Hurry Up and Wait | Studio 1928’s Journey Through Delays, Growth, and Grace

 Lets be honest—starting a business sounds glamorous on the outside. But on the inside? It can feel like a never-ending cycle of hurry up and wait.L

That’s been the reality for Studio 1928, a modern and creative event venue startup in North Texas. We envisioned something beautiful: a stylish and versatile space designed to celebrate life’s biggest moments—birthdays, bridal showers, pop-up shops, corporate mixers, and more. But bringing that vision to life? Whew. It’s been a journey of navigating uncertainty, delays, redirection, growth—and grace.

The Search: When “Available” Doesn’t Mean Attainable

Finding a commercial event space to lease in North Texas was supposed to be a big exciting step. Instead, it became a big confusing challenge.

The issue? Availability didn’t match our vision. Many ideal locations in areas like McKinney, Allen, or the greater DFW area was either too expensive, outdated, or not zoned for our business model.

Some listings disappeared before we could even tour. Others had hidden costs or triple net lease terms that made them unworkable for a new business.

Then there was the overall cost of leasing commercial space, which included deposits, buildout requirements, and fees that added up quickly. And let’s not even talk about the expenses attached to tenant improvements like upgrading restrooms, kitchens, or lighting (more on that later).

Funding Frustrations: A New Business Dilemma

You can’t open an event space business without funding—and getting access to money as a new business is not for the faint of heart.

Despite strong credit, good intentions, and detailed business planning, we hit several roadblocks when it came to getting approved for business credit or startup funding. Many lenders wanted to see existing revenue or years of operation, which is tough when you’re still building.

This forced us to balance dreams with discipline, making choices not just based on what we wanted, but what we could realistically afford and sustain.

Buildouts, Permits, and “Please Hold…”

Even if you find the perfect location, the timeline can quickly get pushed back.

We learned that tenant improvements—such as creating a prep kitchen, enhancing restrooms, or installing design features—take time and money. Even minor upgrades require permits, which means dealing with city approval processes, inspections, and red tape that can delay opening by months.

Depending on where you’re located, permitting backlogs can become a serious obstacle, especially in fast-growing cities across Texas.

Supply Chain Delays: The Unexpected Setback

Even after you’re approved and construction begins, delays can continue. Ordering supplies, equipment, furniture, and décor for your venue is no longer as straightforward as it once was.

Now Global supply chain issues and tariffs can impact the shipment of items and delivery times. Essential items may be back-ordered or delayed due to customs and production slowdowns. When your event business depends on creating a vibe, waiting for the right pieces matters more than ever.

The Emotional Side: Adjusting Expectations

There were moments where we had to ask ourselves hard questions:

• Can we afford this right now?

• Is this location worth compromising our vision?

• Are we still on the right path, or is it time to pivot?

Balancing our wants with what was realistically available was a growing pain we didn’t expect. But it taught us the value of patience, persistence, and planning—core traits for any entrepreneur building an event venue.

But God…

Here’s the truth—we’ve had days filled with doubt, anxiety, and frustration. Days where things felt stuck. Days where doors closed right after we thought they were opening.

And yet, every step of the way, we’ve seen God’s hand quietly working behind the scenes.

That unexpected email. That referral to a better location. That encouragement from a stranger on social media. The answered prayer when we needed it most.

Studio 1928 was never just about creating a venue. It’s about building a legacy, a platform, and a purpose-driven brand rooted in faith and fueled by vision. Every delay has grown our character. Every setback has set us up for a better comeback.

So if you’re in the “hurry up and wait” phase of launching your business, don’t give up.

We’re Still Building… And That’s Okay

This journey is not always fast. It’s not always pretty. But it’s purposeful. Every closed door redirects us to the right one. Every delay is preparing us for sustainability. And every challenge? It's proof that something greater is on the other side.

We’re still building. Still believing. And when Studio 1928 officially opens its doors, it will be more than just a space—it will be a testimony.

Let us know if this post encouraged you or if you're walking a similar path. We’d love to hear from you. 💬💛📍

Serving McKinney, Allen, Melissa, Plano, and surrounding North Texas communities.

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