EP#92: The Main Event Richmond with Michelle Bolley

Ever wonder how stumbling upon an old building could lead to a life-changing career pivot? Michelle Bolley, owner of the Main Event Richmond, found herself in this exact situation. She joins us to share her inspiring journey from a spontaneous building purchase to owning a unique event venue in downtown Richmond. But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Michelle's story takes us through the tough times too, including a courageous battle with cancer.

Michelle also lets us in on the flexibility and freedom her venue offers to clients, breaking away from typical industry norms. From hosting murder mystery nights to weddings, the Main Event Richmond adds a touch of uniqueness to every occasion. But Michelle’s passions don’t stop at her business. She gives us a glimpse into her personal life, revealing her love for gardening, yoga, and costume-making. Tune in to hear about Michelle's remarkable journey, her take on the event venue industry and about the wonderful things she's doing to support her local community!

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

This is the Good Neighbor podcast, the place where local businesses and neighbors come together. Here's your host, lisa Swift need. Hi everyone and welcome to episode number 92 of the Good Neighbor podcast. Today we have Good Neighbor Michelle Bollie and she is with the main event, richmond. Hi, michelle, how are you doing today?

Speaker 2: 0:27

Hi Lisa, I'm doing great. How are you doing?

Speaker 1: 0:29

good. Thank you. Let's tell our listeners what is your business, what is the main?

Speaker 2: 0:36

event. So the main event Richmond is a small, unique event venue right in downtown Richmond, so on Main Street, hence the name the main event. We do a lot of events like showers, wedding showers, baby showers, small ceremonies, birthday parties, communions. I have somebody looking to do like a murder mystery night, like any holiday parties, all kinds of stuff. It's just a very cool, different space if you're looking for something that's not a haul but you can have a party.

Speaker 1: 1:14

That is really great, so tell our listeners about your journey. How did you get into this business?

Speaker 2: 1:21

So this is gonna be goosebumps. So a few years ago, like three and a half years ago, I was driving by In downtown Richmond and this building was for rent or for sale and it just drew me to it and I was like, oh my god, I love this building, but I have a house. I don't need it. I have a great job, all this other stuff.

Speaker 2: 1:45

And in the last year, my life took a complete upside-down turn. I had to sell my house, I Got diagnosed with cancer, I had a relationship and and I just happened to be driving by and it was the same day this building went up for sale and Like it was calling me. So I was like I have to. No matter what, this is mine and I worked so hard to make it happen. So, yeah, it's like it was meant to be and the people who bought my home Were the same people who we were bidding against seven years before that. So it's like I was redirected and it's just like I feel like I've always been here, like this is my home. I actually live upstairs, so it really is my home. It really is Well, yeah.

Speaker 1: 2:45

So can you tell us about any myths or misconceptions that you hear about in your industry?

Speaker 2: 2:52

So a lot of people, for right now we do not have a kitchen, so they have to come in, they have to cater it or bring their own food.

Speaker 2: 3:03

A lot of people like that more because if you have your party or event at a restaurant, you're required to purchase so much or do so much more than the space. With us, you have your options, so you can make it as expensive or as inexpensive as you want. I do get a little bit of pushback and questioning on how I price, like my showers and my weddings, because I'm actually giving you my building for 24 to 36 hours, so I charge it by a lump price for those kind of events, versus like, if you are having a party, I would charge by the hour. The reason I do it is so that the people who are having the party can come in. They can decorate how they want, move everything around how they want, and they don't have to be stressed out about timelines. So I give them the keys to the building the day before so they can do all that work they need. So the day of they can just come in, enjoy themselves, pick up a little bit and take off.

Speaker 1: 4:07

So that is good that it's not like the normal industry, so you're more flexible working absolutely. That is great Right. So tell us, what do you like to do for fun when you're not working on your business?

Speaker 2: 4:24

Well, this is my second job, so I have a full-time job. I'm a loan officer and this I would love to be what takes over and supports me and is my retirement. But, for fun, I'm an avid gardener. So when I found this building, it has a yard in the back, so I'm going to make a garden and flower garden and make it just like absolutely amazing, something very photogenic for people to have their pictures outside. I have this whole idea in my head. I love yoga and I love to sew costumes. Those are my things I love to do.

Speaker 1: 5:06

Wow, that is very amazing. So tell our listeners, can you describe one hardship or life challenge that you rose above and can now say because of that challenge that you're better for it and or stronger?

Speaker 2: 5:22

Absolutely so. This past year, like I said, was a challenge my whole life. I feel like the universe was like we tried to direct you down a path. You ignored us, so we're going to turn your life completely upside down. You know, not only with my relationship ending. Then they're like hey, now you have cancer which I beat and sell the home you thought you were going to grow old in and I feel like this is where I'm supposed to be. So it really was a redirection and I think that all those little signs that everybody just kind of ignores, they do add up and then all of a sudden it hits you over the head.

Speaker 1: 6:05

That is good, and congratulations on beating cancer, thank you. So what's one thing you wish our listeners knew about your business?

Speaker 2: 6:16

Where we are and what we are. So I've only been here since the middle of August, but the previous owner also was running the same business for about a year and nobody knew. Even the people who are directly across the street nobody knew what it was. They're always like I wondered is it a restaurant? Is it a coffee shop? What is it? We are an event venue. I'm trying to get definitely more involved in the community, getting the word out, going to visit other businesses, because I wanna support the local businesses in the area, just like I would hope they would support me. So we are an event venue.

Speaker 1: 6:57

And that is good. So now our listeners are intrigued, so how can they contact you? They wanna have an event. What's the process that they need to do?

Speaker 2: 7:07

Absolutely so. I have a Facebook page, so it's the main event Richmond. I have an email or a website. I mean the main event, richmondcom. My email is the main event 68085 at Gmail and they can call me Michelle at 586-215-2608.

Speaker 1: 7:36

Great, Michelle. Thank you so much for being a guest today on our Good Neighbor podcast.

Speaker 2: 7:43

I'm honored, Lisa. Thank you so much for doing this.

Speaker 1: 7:47

Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor podcast Rochester. To nominate your favorite local businesses to be featured on the show, Go to GNPRochestercom. That's GNPRochestercom, or call 248-988-9640. Come back to.