We were lucky to catch up with Toni Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Toni , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After walking away from my marketing career and feeling a bit disillusioned with the world, I sought comfort in a property I bought and developed. Characterized by abundant natural spaces, the property became my personal escape from the complexities of life. Little did I know it would soon transform into the foundation for a unique and fulfilling business venture.
The turning point came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, as we all know, ushered in a period of widespread lockdowns, affecting weddings, events and gatherings everywhere. During this time, Mill Pond Estate became a haven for those seeking a safe and socially distant space. Drawn to the tranquility of the surroundings, people started approaching me with requests to host events on the property.
Witnessing the genuine gratitude and joy of those who experienced the beauty of the place during these challenging times was eye-opening. It was heartening to see how the property could bring happiness to those who needed it most. It was my mom who then suggested the idea of turning this into a permanent venture.
The decision to open up the property to the general public felt like a full circle moment – a profound shift from wanting to hide away from the world to actively sharing the beauty of Mill Pond Estate with others. My joy of owning the property no longer came from keeping it hidden but, instead, extending its embrace to those seeking solace, celebration and connection in a serene and natural setting.
Toni , 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?
Having previously worked in the dynamic world of marketing, contributing to renowned companies such as Volvo Cars, GlaxoSmithKline, and Yellowtail Wine, I subsequently made a transition into the wedding industry.
At the heart of this transition is Mill Pond Estate, a boutique private estate wedding venue nestled on 18 acres in the picturesque landscapes of Central Florida, which we proudly call home. Every facet of the property has been meticulously crafted with profound thought and care, resulting in a venue that exudes charm and sophistication.
Our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for couples is evident in our deliberate choice to host only a select number of events each year. This conscious decision allows us to dedicate our full attention to creating the most exceptional and memorable experiences.
Renowned for our expertise in orchestrating extraordinary outdoor and tented weddings, Mill Pond Estate is a beacon of distinction in the wedding industry. We take pride in curating celebrations that seamlessly blend the beauty of nature with the unique vision of each couple.
A source of immense pride for us is our in-house floral design team, which stands at the forefront of our commitment to sustainability. Our dedicated team focuses on pioneering eco-conscious floristry practices, creating breathtaking floral arrangements that not only captivate the senses but reflect our deep-rooted values of environmental responsibility.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
As a small business owner, you need to be resilient to negative opinions sometimes. Wedding venue management was a very new industry for me, and I found limited resources compared to more established sectors like wedding planning or photography.
To navigate this uncharted territory, I sought insights from numerous wedding vendors, presenting my ideas for feedback. While most responded with kindness and valuable advice, I encountered a few instances of negativity. The worst was when I had a vendor take my brochure and completely rip it to shreds. That was tough. Many of us already struggle with self-doubt, so knowing what information to take in and what information to disregard is a skill set I learned to develop. Through this process, I learned to stay true to my vision, a decision that has unquestionably proven its worth.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Well, transitioning to the decision to open a venue marked a significant shift for me. While waiting for the necessary permits to materialize, I found myself delving into floral design as a way to pass the time. What initially seemed like a diversion has evolved into another leg of our operations at Mill Pond Estate. Learning about sustainable floristry practices has now become a genuine passion of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.millpondestate.com
- Instagram: @millpondestate
- Facebook: @millpondestate
- Other: Pinterest: @millpondestate