Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayme Wright.
Hi Jayme, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The 304 Venue started as part of a larger vision to make better use of the spaces owned by Tonganoxie United Methodist Church. Like many churches, we had beautiful spaces that were only used a few days a week. Instead of letting them sit empty, we saw an opportunity to create a welcoming space the community could gather in.
The idea was simple: open the doors to the community and offer an affordable, flexible venue for celebrations, meetings, classes, and creative events. What began as a small venture and a hopeful idea quickly grew into something much bigger.
With support from church leadership and volunteers, we transformed the building — including the Grounded Coffeehouse and 304 Photo Studio — into spaces that could host everything from baby showers and workshops to photography sessions and community events.
Today, the 304 Venue has become a place where people from all over Tonganoxie come together. It’s still rooted in the church’s mission of hospitality and service, but it’s also a vibrant community gathering space. Seeing the building filled with life throughout the week has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited to continue growing and finding new ways to serve our community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. In the beginning, growth was slow—especially with so many established venues already operating in the area. It took time for people to discover the space and understand what we offer.
One of the ongoing challenges has been communicating the mission behind the 304 Venue. Unlike traditional for-profit venues, our goal isn’t simply to host events—it’s to create a welcoming space that serves the community. The funds generated through rentals go directly back into supporting the church’s ministries and local community initiatives. As well as, non-profit organizations can utilize the space for free.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the coordinator of the 304 Venue, my role is to help clients turn their ideas into a memorable event. Whether it’s a celebration, meeting, workshop, or photo session, I enjoy working closely with each person to understand what they’re envisioning and helping them bring that vision to life within the space.
One thing I really try to focus on is connecting clients with local community vendors whenever possible. From photographers and decorators to small businesses that provide services for events, we love highlighting and supporting other people in our community. It helps create a more personalized experience for clients while also strengthening local partnerships.
What I’m most proud of is the continued growth of the 304 Venue and the impact that growth has beyond just the event space itself. The revenue generated helps support the Grounded Coffeehouse, another welcoming space designed for people in the community to gather, connect, and spend time together.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The success of the 304 Venue truly wouldn’t be possible without the support of the entire Tonganoxie United Methodist Church community. So many church members have volunteered their time, ideas, and encouragement to help bring the vision of the space to life and keep it growing.
I would especially like to recognize the 304 Board. Their guidance, support, and willingness to invest in the vision of creating a community gathering space has been instrumental. They’ve helped shape decisions, provide direction, and continually advocate for ways the venue can better serve both the church and the broader community.
It has truly been a team effort, and the venue reflects the shared commitment of many people who believe in creating welcoming spaces where our community can gather, celebrate, and connect.
Pricing:
- 4-Hour Package $300
- 8-Hour Package $600
- 12-Hour Package $1200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.304venuetumc.org/
- Facebook: @304Venue
