Inspiring Conversations with Shanelle Domael of The Elle Venue

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanelle Domael.

Shanelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always had the idea of opening up an event space but never gave myself the chance to pursue it.

Then I went through a very difficult time in my life where I separated from the father of my child after a 13 year relationship/ marriage. I needed to shift my energy and focus. In many ways my business was part of my healing journey, it kept me distracted, busy and I met so many amazing small business owners and clients that turned into good friends.

I poured my whole heart into opening up the venue. I named it after the most important person in my life, my daughter, Elle.

Elle has been by my side through it all. From removing wallpaper from the early stages of renovating, to helping me clean after events. Elle has been my rock and the reason why I work as hard as I do.

Elle has definitely enjoyed the perks of the venue as well. She has been invited to birthday parties, was involved in community events, and we also celebrated her kindergarten promotion with her classmates and their families at the venue too. If you take a look in my office you’ll also find her toys laying around, stuffed animals at the corner of the room, and her drawings on my wall because when she’s at the venue my office is her office.

The venue became my second home. The build, the neutral colors, the furniture pieces were all carefully thought out and very intentional. I wanted it warm and welcoming for family, friends and the community to enjoy.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has definitely been a whole new phase of self discovery and independence. I was already working full time, a newly single mother and I kind of just dove right in. Everything was new to me, what I didn’t know I figured out. I experienced a lot of trial and error with months of delays. One of the most nerve wrecking challenges I faced was when I had to go in front of the city planning committee to request approval to open. I waited months for the meeting and they actually didn’t approve me the first time. I was rescheduled to meet the following month to be reevaluated. My business idea was new to the city so they had concerns about an event space but after a few changes and support from the community I finally received approval to open.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Elle venue is an intimate space that can be rented out for different occasions located in the beautiful city of Rolling Hills Estates. The aesthetics of the venue offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere with beige walls, natural lighting and carefully chosen decor, creating a bright and inviting environment. Basic amenities include a prep area, refrigerator, microwave, sound system and WiFi. The space is also fully furnished with dining tables and chairs that can seat up to 38 guests. The Elle Venue also offers privacy for clients and their guests making celebrations more intimate and special. The space itself has also been used for numerous community events that have included vendor pop ups, small business shops, themed kid events, bake sales and even a blood drive. The Elle Venue is a blank canvas that can be turned into something incredible.

How do you think about luck?
I’m a firm believer of everything happens for a reason. Never thought of the things I’ve been through while opening my business being good or bad luck. If something didn’t go as planned I learned and grew from it. As far as good luck, I’ve seen it to be blessings.

Pricing:

• Monday- Thursday $100 hourly
• Friday- Sunday $225 hourly minimum of 4 hours

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Ellevenuesb.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_elle_venue?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits
Solo photo: Kylie Domael
Photos with my daughter : Korren Briley