Exploring Life & Business with Jon Smetana of Chatham Station

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Smetana

Hi Jon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It was always a dream in Mel and I’s heart to start something together – to run a business together. We’ve always loved working alongside each other, and have always felt like our skills are complimentary. I had imagined doing something much sooner, but with 2 small kids, we just felt like we were giving all that we had to raising our children. And so “our dream” started to fade as the busyness of life crept in. It began to feel more and more far off from actually becoming something we’d ever do.

It was actually on a road trip when a friend of mine from college really challenged me to be in pursuit of it. He had known of the desire we had, and was trying to understand what was holding us back. It took me hearing myself out loud to see just how small my excuses were – excuses ultimately rooted in fear. I realized that mental space I was in would actually never lead us to doing what was in our hearts to do. I left that car ride convinced that I needed to be intentional about taking the next steps to bringing our dream to life. Not 3 months later, my wife and I were running the business we’d always hoped for.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been easy. There is so much that goes into running a business that isn’t visible. So much thinking and strategizing, gameplanning and discussing. Late nights and early mornings. I am energized by envisioning what the venue can be and all the ways we can add value to our community, but if I’m not careful, I’ll struggle to actually turn it off. I want my life to be more than the business, but when something is so important to you, it’s difficult to not make it more than it is – to not make it your entire life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a wedding and event space located in Downtown Cary. We host meaningful gatherings and offer a space for folks to dream up their perfect event. We pride ourselves on being flexible and accessible, while also being a stunning environment for any event. We host weddings, corporate events, religious services, baby and wedding showers, birthdays, and more. Our space is extremely versatile, and can be customized to fit any occasion.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wish I’d known that people that effectively start and run businesses aren’t any different than anyone else. They are just humans. The people that run the world are just like you and me. They just happened to start – they chose action rather than inaction. As you start, you learn as you go. No one has it figured out when they start, and if you’re waiting to have it figured out before you start, you’ll never start. You have to believe deeply that you have what it takes and the only thing that will prevent you from success is not starting. This was the lightbulb moment for me.

Pricing:

• Our pricing starts at $2,000 and goes up to $7,000.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chathamstationnc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chathamstation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChathamStation