In this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Maxine Baptiste, the owner of Occasions on Main, an all inclusive venue space in Lithonia, Georgia. Maxine shares her approach to customer service and experience in the wedding and event industry. She discusses the importance of word-of-mouth referrals and goes above and beyond to show appreciation to her clients. Maxine talks about the transformation of her venue and her goal of providing a one-stop-shop experience for clients. She emphasizes the significance of knowing the market, being strategic, and adapting to trends. Maxine also discusses the role of social media and feedback in her marketing strategies. They also discuss Maxine's growth in bookings and how she manages multiple events in a day. Maxine shares her catering services, the use of a CRM platform for organization, and her plans for expansion. She also shares her journey as an entrepreneur and her pride in providing jobs and running a nonprofit organization. 

About Our Guest: 

Maxine Baptists is the CEO and founder behind Occasions on Main, the bustling event venue located east of downtown Atlanta. She has transformed a historic gem built in 1865 into a venue that delivers flawless all-inclusive weddings, corporate gatherings, and social soirées. Occasions on Main hosts a variety of events, from Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to Celebrity Celebrations and more. Despite Baptiste's self-proclaimed introverted and shy nature, she becomes an unstoppable force when it comes to exceeding her clients' expectations.

Originally hailing from Toronto, Canada, Maxine Baptiste is a serial entrepreneur who worked for a successful Fortune 500 company before taking the brave step of resigning and relinquishing the security of a guaranteed salary. In 2012, Baptiste transitioned into event planning, initially offering venue management services and implementing innovative marketing strategies for business owners. Five years later, an opportunity arose that led her to purchase her own commercial building, a transition that was both daunting and marked by a lack of available mentorship or guidance. This absence of support in her early entrepreneurial journey inspired Baptiste to empower other women, who were embarking on similar paths. In addition to her role at Occasions on Main, Baptiste initiated a non-profit coaching program. 

Find Her Here: 

Address: 6957 Main St, Lithonia, Georgia 30058, United States

Tel: (678) 201-6681

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OccasionsonMain/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occasionsonmain

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/occasions-on-main-lithonia