By Moses Leos III.
Reaching the point of a business owner has been anything but straightforward for Kyle resident Tricia Kurtz.
Over the years, Kurtz has raised seven children; she also worked at a Certified Public Accountant’s office – a job she held for 15 years.
But this fall, she’ll combine her passion of cooking, planning and decorating into her “third life” as an entrepreneur.
Kurtz will open Thistlewood Manor, her new two-story French-style wedding venue on Roland Lane in Kyle.
The dream of opening her own event establishment has been years in the making.
It began with the goal of opening her own bed and breakfast. It soon ballooned to helping friends plan and even cater their weddings.
“I kept thinking about doing events,” Kurtz said. “It’s just a process of different things through years.”
She held that passion for the better part of 16 years. Roughly 18 months ago, that passion grew to something more.
It began when she sought out a parcel of land to place a business. She initially sought out a location in Manchaca – an option that fell through. Friends encouraged her to seek a site near Texas Old Town, which also lies along Roland Lane.
Through encouragement from her friends, Kurtz began to inquire about purchasing land for a wedding venue.
She soon began to take steps toward becoming a wedding entrepreneur. Kurt completed her Associate Degree in culinary arts from Austin Community College. She then attained certification as a wedding planner.
Kurtz then transitioned to the business aspect, which included starting on her business plan.
Took her first business plan to her bank. She was then referred to a business consultant, who began working with her on the details.
Through the help of her consultant, Kurtz built up her 55-page plan. She included financials, projections and lots of marketing research.
After working in a CPA’s office, Kurtz understood how vital a business plan is to a company.
“Without a business plan, you are stabbing in the dark,” she said. “You have to know what to expect by reading what others have done and understanding their perspective.”
While she said the process was “scary,” Kurtz took it one step at a time.
Once complete, Kurtz focused on how she would present her new business.
She incorporated her fondness of old world architecture and “general romantic styling.”
Her business soon morphed into a French style manor, complete with a “grand staircase and gorgeous chandeliers.”
The move was to distinguish between Italian and Tuscan styles.
“I also love them – especially Tuscan, but felt they have become somewhat commonplace perhaps,” she said in an emailed response. “Thistlewood is to be different and unique from other venues around. It’s not country/rustic; it’s not Italian... It’s old world with a French flair – full of romance and beauty.”
She says the differences help separate Thistlewood Manor from Texas Old Town. Kurtz said it provides variety for couples seeking a venue for their wedding.
“We are totally different; from a competition aspect, what we offer is completely different [from Texas Old Town],” Kurtz said. “We are on totally opposite sides of the spectrum.”
Kurtz said she closed on the property Jan. 3. On Friday, the slab foundation was poured, beginning the process of the new business.
With brides already beginning to set the date, Kurtz solely focuses on managing her business. Having a background in accounting will help her run the books.
“The primary reason [restaurant or food venues] fail is because they don’t have business sense,” she said. “They just like to cook, but they don’t know how to manage the books.”
