From Stay-at-Home Mom to CEO: How I Built a Million Dollar Business From Scratch (Episode 1, The Venue Underground)
Ever wish you could peek behind the polished Instagram feeds and see what it really takes to build a thriving business from scratch? That’s exactly what we’re serving up in Episode 1 of The Venue Underground.
Hosted by Kate Dear, a 7-figure startup founder, Carnegie Mellon MBA, and social media voice in the wedding and historic renovation industries, alongside her right-hand women Gemma (Operations Director) and Rachel (Venue Director), this podcast isn’t just about pretty venues. It’s about the grit, strategy, and behind-the-scenes work that turns big ideas into real revenue.
What You’ll Hear in Episode 1
In this debut episode, we share:
How each of us took a nontraditional path into the wedding industry
The early challenges of building a wedding venue business without a rulebook
Why we believe transparency is the secret weapon for aspiring business owners
Real talk on balancing ambition with family, burnout, and self-doubt
This isn’t a highlight reel. You’ll hear the messy middle: the scrappy decisions, unexpected detours, and the exact moments that shaped our careers.
Why We Started The Venue Underground
We wanted a place where entrepreneurs, venue owners, and creative risk-takers could:
Learn practical, no-fluff business strategy
Hear the real numbers and hard lessons (without the sugarcoat)
Feel less alone in the building process
Whether you’re dreaming at your desk job, hustling on nights and weekends, or already running your own space, The Venue Underground is your backstage pass to making it happen.
💡 Takeaway: Success isn’t a straight line. It’s a mix of strategy and grit and we’re here to share it all.
🎧 Listen to Episode 1 now to meet your hosts and hear the real story behind our business journey:
XO,
Kate