Her Venue. Her Vision.

Mission Statement

The purpose of The Sandbar Venue is to provide a versatile and dynamic venue in Mississippi, designed to host a wide range of mid to large size events including corporate functions, weddings, conferences, social gatherings and community celebrations.  With a focus on exceptional and diverse service offerings and customized event spaces, we aim to create memorable experiences for our clients while fostering local business growth and enhancing the region’s cultural and social landscape.  Our mission is to be the premier event destination in Mississippi by offering high-quality, flexible facilities that cater to the unique needs of each event, with an emphasis on excellence and customer satisfaction. 

The Problem and Solution 

There are a total of 20 event venues that come up in a google search within a 50-mile search of the zip code 39114.  Most are centered around the Jackson Metro Area, with only 9 within a 20-mile radius.  Out of these 9 venues only 3 venues boast the ability to host over 100 people. None of which are within a 10-mile radius of the proposed location of The Sandbar Venue.  These three venues range from $4,800 to $10,000 for a two-day rental.  Compared to the three-day rental option The Sandbar Venue would offer for $6,000.  Two of the three venues require you to go down small country roads off of the main highway making accessibility harder than our proposed site. 

The closest event hall is Cross Point Venue and Chapel at 9 miles away.  It has small to mid-size event spaces with a Signature Wedding package that costs $4,200 per day.  This package allows you full access to both ceremony site and the event hall, which features bridal and groom suites, a parent’s lounge, tables, chairs, and linens, and some staff assistance on the day of. Additionally, this space is located 2 miles off Highway 13 down a country road.  Additionally, it is 7 miles off the main Highway 49.  

In comparison, I am offering a one-day rental, complete with tables, chairs, linens, and decorations for $2,000 per day or $6,000 for a full three days (compare at their two-day rental for $4,800).  Our venue will be able to hold more people as it will be a large space and offer two outdoor spaces (one that is covered), and all the features of their event hall.  Our space is only 1.5 miles off the main highway 49 and then directly onto the properties private drive, creating an easy to find venue for guests. The Small Event Hall, would only be a $300 rental per day and also include the services and supplies offered with the Main Event Hall.

The closest comparable sized venue would be Bellawood The Venue, at 18 miles away. It is located 3 miles off the main highway 49.  When last inquired, the price for the Weekend package (starts at 3 on Friday and ends Saturday Night) it was $10,000.  They feature add-ons such as access to decorations, cars, limos, and photobooths.  Compared to the three full day rental package that The Sandbar Venue would offer at $6,000, we will also include all decorations in the price. This creates a more affordable priced venue with more setup and take down time, services, and similar amenities.

Offering and Services

1. Main Event Hall

The Main Event Hall will with the back facing the Strong River to create a visually pleasing atmosphere to go with large events.  This hall will be able to accommodate up to 150 people.  It will feature a Bridal and Groom suites, guest bathrooms, and a small kitchen.  This space will also have a large patio to use for outdoor ceremonies and boast a large open space on the interior.  There will be plenty of natural light and Plexi-glass roll up doors for a an indoor-outdoor feel and seamless space transition. This would be constructed during the initial phase of the business.

2. Small Event Hall

This will be small space for up to 50 people.  It will be an indoor area, with a small kitchen and bathroom facilities.  This will be on the front-end of the property so as not to conflict with any events happening at the Main Event Hall. This would be constructed within the first two years of the business. 

3. Small Cabin Facilities

This will be a series of tiny-home like cabins throughout the property that can be included at an additional price for events that have out of town guests.  Likewise, these spaces can be rented by newly-weds as a place to relax after the wedding. These facilities are set to be constructed in the next phase of the business in 3 to 4 years.

4. All-inclusive services

Our all-inclusive services will feature partner vendors who have agreed to set pricing for events that are booked with this service.  These services will come at an additional fee, but will come with an event coordinator/planner, DJ, photographer, and caterer.  There will be multiple options for additional guests and level of food services.  This is a service we plan to add within the next two to three years.

5. Bridal Showcases

As part of our marketing plan, we will host a bi-yearly Bridal Showcase.  This would be opened to vendors who are vetted and experienced and plan to either provide services or participate in panels or fashion shows during the event.  The event would be free to brides and their guests to promote the venue and its services.  Along with creating relationships with vendors, who could recommend potential clients to our venue as well.   

Funding 

Your contribution will help us with the startup fund to get this business going!  We have the location and plans, we just need funding.  All proceeds will go into construction and development of the venue.

We are actively applying for grants and other opportunities for funding besides crowdfunding.  We are offering a variety of rewards for your contributions and we will even pour ice water on our CEO if we reach our goal! Because TEAMWORK and she is the coach in all of this.  

The Team

Ariel Pearce is the owner and CEO.  She has over 10 years of experience in management, sales, and customer service.  She loves to help plan events from baby showers to conferences.  She lives in Mendenhall with her husband and three dogs (Meka, Bear, and Zeke - South GSDs) and enjoys reading and crocheting.

Krysta Smith is the property manager and resident coordinator.  She has over 10 years in the event industry to compliment her experience in customer service.  Her favorite thing to do is plan things for others! She lives in Mendenhall with her husband and three daughters and loves all things romance!

 Thank You

We want to take the time to give you a special thanks just for looking at our campaign!  Even if you can’t donate, please share this with your colleagues and network so we can reach our goal! We appreciate each and every one of you!