Adrienne and I were interviewed last week by the newspaper and it came out today! I copied the article:
Showcase
By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald
Albany businesses help each other in shared space
When customers come in to see Adrienne Kume and Sara Lil they can expect to be treated right.
Sparkling cider on the table and comfortable, elegant decor are part of the greeting planned to make the proper impression.
“When we saw this place it had what we wanted: charm, character and history,” Kume said.
Those traits brought Adrienne Kume Event Design & Coordinating and Sara Lil Photography together at 222 First Ave. W. No. 5, in the Flinn building.
“It can be hard to find us but people generally feel comfortable when they get here,” Kume said.
The space, which the two have occupied since July, is about showcasing what the businesses offer.
“We display our work and meet clients here. It’s an extension of what we do,” Lil said.
Her photographs dot the walls and complement Kume’s decorative touches.
Although the businesses are separate entities, the two team up as often as possible.
“We promote each other,” Kume said.
Their work often overlaps. Kume coordinates events of all sorts and was originally looking to team with someone for wedding planning.
“When we met, we clicked right away,” Lil said.
The initial meeting over coffee generated an outpouring of ideas between the two. They found common ground, including the fact they are both working mothers with a passion for their work.
One thing led to another and an eventual first joint venture, an open house in the Flinn Block, where they discovered their new office.
“We’re separate businesses but we like to be seen as a team,” Kume said. “If I’m with a client I mention the advantages of including Sara’s skills in the package.”
Kume has nine years experience and began her own business from home in 2006. Her clients use her talents to organize events ranging from weddings to corporate functions to theme parties.
Not just an idea person, she is a budget counselor and a liaison with vendors.
“I don’t want to force people into something they don’t want. I want them to get what they pay for,” she said.
Her creative impulses jibe with those of Lil, who has been a photographer for 15 years and began running her own studio in 2002.
Lil does little in-house work, preferring to go to the client on location.
Although shop hours for consultations are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Kume and Lil aren’t tied to a time clock.
“We aren’t always here at the same time,” Lil said. “We schedule a lot online and share a calendar.”
“And we talk every day,” Kume added. “We want to exceed people’s expectations.”
Business has been good despite a slower economy.
“Weddings and events go on,” Kume said. “It’s the same for both of us.”
Most customers come through the Internet. Samples can be easily displayed there and eventually clients end up at the Flinn building to begin discussing details.
The two are hosting a holiday open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 17.
For more information about Kume’s business, call (541) 990-4171 or visit www.adriennekumeevents.com. Lil can be reached at (541) 738-6160 or www.saralilphoto.com.
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I have had the vision of this studio in my head for years and now it’s come true! I’m SO excited!! There are so many great things planned for 2010 and I can’t wait to introduce them all to you… stay tuned!! ♥ Sara ♥
