We were lucky to catch up with Karlen Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karlen , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I have always wanted to turn our farm into a wedding venue, the idea was in my mind years and years ago, actually before barn weddings were a thing. I loved weddings, planning my own and hosting events and parties. So it seemed a natural fit. Life, time and money and honestly fear held me back. When the idea started to look promising it was because a close neighbor wanted to use our barn for his wedding, and that’s how it began. We hustled, worked hard and got repairs and needed items completed. He also had. A beautiful vision that included our draping that we now offer had include in our package. Once we had that first wedding we began posting on social media, Facebook to start and then Instagram, as our name was getting out there, we completed the necessary requirements to be compliant with our county and ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliance. This is one aspect that was very stressful because of the investment but also because of timelines and patience required. Because of the impact this made to our business I am very passionate about compliance to the regulations and proud that we meet the necessary obligations. Many venues in our area do not, and it is so important to be inclusive for all couples and families.
We are very blessed to have been able to book our amazing couples from then on…we love them, care about them and their families and tbier marriages!
Our name, Heritage Restored was written on a napkin many years ago when my husband and I were dreaming of owning a business. It come from my Heritage being Restored, because this farm was my grandparents when I was growing up. It was sold out of the family but my husband I bought it back and made it what it is today. Restored and offer it g a place to begin lives together, I can easily not think of any better blessing for our family.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am most proud of the way we view each couple. We go above and Beyond during the planning process making myself available for questions, emails and conversations about the day. We miss our couples when they move on after their wedding day! We want everyone who come here to experience the peace and love that is this place. We believe that showing kindness and love to everyone makes the wedding day easier and more focused on the couple. We include many items in our package to make the planning easier and more cost effective for couples. Like the draping that makes our barn signature. I am personally involved from the first email or context, through the tour, booking and planning, and also on the wedding day. We believe in providing the best service possible, personally.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I worked for 20 years as a social worker. I held many positions throughout the helping field, counselor, drug and alcohol inpatient admissions, and ended as an inpatient Behavioral Health social worker in a hospital. We began o our business while I was still working in that setting. Managing the venue and helping our couples became the top priority so I had to make the decision to leave the social worker field. I believe in my heart I am still a social worker and use my skills developed over that career daily. But our business had to be the focus, making that decision is difficult and can be scary, financially and taking a risk! But it was the best decision and I have been able to pour myself more fully into what really fulfills me, our beautiful couples and venue.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Many people tell us that I am the face behind the business. My presence throughout the process has helped to make that the case. Our reputation is based on what couples and families believe about our service. This is so important to me. I am so grateful for what our venue represents and proud that our reputation is based on how we make people feel. Our couples and families feel served, loved and cared for and that is the reputation I want. That came from putting them first, when I get overwhelmed about the upcoming year or the part of the business that demands more bookings, I take a deep breath and refocus on our couples, those that we are currently serving and that shift in focus always makes the rest take care of itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.heritagerestored.com/
- Instagram: @heritagerestored
- Facebook: Heritage Restored Farm Weddings and Events
Image Credits
Photo of individual Karlen Williams, Kenzee Myers Photo Wedding photos and photos of barn Ashlee Zimmerman Photography