Today we’d like to introduce you to Robbie McNair-Guzman.
Hi Robbie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my career in nightlife and promotions over 20 years ago: I have created events featuring notable entertainers such as Jay z, Nicki Minaj, Jeezy, Rick Ross and most rap artists over the past decade. I owned a nightclub in a Charlotte for eight years and launched our event planning floral designer and decor services company, Parties By The Good Life LLC in 2016. Our entity launched Good Life at Enderly Park a full-service venue for special events and weddings September 2019. We were closed for ten months in 2020 due to Covid restrictions. Forced to pivot our business, we reopened in February 2021 with a social house format. Creating and promoting in house ticketed events has helped to recharge our sales. We lost over 600K in sales 2020. Early June 2021, we were approved for a SBA Restaurant Revitalization Grant for 681K. After receiving a funding letter guaranteed funds available in 7-10 business days, we received the crushing news that a group of white restauranteurs filed a class action lawsuit against the SBA blocking the remaining 2900 applicants approved from receiving the grants. We were 1 of the 2900. As we continue to reformat and stabilize our business, we launched a new cocktail bar, Babe Cave January 15, 2022. Our new cocktail bar featured as a specialty cocktail menu, dessert bar and photo moments. Our pink-inspired decor is fashionably chic. We have received overwhelming response for our new bar.
We are currently facing a huge “shared” parking dispute with a neighboring tenant, Noble Smoke, owner by a local controversial restauranteur in Charlotte. After a public dispute that made the local news and radio outlets, our problem has gone viral, with a call to action by global activists because of the racial profiling, racially charged comments and illegal seizure of a shared parking lot, I am currently fighting to save our business located in a “opportunity” corridor in the city of Charlotte. As a Black Women led business, we have faced many more obstacles and challenges than most counterparts.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been an uphill battle and struggle. The entertainment and hospitality business is male-dominated the discrimination and misogyny facing any Black woman in our industries has been devastating. After 32 years as an entrepreneur in this country, I have been physically attacked, subject to violence often, hostile work environments and discrimination. Very few woman or minorities in our state, NC are able to obtain a Mixed beverage liquor permit, making it oftentimes impossible for ownership of my business type. I’ve had to work extremely hard to make it this far. I am currently in therapy and self-care practices to balance my work life.
We’ve been impressed with Good Life at Enderly Park and Home of The Babe Cave, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are full-service event planning, floral design and decor company and venue space with a featured cocktail bar. We are a one stop shop for events, creating a nearly inclusive feel for our clients. Outside of our venue, we are a proud Preferred vendor for Ritz Carlton Charlotte and we have planning, executed and produced hundreds of events throughout the Carolinas. Our new cocktail bar, is the ultimate cocktail cafe for any BABE! With “pink” inspired decor, offering small plates, desserts, craft cocktails and seasonal photo installations! Capitalizing on the beauty that exists amongst us, there is a real magic there. Our venue has become a staple in Charlotte by creating a safe and fashionable haven for women to socialize and gather.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My business partner, Michael Ann Gosby worked in corporate event planning for many years and we met while she was a bartender at my nightclub working part-time. Our partnership grew from her business model offering kid’s parties and dessert stations in the Charlotte marketplace. It has been with my business partner, the fiscal assistance by my husband Joseph Guzman and private family investing that have all helped our brand to get this far.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@glenderlypark.com
- Website: www.glenderlypark.com
- Instagram: goodlife.socialhouse babecaveclt
- Facebook: Good Life at Enderly Park
Image Credits
Morgan Robinson and Trent Brunson
