Meet Sommer Sholtes | Event Venue Owner and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sommer Sholtes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sommer, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work life balance has drastically changed over time. To be honest, it had to! I feel like everyone performs best when their work life balance is in check. I know for me personally, I am able to provide better services, communicate clearer and have an incredible personality when my work life balance is in check. When I first began my business, I worked 24/7. My thoughts were constantly work, work, work, and I am thankful for this because it helped me to pour my heart and soul into my business, and this compassion and work ethic is what helped my business grow to unimaginable areas. However, after many years of this being my way of life, I realized how fast life goes by, and I had to shift my focus to family and me personally. In shifting this focus, I was able to create my own family and show up for my daughter as well as my clients better than ever before. I honestly think that clients prefer knowing your set hours and boundaries etc because it helps everyone to work better, and it creates very clear expectations and avoids miscommunication etc.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own the Providence Cotton Mill which is a wedding and event venue in Maiden, NC just outside of Charlotte. I also own Elegant and Classy Events which is a planning and floral firm and Charlotte Event Rental Company which is an event rental company. The Providence Cotton Mill is an one of a kind venue that attracts couples from all across the country because it so unique, and it truly gives you the feel that you are in Europe for an incredible event when in reality, you are just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina! Personally, our passion and commitment is what sets us apart from everyone. We feel the excitement, the tears and all of the emotion that our couples feel! It is rare to not see me still crying during First Looks, walks down the aisle and dances even after being in the event industry for so long!

I got to where I am now in business because I never gave up, I have always done the right thing and I always put God first. I am convinced that if you do these three things and work hard, you will always succeed.

There have been so many challenges I have faced! Trust me! I purchased an old cotton mill built in 1888, and convinced myself that it would become of the most sought after venues in the country so trust me, I was bound to have challenges. This was to be expected, but I overcame any of the challenges. How I did this was to listen to others, hire professionals and listen to them and appreciate their expertise versus thinking I knew everything! It is also critical to listen to your clients and keep up on the wants, desires and trends of clients. It is important to stay ahead of your industry and be prepared for any changes that may and/or can occur. Also, the number one thing to overcome challenges is to NEVER give up. Keep going. If you stop, I can promise you there is nothing that can come from that, but if you keep going and keep going, the possibilities are endless.

I want the world to know that I could not be more thankful for the life that I have created and the life that I am blessed to live everyday, in my career and personal life, I am thankful for every single person that I cross paths with. I have grown to realize that some people make life better while some help create the best learning module you could ever ask for! I say that because you may not get along with everyone you cross paths with. When you’re an entrepreneur, you are bound to disagree with others-Growth generally comes from these scenarios, and even when you do not agree with people or maybe they do you wrong, you have to view it as a learning curve and grow from it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough question! Charlotte has so much to offer! Some must have for me would be to check out a professional game depending on the season! Charlotte has so much to offer in the sports world with having the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte Knights etc

I would visit the Nascar Hall of Fame, the Billy Graham Library, US National Whitewater Center, the Belk Theater, walk around South Park and see what is going on at Bojangles Coliseum!

My little one would definitely say Carowinds would have to be on the list, and if were during Christmas, we would hit Winterfest at least twice!

I am a sucker for Restoration Hardware Rooftop so we would have to visit there for a quick bite and for the photos of course! Other musts for food options would be The Capital Grille and Dresslers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout is to my family. Without them, I would not be where I am today. They have helped me from the very start with pouring into my ideas and always being there for me. I took a huge leap of Faith and completely shifted by career. I originally was going to school to be a cardiologist, and I took a break between my Masters and Medical School, and I never went back. During this time, my family could have easily been disappointed in me etc, but instead, they supported me in every way! I cannot go without mentioning my daughter! She is my “Sassy Mini Me” that keeps me going and is my strength through everything. She makes every day bright, and she is my biggest cheerleader!

Website: https://www.thprovidencecottonmill.com

Instagram: @theprovidencecottonmill

Facebook: @theprovidencecottonmill

Image Credits
@marymazuccophotography
@_gmphotoandfilm