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The Venue Nest Podcast

The Venue Nest Podcast

By: Ashley Shepherd + Kelsey Smith
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The Venue Nest Podcast is where real venue owners come to feel less alone, get clear on what’s actually working, and learn how to run a profitable, organized, and experience, driven venue without the overwhelm.

© 2026 The Venue Nest Podcast Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Trust the Process: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Opening a Wedding Venue

    Trust the Process: Navigating the Rollercoaster of Opening a Wedding Venue
    Jun 9 2026
    Building a venue is exciting, but what does it actually take to turn an idea into a thriving business? Before the first booking, there are business plans to write, funding to secure, city approvals to navigate, and countless decisions that can make aspiring venue owners question whether they're on the right path. In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, hosts Ashley Shepherd and Kelsey Smith share essential advice for new and aspiring venue owners. They discuss creating a solid business plan, conducting market research, securing capital, navigating commercial lending and city ordinances, and building a team rooted in strong core values. Ashley and Kelsey also explore practical hiring strategies, marketing a venue that doesn't yet exist, and using storytelling, social media, and community trust to attract future clients. Whether you're building, buying, renovating, or simply dreaming about owning a venue, their message is simple: stay persistent, trust the process, and keep moving forward. Through Venue Nest, they aim to create a supportive community where venue owners can connect, learn, and feel less alone in the challenges of building and growing a venue business. 00:00 Advice for New Entrepreneurs 01:54 The Business Plan and Market Research 04:09 Presenting to Investors 07:09 Defining Company Values 10:09 Effective Hiring Practices 12:28 The Challenges of Building a Venue 17:18 Selling a Venue That Doesn't Exist Yet 20:40 Building Trust and Community Join our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signup Follow Us Instagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenest YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNest Website https://www.venuenest.com/



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    23 mins
  • Why So Many Venue Owners Feel Alone

    Why So Many Venue Owners Feel Alone
    Jun 3 2026
    Running a venue can look glamorous from the outside, but behind every booked event are sleepless nights, financial pressure, difficult decisions, and the constant challenge of balancing business and personal life. From putting everything on the line financially to missing important family moments, venue ownership often comes with sacrifices that few people see. In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, hosts Ashley Shepherd and Kelsey Smith open up about the emotional realities of building and growing a venue business. They share personal stories about the isolation of entrepreneurship, the pressure of making payroll and mortgage payments, and the struggle of balancing motherhood, family, and work. Together, they discuss the importance of building a supportive team, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing community over competition. Through Venue Nest, they aim to create a supportive community where venue owners can connect, learn, and feel less alone in the challenges of building and growing a venue business.
    Join our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signup Follow Us Instagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenest YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNest Website https://www.venuenest.com/


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    19 mins
  • The Hidden Side of Running a Venue

    The Hidden Side of Running a Venue
    May 27 2026
    In this episode of The Venue Nest Podcast, hosts Ashley Shepherd and Kelsey Smith dive into the realities of venue ownership and the unexpected challenges that come with it. They share candid stories from behind the scenes, including handling a severe allergic reaction, managing an out-of-control intoxicated guest, navigating difficult client situations, and learning from mistakes along the way. Ashley and Kelsey discuss how setbacks, bad reviews, and stressful moments are inevitable, but how venue owners respond can shape both the client experience and their brand. Through Venue Nest, they aim to create a supportive community where venue owners can connect, learn, and feel less alone in the challenges of building and growing a venue business.


    Join our free community! https://live.venuenest.com/signup Follow Us Instagram https://www.instagram.com/venuenest Facebook https://www.facebook.com/venuenest YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@VenueNest Website https://www.venuenest.com/
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    23 mins
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