Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy James.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in central New York State. After college, I moved to New York City and began working for high-end advertising photographers. Eventually, I shifted to the production side of the business and remained in that field for the next decade. I worked on some of the biggest advertising campaigns of the time. Clients included American Express, Nissan, Infiniti, Mastercard and PlayStation.
In 2006, I decided to leave NYC and move to Athens, GA (I had a sister who lived here). I wanted to have a slower-paced lifestyle and start a family. After having three kids, I wanted to return to the workforce. Production wasn’t really an option, at the time, in Athens. I had a friend that owned a restaurant and she was looking for a catering manager. I decided to give it a try and fell in love with it. It was at this time that I met my current business partner, Hannah Chandler. Hannah and I worked together for many years.
In 2018, we opened Wall & Broad. It is a beautiful event space in the heart of downtown Athens. Hannah & I have been running the space since its inception. We host everything from weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and tailgates to UGA events.
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?
There have definitely been a bit of a bumpy road. One word…COVID.
As with many small businesses, we had to pivot and keep adjusting to the ever-changing Covid restrictions and recommendations.
During Covid, the restaurant that we worked for closed but Wall & Broad was still operating. Gatherings of more that 50 people were banned, so it was quite difficult. We really had to shift our focus to smaller events. We had so many brides & grooms that had to cancel or postpone their weddings. It was just heartbreaking. However, we did have many couples that opted to still go through with their weddings but on a much smaller scale. It was a trying time, but to be honest, we hosted some of the most lovely intimate weddings during that time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d say that I am most proud of my work ethic and attention to detail. My production background has been invaluable in this career. Now instead of organizing photoshoots, I organize events. I use the same attention to detail and management skills to curate my client’s perfect event. I get to be present for weddings, engagement parties, baby showers and so many other wonderful life-changing events.
I love to see a project through from start to finish. From estimating to the event itself, I am present for all of it. By the time most of these events occur, I have known the clients for a year or more in some cases. We are in constant contact with each other and I have a clear idea of their vision for the event. It is very satisfying to see the events come together and how happy my clients are at the end. I take great pride in that.
Hannah’s culinary background and expansive catering experience is invaluable. She has created incredibly delicious menus for our guests time after time. At the end of our events, often hear how incredible the food was.
But the thing that really sets us apart is our team. Hannah & I have managed to create a working environment that is respectful of everyone while being fun at the same time. We have assembled a great group of professional service industry employees. We trust each other, treat each other with respect and look out for each other.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I’d say the key to our success is determination. Determination to build a business that we can be proud of. One that treats their employees with kindness and respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wallbroad.com
- Instagram: wallandbroadevents
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WallBroad
