We recently connected with Mamie Hudson and have shared our conversation below.

Mamie, appreciate you joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

I would set up and learn a task management software system before I was too busy to take the time to figure it out. Keeping track of the tasks that the team is working on takes up a lot of valuable time. Now that we are full steam ahead, it is hard to stop to learn a new software and get the whole team on board and using it.

If you could do it again, what would you have done to use less capital?

I don’t think I could have gotten where we are now with less capital. I feel that everything we spent capital on was necessary to be an upscale brand.

Mamie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a native Texas, born in Fort Worth. I LOVE Fort Worth and have deep family roots as my ancestor was a Texas cattleman. His cows traveled the Chisolm trail along with Charles Goodnight. My family moved to Weatherford when I was a fourth grader and my love for the country and horses was born.

I studied Public Relations at Texas State University and moved to LA after graduation to intern for a record label and continue PR classes at UCLA extension. I loved California but family persuaded me to return to Texas where I furthered my education on all things luxurious by completing the Buyer Training program for Neiman Marcus. I worked as an Assistant Buyer for 3 years and spent my paycheck in the shoe department!

What made you decide to get into the venue business, what sets you apart from others and what are you most proud of?

My husband and I decided to get into the venue business in 2018. Our property in Weatherford is one of a kind with hill country style views and it’s great location so close to Interstate 20 just 30 miles west of Fort Worth.

What sets up apart is also what I am most proud of. Our Modern Mexican Aesthetic is truly beautiful and uncommon. Clients love that our spaces have a ‘vibe’ and unique character without being “over the top.” The Lazy S Hacienda has a very cool but understated style that can seamlessly host events of all designs, styles and color palettes. The interior and exterior look amazing with very minimal decor as well. Our team is very special as well. We are all local to the Parker Country community and we love our clients so much! Our clients feel like family and we love to invite them to all of our events and to come back for holiday photos. Many couples brought their little babies to the photo shoot and it was a full circle moment!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

We used our savings to get started and prepare to seek funding. I hired a venue consultant and she was a great help in the funding process. She helped write the business plan and made sure I had a realistic performa. I was able to secure a SBA loan with a referral of hers. I am not a paper person and it was difficult for me to round up all of the documents and forms and appraisals etc. We did succeed! It was quite an endeavor…

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner is my husband. We were friends in school and did not date until 12 years after graduation when we reconnected through MySpace. He left the vision and business up to me, but it is his hard work as an engineer at Lockheed Martin that allowed me to take on this dream. I can’t imagine trying to support our family with income from the business in these first few years. I’ve been able to put all the income back into the business and hire a great team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lazyshacienda.com
• Instagram: @lazyshacienda

Image Credits
whitney graves photography, beatbox portraits, Taylor Salerno Photography, Molly Murphy Photography, White Orchid Photography, Ashley L Turner