How a New Mom Launched a Detroit Event Space During A Pandemic
How 1 woman launched a premiere event space, had a baby & brought the social life back to Metro Detroit during a pandemic.
That’s my story. I’m Dominique Mitchell, founder of Simply Social Detroit. I was crazy enough to open a brick and mortar business during a time when social distancing was new, and life seemed uncertain for people all over the world. Do I regret it? NO
I had no idea before opening this space what the capacity would be for events, and if I would even be able to have folks gather indoors.
30 days. That was the turnaround time to transform the 2nd floor of this industrial building to a luxe event space for celebrations, social gatherings & networking events.
A month of fast paced renovations that encountered a few hiccups. Think slow processing of city permits in the middle of a quarantine. Pressure. If there was one word that could describe those 30 days, it would definitely be PRESSURE… and in more ways than one. I still had my daily 9-5, my relationship, and literal pressure from balancing sleepless nights and breastfeeding my baby girl.
Yet, here I was making it happen. Running off less than 5 hours of sleep, totally powered by passion and that new mommy love.
Let’s go through the timeline shall we?
In March, Michigan goes on it’s first “Stay at Home Order” issued by the Governor herself… Imagine what you were doing that day? It’s safe to say that you and I both thought that this quarantine was temporary. So I had no second thoughts a couple of weeks later (#teamnosleep) in April, when I formed the business. I had my eye on the prize.
The next few months were a blur of spaces, watching my daughter learn to crawl. May - August the search was on. We checked out spaces in Warren, Dearborn and Southwest Detroit (that one was a strong contender).
Then something amazing happened! Don’t you just love pleasant accidents?! In August, we found our industrial space by accident. The perk of being a realtor is not having to wait to view properties. Anywho, I was hanging out in Roseville, looking at a possible location... I dialed the phone number to obtain more information. It happens that the woman I spoke with asked what type of space I was looking for.
I’m so glad that she asked! She suggested an Industrial building next to a Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck… I know, doesn’t sound too intriguing right? But when I saw those huge windows and how the light just invited itself in to brighten every inch of this space… I saw you. I saw people with people, gathering and mingling. I saw celebrations, photo sessions, business women networking and so much MORE.
Where is the pen, I’m ready to sign.
Stay with me now, remember we are on a timeline.
Summer was breaking and fall was just around the corner when renovations with B3 Construction began. Of course we ran into a few issues (what renovation doesn’t).
The ceiling and overall space decided that it didn’t want to cooperate (leveling issues 😫). In the end, we chose a black ceiling to hide the imperfections. This worked out perfectly. Without getting into too much shop talk- let's just say, concrete and drywall are heavy. The black ceiling has become our signature feature and contrasts nicely with the white marble vinyl flooring (looks stunning in a photoshoot).
The next month my baby girl AND quarantine life turned 7 months. Was there a huge grand opening? Nope, Quarantine had its own plans, but we adapted. Simply Social is a photographer’s blank canvas, along with tasteful and unique props and multiple rooms, we decided to offer the space for photography sessions in addition to events.
So here we are, still in the middle of a pandemic. Life can’t stop.
You and I still have pivotal moments to celebrate. Birthday cake to eat, bouquets to throw, new parents to be showered with gifts, and women making power moves (looking to network with other women).
All these people have one thing in common: They need a space to hold all these memories they want to create. As the frost bites us in the butt as we open our front doors, wondering if the world will ever be the same...when we miss our loved ones and watch birthday parties and weddings on zoom. Where is a safe place to gather that holds the capacity for people and their memories???
It’s right here at Simply Social Detroit.
On that late evening when I dreamed up an event space that would change the social scene in Metro Detroit, I saw so much more than food, tables, and chairs.
I saw women entrepreneurs finding a second home to network, hold photoshoots and sell their goods and services.
That’s the beauty of a blank space with big windows, black ceilings and marble floors...it becomes whatever you need it to be FOR YOU.
So what have people transformed Simply Social into so far??
Advance Magazine Photoshoot featuring @yungbbq - You read correctly, the brand with over 1.5 million followers on IG. They flew in from ATL to shoot right here at Simply Social.
The From Yes to I Do Bridal Show 2/20 with Tender Moments LLC by April Cobbs
Love is not cancelled! Check out Simply Social Event Space's feature in this virtual bridal show experience.
The Wedding Event Styled Shoot with @raar_designco
Don’t worry, there is still more to come. Mark your calendars for:
The Wedding Event 2/21 live stream from Simply Social event curated by @raar_designco. Now this is gonna be a treat! Love is still in the air 😉
Sip N Shop Series- Come sip, shop, network & tour Simply Social. This series features over a dozen local vendors. Here are the dates (12pm-4pm):
March 6, 2021
I would like to welcome you to Simply Social Detroit, an event space founded by a determined creative in the midst of quarantine and motherhood. A Covid-conscious event space with a capacity of 75 people. Your safety & health is our first priority. Members of the team will check temperatures of guests and sanitize the space between events. As always, masks are required during your event.
While there are tons of event spaces, in Michigan, we take the crown when it comes to creating an industrial luxe experience. An industrial loft-style event space located in the Hamtramck area. Simply Social specializes in catering to creatives and entrepreneurs looking for a diverse space to work and play.
Our unique “white space” decor has created a market niche for providing event planners and photographer’s a space to develop their brands. We provide customers with the very best event experience, with an emphasis on the opportunity to Socialize, YOUR WAY!
Would you like to see our space in action? Check out the 3D tour. Or better yet, check us out every Wednesday at our weekly open house 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM.
You can find us here: 3901 Christopher St.,D-2, Detroit, MI 48211
To reserve Simply Social Detroit for your next event select “contact” from the main menu.
You have questions? Check out the FAQ page.
I’ll see you soon!
Blog Contributor: Bianca Heath (for copywriting inquires visit BiancaHeath.com)