Today we’d like to introduce you to Hugo Cervantes.
Hugo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea for the event hall had been in my head for as long as I can remember, one freezing February day in 2012, I decided to make a change. I’m here to do something better with my life, I told myself. So I decided that for the next year or two, or however long it took I would work and work until I saved enough to open an event hall. So that’s exactly what I did. I went to work for company that traveled throughout the Southeastern US and paid significantly better. I worked 70+ hours a week which led me to miss out on important events back home. I missed family parties, being with my family, and especially missed my fiancé. This went on for about a year a half, until I met a great mentor, Steve. To make a long story short, he saw potential in me and pushed me to open my own drywall business. He was a huge help. So now I was on my own, a minority business owner ready to make my dreams come true. It was an uphill fight, but after the hardest, but most fulfilling couple years I had finally gathered enough to open up Marietta Palace. I met with my brother Alejandro Cervantes and my brother-in-law Ramon Perez and discussed that the time is now. I wanted them to be part of what would soon be Marietta Palace. We gathered up to discuss shares, responsibilities, and ideas and more. We came to an agreement and got to work immediately. We wanted to be different than other event halls in Marietta. We wanted people to come into our spot and be mesmerized by our work. We researched a ton of designs online and we got some of the best and incorporated into our spot. After about a year of dealing with lawyers, landlords, and other business owners in late October 2017 we were ready to open! Even prior to opening, we were already giving tours and booking events. Marietta Palace was open for business. Now the feedback we are getting from people is exactly what we wanted to hear. Everyone loves the place and we are to give our clients happiness and joy when booking with Marietta Palace.
Has it been a smooth road?
As any road, there are bumps along the way. Honestly, the biggest struggles we face are capital and getting our name out to everyone. First off capital, we have a budget and strictly stand by it but there are always costs that arise out of nowhere. Once you get one issue taken care of, something else arises the next day. It’s a never ending cycle, but the best thing to do is understand that things will come up. What gets you through the hard times is your attitude and belief that you will overcome whatever is in your way. The other struggle is getting our name out there and getting people to look at our space. It has definitely gotten easier for us since booking events itself brings in about 50-300 people each time, and that has been extremely effective for us. We always knew from the beginning it would be difficult and we are just ecstatic that people love our place and they keep recommending us to other family and friends.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Marietta Palace story. Tell us more about the business.
We are available for any type of event the client wants. We do specialize and get booked more for bigger parties; Weddings, Sweet 16’s, Quinceaneras, etc… Our best-selling package is our full package, which includes everything you need for your event. Including but not limited to catering, cake, music, decorations, waiters, and everything in between. I would have to say our customer service and our design is what I am more proud of as a company. We have a beautiful ceiling with three 17′ radii and color changing LED light coves that cover the entire venue. Those items as well is what sets us apart from all others. We are here to make the clients special day as if it was our own. We know if they have a great experience they will recommend us to family and friends.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Well this industry like many others, follow trends and what is popular at the moment. People always want the newest and flashiest gadgets for their events. We do take time in our meetings to discuss items that we could upgrade and add to our venue to please our clients further.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1322 Powder Springs St SW
- Website: Under Construction
- Phone: 404) 793-7755
- Email: mtapalace@gmail.com
- Instagram: marietta_palace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marietta-Palace-Salon-eventosBanquet-Hall-113414679310833/
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