Meet Seattle owner of Events Venue, Ravenwoods Farm, Andrea Woods. Andrea is a Farm-trepreneur and mama to 3. Her business Ravenwoods is a Seattle Events Venue offering a unique experience for elopements, weddings, parties, photoshoots, field trips & more.
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Your Story – a little “About You” – How long have you lived in the Seattle area? Where are you from/why did you move here? What do you do for a living? Have you always done this?
I grew up in the Seattle suburbs and had always lived in neighborhoods so farm life was totally new to me! We lived in Edgewood prior to moving here and had been looking for property to build on. We found this space – 9.8 acres of raw land in Ravensdale and decided to go for it since it was in a great school district and had the combination of privacy and neighbors that are close but not too close. We lived in an apartment and trailer for over a year (with 3 kids!) during the build process. I had been working downtown at The Gates Foundation as a grants administrator with a 2-hour commute each way. Since having kids (twins in 2010 and a son in 2016) I had always worked part-time which was the best of both worlds. When my department decided all positions had to be full-time I decided to resign as I knew I couldn’t do both jobs, a mom and a grant admin, well.
How would you describe your business?
A little farm nestled in the woods of the Pacific Northwest that offers a unique venue for elopements, small weddings, parties, photoshoots, field trips, retreats, workshops, classes, and more.
Why did you decide to pursue this career?
I have always loved throwing parties for my kids and taking them for photoshoots. I also like being creative and styling as well as coordinating and connecting people. Living on this property, and the timing of my job ending it just sort of all unfolded and developed organically.
What makes you feel inspired?
Coming up with new and exciting ideas. I love looking through Instagram, Pinterest, etc, and finding inspiration to come up with variations of existing ideas to create something new and fresh that hasn’t been done before.
What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began Ravenwoods Farm?
That I don’t need to do it all. For example, when I started out I was hosting the kid’s birthday parties and weddings myself and really didn’t enjoy that part. I liked doing the setup, and planning but not the actual party. I connected with wedding coordinators and party planners who shine at that part and no longer am doing what I don’t enjoy.
How do you balance being an entrepreneur & a mom?
It’s always a work in progress. One thing I’ve found is that if I include them it’s more fun for all of us. My daughter recently started her own farmstand that she sets up during events at the property selling farm goods and crafts. She is learning how to be an entrepreneur and loves being a part of the business.
What is your favorite activity to do with your kids in the Seattle Area?
We love checking out other farms in the area – some of our favorites are Old McDebbies in Orting, Fox Hollow Farm in Issaquah, Thomason Family Farm in Enumclaw, and Maris Farms in Buckley.
When you get a quiet moment, what do you like to do the most?
Bath and books!
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
“From those to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Which events will you be hosting in the near future?
Here’s what’s on the books this summer at Ravenwoods:
– 3 weddings
– Barn yoga
– Cakepop Making class
– Farm tours
– Flower Truck photoshoot
– 2 baby showers
Follow along with Ravenwoods on Instagram for upcoming events!
