Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalli Doubleday.
Kalli, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For the last several years, I have been a conservation social scientist researching human-tiger conflict in India. Earning my Ph.D. in Geography for the University of Texas Austin in 2018, I eagerly sought a tenure-track professorship to teach and continue my research on big cats and people. Unfortunately, after two years of searching this dream didn’t materialize. Thankfully, the entire time I was pursuing this career, I was also building a small business with my dad, The Barn at Sparrow Creek Ranch. My parents built the barn originally for my wedding reception. I always wanted to get married outside and my parent’s beautiful property was the obvious choice. But there were no facilities. My dad who is a muscle car collector said he had always wanted to build a barn at the land to store his collection and have a workshop. So, we decided as a family to build the Barn.
The Barn is nothing like the 100s of other “barn venues” around because my dad has hand-built the entire thing himself with one or two trusted friends along the way. Moreover, the entire building is made of repurposed materials. My dad owns a Salvage Yard and the industrial discarded material everyone else overlooks he sees a repurposed use. After a year of letting family and friends use the Barn, we decided he and I would take this new business opportunity serious and began to formalize our process. He continues to improve and build onto the Barn and I do everything else and have since 2013.
Now, as the Director and Brand Manager of The Barn at Sparrow Creek Ranch, I get to spend my days strategizing how to best serve our couples and community. It is a creative and challenging job that I enjoy every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have continuing ran full force ahead towards my many and varied dreams over the last decade and a half. I have had tremendous success along the way but my ultimate dreams continue to elude me. I hit all the benchmarks, reach all the goals, and exceed expectations but when it comes to getting the “prize” I fall short. Internally, the struggle of “what is just,” and fighting against the urge to ruminate on what “I deserve” is one of my regular battles.
Life is unpredictable and certainly not just. If there is anything to learn from my experience is to keep moving forward and adapt. The careers and experience I worked incredibly hard for were part of the journey that has led me to this point where I can be happy and fulfilled.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Barn at Sparrow Creek Ranch – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in turning a non-event property in rural areas into wedding and event venues. But moreover, I’m known for my ability to recognize the power of the collective of creatives in small towns and counties to cater to high-end weddings and events. Through partnerships, coaching, and outreach I create networks of local vendors who can bring to life events at the same scale as urban/large city event venues. I consider supporting, identifying, and helping to develop local vendors a major part of my job as the Director for venues, one in DFW-West and one in Central Texas.
My job as a brand manager within my larger role is to ensure our couples and clients see value in hosting their events at my venues. That starts with recommendations from the smallest details and up to insider help for making the large budget decisions. Hospitality is a major part of my branding strategies and daily commitment.
Through the process of getting my Ph.D. I become incredibly efficient with my time and consider every move strategically. There is rarely a part of my day I don’t consider within the big picture. When I share something with an Instagram story, I’m working on how I can use that post later down the road in a blog or advertising campaign. When I ask for a review, I am considering the other vendors who will be included in that review and how to express our gratitude but also our mutual benefit of working together and possible advantages we can provide our clients.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Women in leadership positions will tell you over and over that their authority is continually questioned. This is no different in the wedding industry. From couples who question your packages to other vendors and non-wedding industry professionals who question your expertise, it is a constant struggle. One of the frequent times my expertise is challenged is from other marketing professionals working in SEO, lead generation, advertising, and other online sales. Rarely, a week goes by that my choices working with these professionals are not belittled in a manner meant to reinforce a “leave it to us sweetheart” mentality. Being forceful in those decisions, of course, can cause friction triggering the stereotypical “wow, she’s bossy,” or “lighten up,” comments. Because the wedding industry is customer service centered and focused on fun experiences purposeful and direct leadership is often a surprise for those who want to partner with me.
Pricing:
- The Barn at Sparrow Creek Ranch Weekend Package $2800-$4000: Fri 9 am – Sunday 10 am
Contact Info:
- Address: 2612 Highland Haven Dr.
Austin, Tx 78725 - Website: www.sparrowcreekranch.com
- Phone: 8175642613
- Email: sparrowcreekranch@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sparrowcreekranch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowcreekranch/
- Other: https://www.shirazgardentx.com/
Image Credit:
five women – Allee J Photography, father-daughter dance – Mikayla Dawn Photography
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