The Story Behind Élan Events
How I Broke Even in 2 Years Owning a Small Venue – The Story Behind Élan Events
When I opened the doors to Élan Events—a cozy Caribbean-inspired boutique venue with room for just 85 guests—I had one clear vision: create a vibrant, intimate space where people could celebrate life’s most meaningful moments without breaking the bank.
With a background in event planning and marketing I did my research and found a missing niche in the Kenosha area. What we had that was different was a deep love for sharing our culture, building a community, and a desire to bring people together in a setting that felt warm, flexible, and refreshingly different from plain cookie-cutter banquet halls or very pricey wedding venues- And so, Élan Events was born.
A Venue with a Vibe—and a Plan
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted Élan to feel like a warm and inviting. With tropical accents, amazing drinks, uniformed bartenders and a modern-Caribbean flair, our venue isn’t just a space—it’s an experience.
But even more important than style was strategy. As a new business owner with limited capital, my number one goal was simple: avoid going deeper into debt and break even as soon as possible.
So here’s how I did it:
1.
Built-in Bar Services = Consistent Revenue
Unlike many small venues that rely solely on rental fees, I knew I needed a steady stream of income. Our built-in bar service quickly became a major driver of revenue. It allows guests to enjoy a premium service while we cover part of our overhead—win-win.
By maintaining control of the bar and offering packages that fit different budgets, we created an additional profit center without adding a ton of complexity.
2.
Flexible Policies That Customers Love
One of the best decisions I made was allowing clients to bring their own food and décor. This gives them creative freedom, reduces their total spend, and makes Élan feel more accessible to people planning birthdays, showers, micro-weddings, and intimate gatherings.
It also helped us stand out in a crowded market. While many venues have strict vendor lists or high catering minimums, we became the go-to spot for those who wanted more freedom—and less stress.
3.
Lean Operations and Smart Reinvestment
In the early days, I did everything myself—from giving tours to cleaning after events. That hustle allowed me to keep operating costs low while learning every part of the business inside and out.
Instead of over-investing in furniture, I prioritized things that would matter most to the guest experience: good lighting, clean aesthetics, great sound, and reliable bar service. As we brought in more bookings, I reinvested gradually—paying off initial costs instead of constantly upgrading or expanding too fast.
4.
Word-of-Mouth and Community Roots
We didn’t have a big advertising budget, but what we did have was a community. From the beginning, I built relationships with local vendors, photographers, and planners—many of whom now refer their clients to us.
Our Caribbean-inspired charm became a conversation starter, and our reviews reflected what I always wanted: a venue that feels personal, vibrant, and genuine.
The Result?
After just two years, Élan Events not only broke even—we started paying off our startup debt ahead of schedule. Today, we’re thriving, and most importantly, we’re doing it without sacrificing our values or overextending ourselves.
Final Thoughts: Passion + Practicality = Sustainability
Owning a venue—especially a small one—isn’t just about booking events. It’s about knowing your market, staying lean, offering flexibility, and finding ways to bring consistent value.
If you’re thinking about opening your own venue, remember this: you don’t have to go big to build something beautiful. With heart, strategy, and a bit of Caribbean soul, even a small space can make a big impact.
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Thanks for reading! If you’re in the area and looking for an intimate venue with modern, Caribbean vibes, flexible options, and unforgettable service, come check us out at Élan Events.