Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Byrd
Hi Charlotte, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Charlotte Byrd, and I am the proud owner of The Social Byrd Venue, a Health Insurance Agent, Houstonian, and a graduate of THE Jack Yates Senior High School and THE Texas A&M University (Class of ’18).
Some would think growing up in a single parent household in the inner city 3rd Ward, the odds would be against me. However, I knew at an early age that I wanted more for myself, that I would not be a product of my environment. I am a woman of hope, faith, and courage for younger girls who look like me. I am a living witness that “YOUR PAST DOES NOT DICTATE YOUR FUTURE”.
In high school I was very active and SOCIAL from doing the morning announcements to dancing on the football field as a Lionette dancer, hence the name “The Social Byrd”. And of course a play on words, with my last name being Byrd, lol.
After graduating with my Bachelors of Communication I became a flight attendant to explore what the world had to offer, as I had never flown before….ironically. It was definitely an experience that I will cherish forever. I then proceeded to indulge in the media industry and started working for one of the top radio stations in Dallas, where I was living at that time. Unfortunately, I had a family emergency (we’ll talk about later) that prompted me to move back home. I was blessed with another opportunity to work in the healthcare field for one of the top producing agencies in the nation where I currently work in addition to running my own business.
Interestingly, my journey into this industry began with an Instagram ad. For months, I had been researching different passive income opportunities, but none held my attention for long. Then, one day in August 2023, I came across an Instagram post that caught my eye. It was about an event space program offering to help individuals secure a space within 12 weeks saying you can make x amount of money per month. I don’t know what it was but I had this feeling that I can’t explain. Something told me to just go for it. All my life I have played it “safe” and I never took risks on myself but this felt different. My goal has always been to create generational wealth and change the course of history for my family and generations to come. I told my fiancé about the ad/ program and he non hesitantly said “let’s do it”. I remember the day like it was yesterday , August 9, 2023 was when I joined the program and took a leap of faith. I am so happy that I did, if you are reading this do not let fear get in the way , bet on yourself. Here we are 10 months later open for business. We had our Grand Opening on April 21, 2024. Faith without work is dead. I already knew that I was going to put in the work I just needed the faith.
The Social Byrd Venue is somewhere you create unforgettable memories. Our 2,400 sq. ft modern, upscale venue is a blank canvas where all your creative visions can come to life! Located in a great location on Westheimer near HWY 6, we offer a blend of elegance and functionality, complete with top-notch amenities and exceptional customer service. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish. Make your next event unforgettable, and Let’s Get Social !
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?
As I mentioned earlier, growing up with the odds already against me has made my journey anything but smooth, yet one I am forever grateful for.
From living in shelters and rehabs in my childhood, to owning my own venue is nothing but GOD’s favor. My Aunty Lori , may she rest in peace, used to tell me often while growing up that I would become someone significant and that I was chosen. In late 2020 we found out that she had been diagnosed with Dementia and I moved back home to help take care of her. Sadly in March 2022 she passed away. She was like a mother to me and losing her felt like I lost a part of myself. I knew that I had to continue to make her proud and keep the legacy alive. If you know me you know that I am big on creating memories , taking pictures and enjoying the now. My aunt taught me that memories are priceless and we must cherish them while we can.
Starting an event space business can be a rewarding venture, but it also comes with pros and cons just like any other business. From finding the right location to getting funding is a task in itself. I looked at over 30 spaces before I chose the location we are at today. I wanted to ensure that it was suitable for my future guest and that the vibe was just right.
A couple of months before I started the program I was rear ended in an accident and my car was totaled, which resulted in unforeseen credit issues when I was applying for funding. If you ever had to deal with the credit bureaus you know it’s a waiting game and nothing happens overnight. Remember I started the program in Aug 2023 and opened in Apr 2024 , even though it was supposed to be a 12 week program. You can imagine how discouraging that was because I was so excited to start the process and get the ball rolling. Despite facing the many obstacles that needed resolution, I persevered and didn’t quit ! I learned patience and maintained faith that everything would work out, just as it did.
“When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful”- Eric Thomas
As you know, we’re big fans of The Social Byrd Venue. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Social Byrd Venue is a 2400 sq ft. upscale, modern , luxe venue that can host up to 100 people. Ideal for birthday parties, bridal showers , micro weddings, baby showers, retirements, proposals, graduations etc. We offer in house custom and standard decor packages so our clients can be at ease while preparing for their event. Think of it as an all in one. Each booked event comes with tables, Chiavari chairs and linen. Don’t worry about parking we have ample space for our guest. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers, kitchenette , clean bathrooms with exceptional customer service and unforgettable memories are what you can expect when you book with The Social Byrd !
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Absolutely !!
Your network is your net worth. I knew this coming up in school, sometimes I would get teased by the kids saying “you’re too friendly” because I would literally talk to everyone no matter who they were. I always say I never meet a stranger and it’s true. You have to get out of your comfort zone and get to know people. It’s not about WHAT you know , it’s about WHO you know.
A strong network can lead to new business opportunities, relationships and collaborations. While in college, I joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Being part of a network and sisterhood that is bigger than myself opened me up to experiences, people, places, and things I would never have imagined and am forever grateful for. Network by building genuine relationships, being proactive and attending networking events.
For finding a mentor, start by identifying your niche and industry then find someone who resonates with you and reach out to them and express your intentions. I have done this with most of the mentors I have today. I have several mentors for different pillars in my life as Business, Life, Self Development , Relationships etc… Ranging from under a year to a decade plus. I cherish these relationships because they have played a major role in my journey of life thus far. Kia Renee, Tashara Parker, Amethyst Black, Ajiante Cruz, Astin Johnson-Evans, and Margo Hickman ,, just to name a few(if i didn’t mention you please charge it to my head and not my heart). If you get a chance to read this THANK YOU THANK YOU.
I would also advise to look into mentorship programs specifically in your industry. Event Space Elites is the program I joined to help me start my journey in the event space industry. My mentors Brian, Terrion, and Tanisha are amazingggggg and knowledgeable, they taught me so much this far and The Social Byrd would not be open and operating if it wasn’t for their guidance, expertise and patience along the way. I am forever grateful that I took a risk on myself because the program has not only helped me with my business but as a person as well. You want to make sure when choosing a mentor that they are someone who can pour into you and inspire you to do and be better.
Pricing:
- 1,200-6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesocialbyrd.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbyrd_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558406042055
Image Credits
BKC Photography
Ig: bkcphotography06
Secret Life Digital
Ig: secretlife_digital
