Meet Melanie Johnson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
From an early age, I was taught the value of independence and the importance of hard work. Starting in my late teens, I embraced these principles and have consistently proven to be reliable and self-sufficient. A pivotal moment in my journey was reading “Swimming with the Sharks.” The advice within its pages resonated deeply with me: to truly succeed and stand out, you need to outwork the average person. If others are working eight-hour days, I was determined to put in nine. This mindset has been a guiding force throughout my life and career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my mid-20s, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey in IT systems design, a field that perfectly satisfied my creative and investigative cravings. My work had me traveling almost every week, allowing me to experience the world, though I often missed being home. Many have asked if I worry about the lack of security in a full-time job, but I thrive on the risks and rewards of working for myself. I’ve always been a dreamer and firmly believe in the power of following one’s dreams. The worst that can happen is a “no,” or you might need to take a step back occasionally. But next time, you could take two steps forward!

Deciding to build a venue and dive into the wedding industry was a monumental and carefully considered choice. It turned into a 6 year-long journey, filled with dedication and hard work. My love for networking and socializing has been invaluable in this industry, as these connections are key to success. Supporting others comes naturally to me, and I’ve found that this kindness is often returned in the most meaningful ways. I believe I was born with a passion for excellence, driving me to always strive for the best. Was it easy? No! Would I take the same path again? Probably not! But every step of the way has been worth it even those that were let’s say “lessons learned”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Battery for dinner, fun, and a Braves game! Bike riding the Beltline – restaurants and breweries!
Any Festivals going on at the time!
The Painted Pickle for some pickleball!
Downtown Alpharetta for some lawn concerts and restaurants!
Downtown Woodstock for live music, breweries and restaurants!
Barnsley Resort
Calloway Gardens
Lanier Islands

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Rhett Johnson, has been my partner and steadfast supporter, tirelessly working to make sure the venue is in tiptop shape, and ensuring our events are both beautiful and successful. His unwavering dedication to my dreams has been a cornerstone of our journey together.

Website: www.whitestonereserve.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/whitestonereserve

Facebook: www.instagram.com/whitestonereserve 

Image Credits
Craig Obrist Photography Halycon Photography Andrea de Anda Photography Vincent Cricitto Photography