Creating More Than a Venue: The Entrepreneurial Heart Behind One of Milton’s Hidden Gems

“Some people like beautiful places. Some people create them.”

That quote—along with the well-loved “She thought she could, so she did” plaque hanging in her barn—perfectly captures the heart of Susan Vojnovic, founder of a unique and beloved barn-turned-event-space nestled in Milton, Georgia.

What started as pony rides in her backyard for her daughter’s friends has grown into an elegant, community-focused venue where families celebrate birthdays, couples say “I do,” and businesses host unforgettable gatherings. But behind the clean stalls, friendly animals, and Instagram-worthy backdrops is a story of hustle and a whole lot of hands-on work.

We sat down with Susan to hear how she built a business that’s not just beautiful—but deeply meaningful too.

Q: Tell us how this all began. What inspired you to open your barn?

Susan: My background is actually in public relations and corporate communications. I paused my career to raise my three kids, and when my daughter was four, she got into horses. She eventually saved up and bought her first miniature horse, Raisin. We kept Raisin in our backyard, and soon her friends started asking if we could bring the horse to their parties. It just snowballed from there. We went from pony rides in driveways to building a barn and creating a more elevated, boutique-style farm experience.

Q: What was your vision for the barn?

Susan: I wanted to offer something different—not your typical muddy farm. People in Milton like to get dressed up, take cute photos, and have clean, beautiful spaces. So we leaned into that. We built an elegant barn, made sure the animals were well-groomed, and created a tidy, organized experience that felt special. Over time, we transitioned from just kids’ parties to weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations.

Q: Do you still host kids' parties?

Susan: Not as much. They’re very labor-intensive—cleaning animals, setting up pony rides, managing safety with children. Since my daughter went to college (and took her helper friends with her!), I’ve shifted to fewer but larger events. It’s less hands-on for me and more sustainable long-term.

Q: How do you manage staffing and delegating?

Susan: I’m a bit of a micromanager—I like things just so! But when I bring someone on, I have them shadow me so they understand my standards, how I treat guests, and what I say yes or no to. I also value my staff and pay well to keep good people. My current go-to is also a talented photographer, so I definitely want to keep her happy and available!

Q: What’s your approach to keeping customers happy?

Susan: Under-promise and over-deliver. I give people the basics in writing—what’s included, what setup time they get—and then surprise them with extras when I can. Maybe I’ll let them come the night before to set up or extend their time. It makes them feel special. I also make safety a priority, especially with kids and animals. That’s non-negotiable.

Q: You have a background in PR—how have you marketed your business?

Susan: Believe it or not, I’ve never spent money on advertising beyond a few boosted social posts. It’s all been word of mouth, social media, and community connections. A friend who worked in local media featured us on a few magazine covers, and that helped too. But I intentionally keep my availability limited, so I’m not trying to scale up at this point. It’s about quality, not quantity.

Q: Work-life balance is tough for most entrepreneurs. How do you make it work?

Susan: I’m a paper-calendar girl. I write down all the important family dates first—graduations, dinners, horse shows—and block those out. I’ve learned how to protect my time without guilt.

Q: Have you ever hit a crossroads or thought about stepping away?

Susan: I’m kind of there now. I love the barn and what I’ve built, but my kids are getting older and live in different cities. I want to be available for them. Property values have skyrocketed, and people have asked if I’d consider selling. So I’m weighing it all—my passion for the business versus my desire for more personal freedom. It’s not easy.

Q: What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?

Susan: First, make sure there’s a demand for what you want to offer. Then do the math: expenses versus income. Don’t forget hidden costs like insurance, maintenance, staffing, and your own time. And use tech tools to make your life easier! I wish I had streamlined bookings and payments from the beginning.

Q: Any final words of wisdom?

Susan: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Seriously—I’ve cleaned chicken butts before parties because I was worried guests might notice! But also know that the little touches can make your space feel magical. I love when people say, “This is the cleanest farm I’ve ever seen.” That makes all the hard work worth it. This is my version of yoga or golf—being outside, with the animals, keeping it beautiful. I’m proud of what I’ve created.