly how they envision it.
This unique business structure not only fosters creativity and personalization but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their special occasion, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience that aligns perfectly with their vision. Just as a well-chosen property can appreciate in value over time, a thoughtfully curated event can leave a lasting impression on guests.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a proud Jamaican-American hailing from Bloomfield, CT, with a knack for turning dreams into reality and neglected spaces into exquisite homes….and now event venues!
My journey has been quite the adventure. After diving into the fashion world and attaining my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Marketing, I dipped my toes into New York City’s retail industry for a few years. But as fate would have it, my path took a turn back to my home state, where I delved into various Relationship Management and Sales roles within the insurance industry.
Alongside my corporate job, my passion for design never went away. So, in 2016, I founded Red Door 424, LLC, a real estate investment company specializing in revitalizing distressed homes. With an overwhelming amount of determination, I transformed neglected properties into stunning homes throughout Connecticut. And as you may have guessed, every single property I renovated was finished with a red door, becoming my signature mark!
Fast forward to 2018, where I took another bold leap by getting my real estate license and joining Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Southington, CT. But the itch for something more was still there. In 2022, I decided to bid farewell to my corporate job and fully immerse myself in my passion for real estate and design.
And that’s where Warehouse 635 comes in. A fusion of my love for real estate, investing, and design all wrapped up in an industrial-style event venue. It’s like the perfect marriage of passion and purpose, crafted by yours truly, a self-proclaimed “corporate dropout” turned entrepreneurial powerhouse.
What sets Warehouse 635 apart? Well, aside from the killer space we offer, I’m all about giving clients the freedom to make their event their own. Personalization and creativity is my top priority. Whether you’re creating an intimate gathering or hosting a grand celebration, the blank canvas style of the space allows you to showcase your unique vision and personality.
Our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Warehouse 635 snagged the Best of Hartford 2023 Award for Best Event Venue, while just a few weeks later, I was honored with the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Since opening our doors, we’ve hosted just under 300 events, cementing our place as a premier destination for unforgettable experiences.
But it’s not just about the accolades. I’m all about giving back, which is why I proudly serve on the Board of Directors for the West Hartford Ballet Theater Company, a role that allows me to combine my passion for the arts with my commitment to community involvement. As a former ballet dancer myself, I understand the transformative power of the arts, and I’m dedicated to supporting cultural enrichment.
Whether it’s revitalizing neglected properties, assisting clients in buying and selling homes, or providing a space for a variety of events, each endeavor represents a deep connection to my community, and it’s these contributions that I am most proud of.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for both my event venue and real estate business has undoubtedly been referrals. Building and maintaining strong relationships has been absolutely key in driving my business forward.
In addition to referrals, networking has played a crucial role in expanding my reach and building meaningful connections. I make it a point to attend a networking event each week, where I’m intentional about connecting with individuals who share common interests and values. These events provide valuable opportunities to not only share information but also to learn about others’ ventures and explore potential collaborations.
Furthermore, I leverage the power of social media to stay top of mind with my network and attract new clients. By consistently sharing valuable content, engaging with my audience, and showcasing my expertise, I’ve been able to attract clients who resonate with my brand and values.
Ultimately, networking isn’t just about expanding my client base—it’s about building a community of like-minded individuals who can offer support to each other. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to create a wide network that continues to fuel the growth of my business.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
When I first opened Warehouse 635, managing bookings, contracts, and invoices was a tedious process with spreadsheets and word documents, leaving room for human error. Discovering HoneyBook revolutionized my venue business.
HoneyBook streamlines everything from inquiries to payments, improving cash flow and client satisfaction. It’s communication features and booking forms on my website simplify client interactions and bookings. I’m able to create templates for communications and automate workflows, saving time and enhancing efficiency.
Although it lacks email marketing, which would have been a game-changer for me, overall it has transformed my business by streamlining operations, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving business growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://warehouse635.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warehouse_635/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warehouse635
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillehudsonrealtor
- Youtube: @warehouse635eventvenue4