We recently connected with Monrovia Goodlin – Jenkins and have shared our conversation below.

Monrovia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I did not intend to own 73 acres of land anywhere for any reason. However, in 2013 I found myself engaged and looking for a wedding venue. After a few tours, my impression of the wedding industry was tarnished. Your wedding day is supposed to be a night to remember, the biggest event that you’ve ever had but at what cost. That is not how I pictured the first day of the rest of your life as Mr. & Mrs. A frugal venue would cost the equivalent of a used car and if I wanted anything more, it would be the price of a brand new vehicle. I could not logically spend that much money on our wedding. I looked at my husband and said one day, I would own an event venue, and I would not charge people an unrealistic price.

Eventually, I found a place that was within our budget so instead of renting tables, chairs, table cloths off for the day I bought the items with the mindset that I would open my own wedding venue. A few years went by, I had our second child and decided it was time! I had a vision of providing excellent services with the budget savvy couples in mind. Now I run a barn venue in a community where the Median income is less than 40,000. My neighbors can book my venue, receive all the bells and whistles and still afford the cost-of-living the next day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Initially, I was a bit lots here on the ranch.I knew what I wanted to do but with a infant and a 4 year old I felt limited. I began doing photography tours where guests would ride our horses or feed the cattle while I photographed them. People would be so excited to be on the tour. This really humbled me and made me want to make “ranch life” accessible to everyone. The most important factor behind my success is the ability to materialize other peoples wants.I truly enjoy making peoples dream a reality.

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

Acquiring capital to start up My business was something I wish I had known more about. The erection of the barn was done in stages based on the amount of money I had in my savings account. You see, my initial investment came from my personal savings. We opened in the summer of 2018; two years later, deep in a global pandemic is when I learned how to acquire capital from an outside source. I now know how to apply for both grants and loans. Since my first open house, I have learned so much. It takes blood, sweat, and tears to turn your dream into a reality, but it also takes cash! Had I known that there are companies whose sole objective is to teach and uplift minority-owned businesses financially, back then I believe some things would be different fert.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Each tour, I sit down and speak with the client first. I give them information about the packages and the barn and I asked them personal questions about what they expect. This initial conversation provides the customer and myself with realistic expectations. I am candid when they ask me questions, and I expect the same in return from them. This strategy allows my customers to get to know my authentic self and feel comfortable doing their event at my venue. Intern they recommend me to friends and family and continue having future events at my venue. Often I may help a customer with their wedding and through the 1st birthday party for their child!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.circlejranch.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/circlejranch?r=nametag
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCzXKMlIFWvACE-C7SueO8Jg

Image Credits
Myra Eads Photography Gillian Menzie Photography