Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Long.
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Twenty-three years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to work at my first event venue in South Lake Tahoe, CA—and to say I fell in love would be an understatement. From the very beginning, I knew helping people plan life’s most meaningful celebrations was my calling. Even cleaning bathrooms, working long hours, and managing high-stress situations couldn’t sway me—I loved every single part of it. That’s when the dream of one day owning my own venue was born.
As a young adult, I quickly realized that dream would take more than passion. It required capital, strategy, and a lot of thoughtful research. After college, I entered the corporate world, where I spent years learning the ins and outs of business, all with the hope of preparing myself to eventually step out on my own. Along the way, I worked with countless realtors, searching for just the right building I could transform into a one-of-a-kind event space. For one reason or another, the deals never worked out. While it was discouraging at times, I trusted that the timing, the space, or even my own readiness just wasn’t quite there yet.
Then, in 2022, everything changed. I was introduced to the former GM and owner of The Martin Event Space and visited the venue a few days later. OH. MY. GOODNESS. The history, the charm, the character—it completely took my breath away. I could instantly see the possibilities and knew this was the place I had been waiting for. I began assisting with events, learning the ins and outs of the venue, and after many conversations, the opportunity to take over as the new owner became a reality in January 2024.
The past two years have been a whirlwind of renovations, growth, and unforgettable celebrations. It’s been fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding—and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth is definitely not the word I would use to describe the journey! There were plenty of things I felt prepared for—and just as many that I wasn’t. I like to group the challenges into three main categories: building repairs and upgrades, managing events and venue services, and the everyday realities of being a small business owner.
Owning and maintaining a building from 1890 is a challenge all on its own. Much of our first year was spent repairing and updating the space – all while hosting weddings and events nearly every weekend. The good news is that while the work hasn’t stopped, we’re now able to focus on the upgrades we want to do instead of the ones we have to do.
Running events at The Martin requires more than just opening the doors to a beautiful space. We take on every detail: set-up and teardown of tables, chairs, linens, décor, and tableware; coordination services; beverage and bartending; and in-house catering. While this level of involvement makes things seamless for our clients, it requires a great deal of time, organization, and energy from me and my team. The pressure of delivering on some of life’s biggest moments is real—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
And then there’s the learning curve of being your own boss. Overnight, you become a bookkeeper, marketer, financial analyst, strategist, and everything in between. It can feel overwhelming, but you figure it out piece by piece (with a few stumbles along the way). My biggest piece of advice for new business owners? Focus on what you do best – and hire help for the rest. You’ll thank yourself in the long run!
We’ve been impressed with The Martin Event Space, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Martin Event Space is a historic, full-service venue known for its charm, character, and intimate setting. With a capacity of up to 175 guests, we host everything from weddings, galas, and corporate events to showers, reunions, birthdays, proms, and more.
We pride ourselves on offering a truly stress-free experience by providing everything you need in one place – tables, chairs, linens, decor, catering, beverage service, coordination, audio/visual, bridal suites, free parking, and even an outdoor patio. Our team also takes care of the setup, teardown, and cleanup, so you can focus on celebrating.
What sets us apart is how hands-on and dedicated our team is—we genuinely care about creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. At The Martin, our mission is simple: to handle the details so you can enjoy every moment of your special day.
What matters most to you?
This one’s easy. I’m deeply passionate about every single client I work with and making sure they experience the day they’ve dreamed of. I didn’t become a venue owner for the money or endless vacations—because let’s be honest, this is not that kind of business! I chose this path because I genuinely love bringing special moments to life. It fills my heart. My team and I care deeply about the success of each event, and we work tirelessly to make it unforgettable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themartineventspace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themartineventspace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themartineventspace
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.martin.event.space
