Expanding the Something Small Experience
Role: Co-Owner, Experience Designer, and Venue Manager
The Challenge
After establishing Something Small Catering, we noticed an unmet need among our clients and within the broader Columbia community: there were few attractive, affordable venues for small gatherings. Many of our catering clients shared their frustration with high rental costs and minimum-hour requirements, saying they only needed a space for a few hours — not an entire day.
While loading for an event one afternoon, I noticed a “For Lease” sign across from our kitchen. The space, a former paint-and-sip studio, had open beam ceilings, original brick walls, and natural light — a perfect fit for our brand’s focus on small, beautiful events. We opened the Something Small Event Venue in May 2025, extending our mission to make small celebrations accessible, affordable, and thoughtfully designed.
The Process
We approached the venue with the same philosophy that guided our catering brand: simplicity, beauty, and accessibility. The space, located in one of Columbia’s older, revitalizing neighborhoods, already had character — exposed brick, high ceilings, and warm light. All it needed was a subtle refresh: repainting the main wall and bathrooms to darken the tone slightly and add contrast to the bright daytime space.
We promoted the venue primarily through organic discovery — existing Something Small Catering clients, Facebook community groups, and Instagram posts showcasing real events. The inquiries came naturally from people who already trusted the catering brand and were searching for small, stylish spaces that didn’t carry the price tag or limitations of traditional venues.
The name Something Small Event Venue was chosen strategically — it aligns directly with how users search online for “small event venues” and now drives hundreds of visitors to our website each month through Google alone. The name also strengthens the connection between the catering and venue experiences, reinforcing our brand promise: small events, big attention.
On the operational side, I redesigned our Squarespace inquiry form to include venue rental options, allowing clients to select whether they needed catering, the venue, or both, and choose their preferred time block. We structured the day into three rental segments — 9 AM–1 PM, 1 PM–5 PM, and 5 PM–11 PM — making it easy for clients to book only what they needed while keeping pricing accessible.
To maintain affordability, we adopted a self-service format that includes tables and chairs, with clients handling setup and cleanup. I also developed relationships with local vendors for optional decor, photography, and event styling, ensuring clients could still customize their experience.
Because flexibility is core to our mission, we do not require clients to use our catering services when renting the venue. Many small events have limited budgets or existing food plans, so we allow outside catering while offering a bundled discount for those who choose both services. This model balances inclusivity with business growth and helps us meet clients where they are.
Screenshot of online inquiry form.
The Outcome
The venue quickly gained traction for its combination of charm, flexibility, and affordability. Clients appreciated the historic architecture, the flexible rental structure, and the freedom to bring in their own vendors if desired. The name’s search-engine visibility began driving a steady flow of website traffic and new leads, many from first-time clients discovering us through organic search.
The space now regularly hosts bridal and baby showers, milestone birthdays, and small corporate gatherings. During the holidays, it transforms into a hub for seasonal parties and community celebrations. The natural synergy between the catering and venue sides of the business allows clients to choose a full-service experience or a simple, do-it-yourself format — whichever best fits their goals and budgets.
As bookings grew, we identified new opportunities to strengthen our systems, including more formalized communication around cleanup expectations, security deposits, and event turnover. These improvements have created smoother client experiences and a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.
Reflection
Expanding into a physical venue deepened my understanding of experience design beyond digital and service spaces. Every design decision — from the name to the booking structure — was about making high-quality experiences more accessible. It also taught me how to balance creativity and operations: when to streamline systems, when to add human touchpoints, and how to scale without losing the brand’s heart.
This project reminded me that growth doesn’t have to mean getting bigger — sometimes, it means designing smarter, and creating spaces where more people can celebrate life’s meaningful moments beautifully.
