Today we’d like to introduce you to Skyler Willingham.
Hi Skyler, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I had been wanting to open up an event space for about a year. I didn’t really have a concrete plan on the how or where or even when. I just knew that I was going to make it happen somehow. I would look at the listings on BizBuySell daily for anything that peaked my interest. One particular day, I stumbled upon a peculiar listing for an event space. It was in small print and listed as “event hall for sale.” I called my husband and friend to get their insight on the listing. After speaking with them, I immediately inquired with the owner to set up a time to tour the space and to review logistics. We closed the deal within a month. I set a deadline to renovate and rebrand as Occasions Atlanta within the following month. It was a lot of driving back and forth, meeting/hiring contractors, but the deadline was met & now we are here.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, it has been pretty seamless. The most hectic part was flipping the space during the renovation phase. I mean it had purple walls among other things. I also had to add a few fixtures. There were a lot of upfront costs, as it would be with starting any business. It was nothing too major though!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Occasions Atlanta?
Occasions Atlanta is a 2400+ sq ft event space located in Johns Creek. The space is sectioned off into two main areas suitable for all occasions. We specialize in events for up to 80 people. Our rates include full access to our space, table and chair inventory, speaker system, and WiFi. Occasions Atlanta is the perfect space for any occasion!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I was eight months pregnant when I launched Occasions Atlanta. Crazy, right? It was hard true enough, but my unborn baby was my motivation. I was doing this for her and her future! Waddling and all, I would hire contractors and be present as they completed projects. I remember walking into the City of Johns Creek applying for my business license and the staff was shocked that I was really opening a business at this time. I would jokingly say, “why birth 1 baby when you can birth 2?” Ha!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.occasionsatl.com
- Instagram: occasionsatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occasionsatl
Image Credits:
Murray Vision Photography Silas Rogers Photography
