Today we’d like to introduce you to Amal Thomas.
Hi Amal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The SchoolHouse Dallas started as a passion project rooted in both history and opportunity. I came across this charming 100-year-old school building—once attended by Bonnie Parker of Bonnie & Clyde—and instantly saw its potential as something more than just a forgotten space.
What began as a curiosity turned into a full renovation effort, driven by the vision of transforming it into a unique, character-filled event venue. I wanted to create a space that felt both timeless and welcoming—a place where people could celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
Today, The SchoolHouse hosts everything from weddings and baby showers to corporate gatherings and cultural events. I’ve leaned on my background in tech and consulting to streamline operations, marketing, and client experience, and I continue to evolve the venue based on what our guests love most—authentic charm, great service, and unforgettable 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?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly—but definitely worth it.
Like most small business journeys, starting The SchoolHouse Dallas came with its share of challenges. Renovating a 100-year-old building meant dealing with unexpected repairs, tight timelines, and navigating historic preservation guidelines—all while trying to stay on budget.
One of the biggest hurdles early on was simply getting people to see the vision. Turning an old school into a premium event venue isn’t something people picture easily, so building trust with clients before we even hosted our first event took time and persistence.
Marketing from scratch was another learning curve—figuring out what resonated, how to reach our audience, and managing all the moving parts with a lean team. But every challenge taught me something, and with each booking and happy client, it reaffirmed that we’re building something truly special here.
It hasn’t been easy, but the growth, community support, and seeing this space come to life make it incredibly rewarding.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear a few hats, but at the heart of it, I’m focused on building meaningful experiences—whether through technology or hospitality. Professionally, I work in the tech industry, where I help enterprise clients solve complex problems using work management tools.
Outside of tech, I’m the founder of The SchoolHouse Dallas, a historic event venue restored and launched in 2024. It’s a one-of-a-kind space in a 100-year-old school building, and we now host everything from weddings and cultural events to corporate offsites. What makes it special isn’t just the building—it’s the experience we create: warm, personal, and full of character.
What I’m most proud of is being able to bring both of those worlds together—structure and creativity, business and community. I love helping people—whether that’s a client unlocking a new level of efficiency, or a couple seeing their dream wedding come to life.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the quality that’s made the biggest difference is resourcefulness.
I’ve found that things rarely go exactly as planned—whether it’s a last-minute change before an event or figuring out how to bring an old building back to life. Being resourceful has helped me stay calm, think creatively, and just figure things out when there isn’t a clear path.
It’s not about having all the answers upfront—it’s about being willing to dive in, ask the right questions, and find a way forward. That approach has helped me build trust, adapt quickly, and keep moving even when things get a little messy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theschoolhousedallas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theschoolhousedallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theschoolhousedallas
