Life & Work with Buffie Arrington-Spencer of Other

Today we’d like to introduce you to Buffie Arrington-Spencer.

Hi Buffie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Receptions For You began long before I officially opened the business. At 14 years old, while helping my mother cater an event at a venue, God gave me a vision. He spoke to my spirit and said, “You will have an event center like this, and you will serve many.” At the time, I could not fully see how it would happen, but I never forgot that moment. That vision became the foundation of my purposes to and passion for hospitality.
Catering and service were already deeply rooted in my family through Arrington Catering Service, founded by my mother, Mary Arrington in the early 80s. Watching her taught me the importance of excellence, hard work, faith, and treating people with love and respect. In 1995, I launched Receptions For You to expand beyond catering into full-service event planning and décor. By 2000, we moved into our current venue location, and the business continued to grow through weddings, reunions, corporate events, church celebrations, galas, and community gatherings.
Over the years, I learned that success in business is built through consistency, sacrifice, faith, and serving others with excellence. One of my earliest lessons came when I submitted my first event bid based only on food cost, and my mother reminded me that my labor, creativity, and expertise also had value. That lesson helped shape me into the businesswoman I am today.
In addition to entrepreneurship, I serve as the Program Chair for the Radiologic Technology Program at Southern Regional Technical College. Both careers allow me to fulfill a calling of serving people, one through education and healthcare, and the other through hospitality and creating memorable experiences. Looking back now, I realize that what God showed me at 14 years old was not just about owning a building. It was about creating a place where people could gather, celebrate, heal, connect, and make lasting memories. Nearly 30 years later, I am grateful to still be walking in that vision and serving the community through Receptions For You.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Launching a brick-and-mortar business came with many challenges. From the financial responsibilities of starting a business to navigating the permits and requirements needed to open an event venue, the journey was not easy. First and foremost, God gave me the strength to maneuver through business ownership. There were many moments when faith carried me through uncertainty and challenges that seemed impossible.
I was also blessed to have strong guidance and support from many people and organizations along the way. My mother’s wisdom in business gave me a strong foundation and taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, professionalism, and knowing the value of your work.
Having a supportive spouse is truly a blessing and a necessity when building a business. My husband, Cleveland Spencer, has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, encouraging me through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. When you are building something from the ground up, having someone who believes in your vision makes all the difference.

I have also been blessed to work alongside my sisters, Felicia Ross , Audgra Arrington and Regina Marshall who have stood beside me throughout the growth of Receptions For You. Their dedication, creativity, loyalty, and hard work have helped shape the business into what it is today. We have truly built this together as a family.

My children, Devin Spencer and Brandon Spencer, truly grew up alongside Receptions For You. In many ways, Devin, Brandon, and the business were all my babies. As I built the business, I was also raising my sons, and I intentionally brought them along on the journey with me every step of the way.

Receptions For You has always been more than just a business it has truly been a family affair. My niece, Shantivias Ross, and my nephew, David Ross, also grew up in the business alongside my children. During the summers, they would spend time setting tables, assisting with events, and helping their mother and my mom prepare for weddings, receptions, and community celebrations.
Those moments became life lessons about responsibility, teamwork, service, and hard work. The business created opportunities for our family to work together, grow together, and serve the community together. Looking back, I realize we were not just building a business we were building memories, values, work ethic, and a legacy that would impact generations of our family.
That family foundation is one of the things that makes Receptions For You so special.

The love, dedication, and teamwork behind the scenes are reflected in the care we give to every client and every event we host.

My faith, family, and church family at Providence Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Emory C. Virgil helped encourage me spiritually throughout the journey.

In addition, organizations such as the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce, Albany Community Togetherness, University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Thomasville National Bank provided business education, resources, encouragement, and financial guidance that helped me grow as an entrepreneur. I truly could not have made it without these entities pouring knowledge, support, and opportunities into me throughout the years.
Those experiences taught me that success is never achieved alone. It takes faith, community, mentorship, sacrifice, and a willingness to keep pushing forward even when obstacles arise.

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Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Receptions For You is a full service event venue, catering, and event design business that specializes in creating memorable experiences for weddings, receptions, family reunions, church events, corporate gatherings, galas, community celebrations, and special occasions. Over the years, we have become known for excellence in hospitality, elegant event presentation, detailed décor, quality food, and creating an atmosphere where people feel welcomed and celebrated. We pride ourselves on helping clients bring their vision to life while providing personalized service that makes every event feel special.
What sets Receptions For You apart is that we are truly a family-centered and faith-driven business. Everything we do is rooted in service, love for people, and creating meaningful experiences for our community. We do not simply rent a venue or provide food, we help create memories that families will cherish for years to come. Our business was a built on relationships, word-of-mouth referrals, consistency, and treating every client like family. The personal touch, passion, and care we pour into each event are what people remember most.
I am especially proud that this business has become a legacy of faith, perseverance, and community impact. What began as a vision God gave me at 14 years old has grown into a business that has served countless families and organizations throughout the community for nearly 30 years. I am proud that my family has been a part of the journey, from my husband and sisters to my sons growing up in the business. I am also proud that through entrepreneurship, I have been able to inspire others especially women and young entrepreneurs to step out on faith and pursue their dreams.
In addition to my work as an entrepreneur, I also serve as the Program Chair for the Radiologic Technology Program at Southern Regional Technical College. Balancing education and business has allowed me to serve people in two very different but meaningful ways. Both careers are centered around leadership, mentorship, service, and making a positive impact on others’ lives. At the end of the day, what I am most proud of is not just the business itself, but the lives touched, the memories created, and the example of faith and perseverance that the journey represents.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
During the pandemic, I learned one of the greatest lessons in entrepreneurship.. the importance of being able to pivot. As business owners, we often say we are “building” a business, but in order to build something strong, you must have the proper tools, master craftsmen, and experts in different areas to help create a solid foundation. No successful business is built alone.
During COVID, God placed people in my life like Harry T. Jones and the late Nathaniel Abrams (Sparks of Thomasville) who helped me navigate and pivot my business during one of the most challenging seasons I had ever experienced. Their wisdom, guidance, and support helped me think differently, adapt, and continue moving forward during uncertain times.
The pandemic also showed me how important strong banking relationships are in business. My relationships with Thomasville National Bank and Synovus became extremely valuable during that season. They helped guide me through difficult financial decisions and provided support that helped me sustain and reposition the business during a time when many businesses were struggling to survive.
COVID taught me that entrepreneurship is not just about success during good times it is about resilience, adaptability, relationships, and faith during difficult times. It reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people, maintaining strong partnerships, and trusting God through every season of business.

Pricing:

• Building Rental 1500 for renting the entire facility
• Catering 22-30 per plate
• Decor $25-$50 per guests

Contact Info:

• Website: https://receptionsforyou.com/