Today we’d like to introduce you to Farrah Poole – Foley.
Hi Farrah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Farrah Poole-Faley, I was born and raised in Atlanta. I’m a mom of 4 beautiful children and the owner of Ashven Estate wedding venue, in Villa rica Georgia.
I was a young mother at the age of 16 when my oldest son was born. I dropped out of high school to work and take care of him. By the time I was 21 I had 3 children, another son and a daughter. I was in a very abusive relationship and really had nothing of my own, not much confidence in myself or where I was going in life. I always worked, but we were just getting by. I always knew I wanted more for my children than what we had.
On weekends from time to time my mom and I would help host events. Catering, decorating, really just for friends and family but we actually really loved it. It was something that didn’t feel like work for me. It was something I enjoyed. Over the years we would always talk about what a dream it would be to have our own venue. Every event, every establishment we visited, we would have the “if we had our own” conversation, and all the things we would do.
Years past, I worked, put myself through school and moved my children out to Villa rica for a new start. Things were good and we were all thriving.
In 2014, I was given the opportunity to be involved in the start up of a new venue. I was so excited! It wasn’t my venue, but I would have the opportunity to do something I LOVED, full time. I wasted no time jumping right into building a brand. All my ideas and dreams I had, I could finally bring to life. Over the years we did hundreds of weddings and events for clients from all over and we absolutely loved it.
In 2018, I was given the opportunity to buy Ashven and take over 100% of all operations. This didn’t even feel like real life!
I was so Proud of the name and the business we built. We have put our heart into Ashven and were still thriving and growing. In 2020 I paid the last payment on the property. That was probably one of the proudest moments and biggest [professional accomplishments of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Learning how to run a business in general was huge! There was definitely a learning curve. I wouldn’t say it was smooth, but I will say I have been blessed throughout this entire journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in all-inclusive weddings and corporate events. Coordinating, decorating, catering, and working closely with my clients to make their vision come to life. I have an excellent team that helps me pull everything together week after week.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I work with a variety of local vendors, DJs, photographers, caterers, planners and florists. I love supporting other small businesses. The best support for Ashven from our community would be, following our social media platforms, sharing our work and referring us to Your friends and family!
Contact Info:
- Email: ashvenvenue@gmail.com
- Website: ashvenestatevenue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashven_estate/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AshvenEstate/
Image Credits:
Lovely little moments photography Mejia Jones photography
