Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barbara Schudel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Barbara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all starts, as luck would have it, when my daughter was driving by the old schoolhouse on the corner of D Avenue and North 12th Street in Cooper Township Kalamazoo just down from where we have lived for over thirty years. A “for sale” sign was being placed in the yard. My daughter sent me a picture and I immediately called the realtor. The schoolhouse holds a special place in the hearts of local residents and I feared someone would buy the deteriorating structure and demolish it in order to use the land it sits on for something else. My husband and I purchased the historic 1871 one-room schoolhouse without any thought of what we would use it for. It was all about preserving the history of the building and what it stands for. The focus was on returning the building to its original glory, reviving the character, and uncovering its soul rather than what its commercial use would be. As the renovation process came to completion over the duration of several years…it was time to decide what to do with it. Another day or another time it could have been a quilt shop, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, brew pub, distillery…all great ideas but not fitting for where I am at in my life at this point. Originally a one-room schoolhouse in 1871, followed by a church in 1954, the Hickory Stick consignment store from 1981-1995, and then a number of other shops…the space had a history of being the center and focus for the surrounding community. The answer was right in front of us…it was a place to gather in 1871 and there was no reason why it shouldn’t serve that same purpose now. The idea for “The Bellflower” came in honor of the building’s past and the joy of passing it on to future generations. This historic school turned event space continues to serve its original mission as a gathering place for the community. It was never about the business…it’s all about a place to gather…inspiring hope and joy.

Barbara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am retired from thirty-three years in the chemical / pharmaceutical industry. I don’t have a background in hospitality or established recognition in the wedding industry. What I have is an 1871 one-room schoolhouse restored with love… now turned event space. Sitting on one beautifully landscaped acre just minutes from Kalamazoo the space provides a personal and intimate setting for weddings, showers, anniversaries, life celebrations, corporate events, retreats, birthday parties…the gathering possibilities are endless. We worked hard to balance the old and the new. The Bellflower kitchen marries vintage style with modern function. The interior 20′ x 30′ main room has a simple, honest beauty that complements the look of any occasion. In the storage room you’ll find vintage dishes, milk glass, baskets, and linens offering a nostalgic touch to incorporate into your event. Everything in the building is included in the rental. You’ll find it easy to create a memorable event that is economical and enjoyable. My goal is simply for people to create memories, catch the romance of the building, and add new glories to it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Word of mouth and social media have been the best source of new clients for The Bellflower. I have not paid for any advertising. I send a request for a facebook and/or google review after each event.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading Books ( a series of 4) are a series of lessons for anyone in business…I love their thinking and philosophy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebellflowerkzoo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebellflowerkzoo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBellFlowerKzoo
• Other: call or text: 269-377-2852 email: [email protected]