What did the process of choosing a venue location look like?

I don’t know if I could have made it harder on myself when I was trying to start my venue business. Knowing the type of venue I wanted and the general location was the easy part, but finding the building was a completely different bear altogether. I basically drove around Fort Worth for almost 10 months before I stumbled upon the space I have now.

A friend of mine told me to look in the Near Southside area. So, after my workout one day, I did just that. When you are driving to BRIK, you actually can’t see the building because trees completely block it. But that day, I decided to follow all the back roads until they ended and there it was! I looked through the windows and it looked uninhabited. The next day I made some calls and the rest is history.

Vintage Marquee Sign / Kristina Avila Photography | Maxwell and Gray

How did you approach the fear of the unknown when remodeling/opening a venue?

“Fear was not an option for me.”

I was not going back to what I was doing before. Opening a venue had been a goal of mine for almost 12 years and at that point in time I saw no other path but forward.

Any words of wisdom to those who are on the edge of a career shift or new career venture?

The two biggest points I would make are: 1) This is not glamorous. This is hard work. It is not a side hustle or hobby. You’ve got to be all in or not at all. 2) Find a mentor. Someone who has done this before that is willing to share and advise. I wish so badly I did this. But instead I went through more trials and errors than what was necessary.

Orange Modern Chairs | Farmhouse Table / Jessica Gold Photography | Shannon Schultz Events | R Love Floral

Did you have a distinct moment where you felt as if you had “made it” or that your vision had come to life?

I am blessed beyond measure. About once a week or so, when I am alone in the building, I will have this overwhelming feeling and think “Holy sh*t. This is a thing. BRIK is a thing!”

But I guess the first time I felt that way was a couple months after we were open for events. I was meeting some friends for drinks and while I was waiting for them, I heard a couple behind me talking about BRIK. It took everything I had not to turn around and let them know that was my venue!

Magnolia Sofa | Kyle Chair | Fur Ottoman | Sheepskin Rug / Fawn and Fellow Photography

Are you a Fort Worth native? What are the advantages of choosing a venue west of Dallas?

I am not a native. I grew up in a small town in West Central Texas called Menard. But I have lived in Fort Worth 5 years now and I absolutely love it! There are so many great venues in DFW! It all comes down to personal preference honestly. For me, I simply prefer to live within a 5 minute drive of my venue.

Low Boho Table | Jute Rug | Richmond Rug / Kristina Avila Photography | Maxwell and Gray

What sets BRIK apart from other venues in DFW?

Wow. Right to the heart of it! There are a few things that I was hell bent on making sure BRIK encompassed. It was important to me to make sure that all my vendor’s needs were met as well as my client’s. I never want anyone to say “Yeah, BRIK is great, BUT…..” I worked hard to make sure that I had an answer to any “yeah, but…” questions or concerns.

One distinct characteristic of the BRIK experience?

I would have to say that both my staff and my building are authentic and genuine (though, I think most of my brides would say the bridal suite).

Black and White Bar | Kyler Settee | Alli Chairs | Marble Coffee Table | Ike Rug / Cassie Loree Photography | Jen Rios Weddings | R Love Floral

Do you have a favorite use of Coral Lane Rentals at BRIK?

Ceremony backdrops are pretty, but I am a sucker for the lounge sets. I wish they were incorporated more into the weddings we have, especially when the Black Velvet Wingback Chair named BRIK is used!

Paisley Settee | Drew Chair | Cowhide Rug / Fawn and Fellow Photography

Keegan Sofa | Olivia Settee | Drew Chair | Paisley Settee / Fawn and Fellow Photography

What is your best piece of advice for navigating the event industry?

NETWORK. Get out there and meet people! Build relationships with other vendors because they truly are your main repeat customers and they are full of helpful advice if you will ask for it. I know it is intimidating, but it is necessary for the success of your business in this industry. And for the most part, people are about Community over Competition and happy to help.

Thank you so much to Lynsie Blau of BRIK Special Events Venue for taking the time to chat with us! We love her mention of the Community Over Competition concept. While running an event rental company and remodeling our venue, The Emerson, we have encountered countless genuine creatives willing to share their experiences with us. The Coral Lane Team is looking forward to connecting with even more industry professionals in our new venture!

Follow BRIK on Instagram here and learn more about the Fort Worth special events venue here!