Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew & Kaleena Vasquez.
Hi Matthew & Kaleena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We have always had dreams of becoming business owners, but everything we tried just did not feel right. In July of 2022, I went to a conference in Atlanta, and event spaces was a huge topic of conversation. The whole time I was there, I was telling my wife that this was what we had been looking for. Before the end of August, we had built a business plan, had a name for the venue, and even found a space in a growing part of Winter Haven.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges has been finding the ideal location for our first event space. Some commercial spaces were either too small, too big, needed too many renovations, not in ideal parts of town and the list can go on & on. Lastly, once we secured the ideal location, the renovations were a bit of a challenge. As a husband-and-wife team, we had to combine our visions. We did not disagree a whole lot, however, it was the small details that were the most difficult to agree on. Another aspect that had its challenges was balancing life with a new business. Both of us maintained our full-time jobs, so most of the time we had to choose between working on our business or other family things. A lot of sacrifices were made to ensure we met our deadlines.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Envision Hall is the ideal event space/event venue in Winter Haven, FL /Polk County. Our motto is to be the “Backdrop for your Gatherings.” Envision Hall is 1500 square feet and can easily accommodate 55 people per event. Also, we provide all the tables and chairs needed. We have 2 large-screen televisions, a kitchenette area for food preparation, Bluetooth sound system so there is no need to hire a DJ (music can be played via Bluetooth from a cellular phone/tablet), high-speed Wi-Fi, and ample car parking. Examples of the types of the events we have hosted (and can host) are baby showers, sweet 16’s, bridal showers, birthday parties, retirement party, corporate events, seasonal/holiday events, business seminars, art shows, book signings, dance classes/lessons, and the list goes on and on.
On our website (www.envisionhall.com) and all social media outlets (@envisionhall) we have pictures and videos of the different types of decorations for events we have hosted.
As the owners of Envision Hall, we really enjoy how clients come to our open house and are really surprised how nice the event space is and the square footage. The freshly painted white walls will not clash with any style of decorations our client’s desire.
We are beyond proud to provide the great city of Winter Haven an event space where families, friends, and companies can come together. Since Envision Hall is centrally located between Orlando and Tampa there is really no need to search for a better location or venue.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I would to share is believe in yourself. No matter what anyone says or the negativity around you. Stick to what you know you can do and are capable of. When self-doubt comes (and it will) remind yourself of why you started this business, career change, move to another city/state, or any other major life change. Also, a mentor and a accountability partner are huge cause both can provide a clear path to your goal(s) and give you actionable step-by-step instructions backed by their own success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.envisionhall.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envisionhall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnvisionHall
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnvisionHall
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@envisionhall
