Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Jones.
Debbie, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Our journey started as a family discussion over Mexican food and margaritas about how cool it would be to find an old facility in our area of some sort to convert into a wedding venue. In that my husband, Kevin, and I collaborate with my brother, sister-law, son and daughter-in-law flipping houses, we were totally digging the idea. However, after looking at an old sweet potato barn and cotton gin, we quickly decided that it would be very difficult to create our vision from either of those options. That’s when we set about to find the perfect piece of land and began designing The Wildflower. We are so fortunate to have an amazingly talented builder in our tribe, Kevin, who was able to bring our dream to life ~ board by board and nail by nail.
In that Kevin and I are the only ones living in Emory, we all knew it would be up to us to build and grow our family business. And grow it is exactly what we’ve done! Kevin and I, along with our amazing staff, pour our hearts and souls into every event we are blessed to host. It is true that we had absolutely no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but we can’t imagine loving it any more than we do. To be a part of so many beautiful beginnings, special moments, and milestones has become our passion. With much grace and patience, my husband and I have learned how to be successful business partners, as well as soulmates. We never saw ourselves working this hard in our 50s and enjoying it so much, but here we are killing it! If you ever get out to Emory, Texas, we invite you to stop by for a tour of our lovely farmhouse style venue and a visit with our resident llamas, Willie Tom & Dolly, and Buttercup, the horse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Even though we didn’t know a whole lot about the wedding and event industry when we began our journey, we didn’t waste any time figuring it out. We have learned that flexibility is key and that a sense of humor is an absolute necessity! We knew that it would not be the easiest thing we’ve ever done, but we also knew that we would handle it the same way we’ve handled nearly 37 years of marriage and raising three children – one day (or event) at a time. One thing I’ve learned in life is that as long as you have your people by your side, there is nothing you can’t handle.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Wildflower Wedding & Special Event Venue – what should we know?
We know that wedding venues are literally popping up everywhere, which keeps us constantly striving for perfection. I believe that our customer service and attention to every detail is what sets us apart from the others. We know that competition keeps everyone on their toes, so we don’t worry about what the others are doing or not doing. We focus all of our attention on what we are doing, and always thinking about our next addition or improvement. We don’t just provide a venue. We provide experience.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our family and our staff are the real superstars! We would never be able to obtain the level of success we have without their dedication, understanding, and hard work. I also have to give a great big shout out to our community and neighbors! We never dreamed our community would support us the way they have. We have received an outpouring of love and excitement from our friends and neighbors since day one, which warms our hearts so very much. We also can’t forget to mention all of the amazing talents we have grown to love. From coordinators to floral designers, makeup and hair artists, photographers, videographers, DJs and caterers . We have met so many amazing people along our journey, and we are forever grateful to them all for their support, business and friendship.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1466 S State Highway 19
Emory, TX 75440 - Website: www.wildflowerweddingvenue.com
- Phone: 903-722-7320
- Email: inquiries@wildflowerweddingvenue.com
- Instagram: @wildflowerweddingvenue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wildflowerweddingvenue/
Image Credit:
Picture It by “D”
Willner Weddings
Lucy Krodell Photography
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