Belleville venue still growing a year after opening. Owner ‘wouldn’t change a thing’
On May 5, 2023, M.J. Yancey opened an event venue at Lake Christine Centre in Belleville, and what started as a basic place for private events has grown into much more.
Bliss Events, located at 1680 Lebanon Ave., is spacious, as well as neutral and bright, providing a blank canvas for any number of decorative styles.
Upon entering, I was amazed at the size of the main area, which looks a lot smaller from the outside.
There were round tables with clear chairs surrounded by walls painted gray.
Two tables in the front window were fully decorated for my benefit. They included black, white and gold place settings with white roses and glass candle holders.
Yancey said she liked that the set-up is visible through the window and planned to leave something there at all times.
Beyond the tables, a panel of large mirrors on the wall makes the place feel larger than it is. It’s a great effect.
The back wall has a screen for a projector that guests can use for photo slideshows and video. That space can also be used for live entertainment or a focal point for a specific event.
A raised area in a back corner provides space for a DJ or emcee, or a platform for karaoke, perhaps.
Off to one side the space goes on.
There’s a small bar with a stocked mini fridge and a margarita machine. Opposite the bar is a photo op stop (it gave me prom flashbacks – *shudder*) that can also be decorated for events.
There’s even a full kitchen – counter space, stove/oven, sinks, warmer, air fryer, refrigerator/freezer, pots and pans – that caterers and customers can use.
Building a business
After renting the space in late 2022, there was a three-month renovation that included installing new flooring and plumbing, painting, and tearing down walls and building new ones.
“We came in here and we got this job done,” Yancey said.
And it was a lot of work (see the Bliss Events Instagram for progress videos). Yancey said she was “blessed to have a really good team.”
Everyone here does what it takes to make sure guests have a great experience, according to Yancey.
Family, friends and associates help with everything from cleaning to decorating, catering and bartending and entertainment.
Yancey prides herself on a clean environment. It’s clean, intact and ready to go.
Initially intended to be used for space rental, Yancey now offers catering as well as other ways to enhance customer experiences.
Customers can book packages for weekday or weekend events (all-day or four-hour increments). There are wedding, repass/memorial, meeting and other packages.
Add-ons include kitchen rental, ticket sale events, set-up fees, bar, entertainment, supply and staffing fees.
In addition to private affairs, Bliss Events hosts comedy shows, monthly brunches, happy hours and other parties open to the public.
Yancey recently hosted an anniversary party for the business, themed All White Affair, that included everything from decorations to dress.
Later this month, Bliss Events will host a party for 2024 graduates of Belleville West and East high schools. (Check the Facebook page for details.)
She hopes to hold a vendor event for local businesses this year, saying that so many small businesses here could benefit from the opportunity.
One year down …
The last year has gone by so fast, said Yancey.
“[I’ve] met a lot of good people [and am] looking for another great year,” she said. Year two is already off to a great start and she’s looking forward to it getting better.
Business continues to grow, in large part from word of mouth. She said that one Valentine’s Day event resulted in five other party bookings.
Yancey admitted that she never had an online presence before opening Bliss Events and was reluctant to start.
Now, as a sole business owner, she’s online often and feels it’s been a good experience.
“I love marching to my own beat” and making all of the decisions, said Yancey. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”
About Bliss Events
Bliss Events is located at 1680 Lebanon Ave. in Belleville.
Hours are 8 a.m .to 11 p.m. daily. For rates and other information, call 618-578-8596, visit blissevents618.com, or check out the socials, #blissevents618.
