Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Cassidy.
Hi Sara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In November of 2020 I decided I wanted to build a greenhouse for my photography business. It was a much harder process than I anticipated, but I was determined to have it. With the help of my husband, my dad and my mom I was able to make this dream a reality. I was so excited for spring I started getting it ready in January. I finally got it decorated the way I wanted and in February I was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer. My life went into a whirlwind of doctor visits, chemo, surgeries, and radiation. I was completely overwhelmed. I was also wondering how I was going to pay all these new doctor bills since I was unable to book clients due to my illness. That’s when I decided to share my greenhouse with local photographers. I can’t tell you all what a blessing this has been. I am not only able to supplement my income, but I have made many new friends through this process. As the greenhouse grew in popularity, we started holding events here. We are now not only a photography venue, but also a wedding and special event venue.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
It could have been smoother sailing. Building material prices skyrocketed during the building process, but I had already built so much we had to finish. I’m glad we did. Going through chemotherapy was extremely rough. I’m grateful to my mama and daddy. They helped me so much and continue to help me keep the greenhouse going. I am still in active treatment. I have good days and bad days. My husband often works out of town, so I depend heavily on my parents. Thankfully, my family is always here to help with my business and our two children, our son, Asa (10), and daughter, Isla (9). I need to move items in and out of the greenhouse for events and new sets (I change sets every season). Thankfully, through this process, I have met a local wedding coordinator, Kelly Story, of Storybook Micro Weddings. She not only plans weddings at my venue but also comes and helps whenever I change the sets in the greenhouse. I don’t know what I would do without all these wonderful people.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Greenhouse, Kingsport, is a venue for photographers and special events. I focus on creating unique sets for each season. We start in January with Valentine’s set; then we switch to a spring/Easter set until mid-April when we switch to spring/Mother’s Day through mid-May. June through August is our summer set. August through September is fall, and October through December is our Christmas set. Being a photographer, I am conscientious of lighting and angles when creating sets. I’ve also offered free night shooting classes to local photographers. I work hard to accommodate all requests and always look for the next idea I can offer my clients. This summer, we offer a pick-your-bouquet flower garden when renting the greenhouse. Through this business, I have connected with many other small local businesses. I can offer a space for couples to enjoy designed picnics by The Gathering Place Picnic Co. We also work with A Super Party; they provide beautiful balloon decorations for our events. I’m most proud we can have many local women-owned small business connections.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Can you share something that might surprise us?
I am a small business advocate and always have been. I will put as much effort into promoting other businesses as I do my own. I love seeing small businesses succeed. Planning events and promoting business gives me the biggest thrill. Many years ago, when I lived in Missouri, I was vice president of our local chamber of commerce. People might be surprised to know that for 3 years, our family lived in a fifth wheel and traveled the country. We’ve been from the east coast to the west coast and most places in between. We had the best time, and I hope to do it again one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegreenhousekingsport.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhousekingsport
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreenhouseKingsport
- Other: www.saracassidyphotography.com
Image Credits
Images of me by: Danielle Sloan Photography, Image of Ribbon Cutting: Sundial Memories, Railene Marlow. All other images Sara Cassidy Photography
