As an experienced business owner, Cricket Willis has learned that when something doesn’t work out, you pivot and try something different.
Willis, owner of Artsy Me, which has locations in Evans and Grovetown, and her husband, Brad, plan to open event space on an 18.9-acre farm at 6297 Cobbham Road in Appling. In June, the couple bought the property, known as B.C. Kabat Farms, for $525,000.
The Willises want to convert the barn into an event space for small celebrations with fewer than 50 guests, such as birthday parties and anniversaries.
But before they can do that, Columbia County will have to approve their request to re-zone the property for business use. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1. Cricket feels confident it will be approved based on their discussions with county representatives.
“So far, everyone has been very positive,” she said. “If they don’t, we’ll pivot.”
If approved, the couple would like to begin renting out the space in the spring or summer of next year.
The couple has other plans for the property, including building and renting out cottages, but that will also require county approval. They already have chickens and want to have other farm animals, such as cows and horses.
“The goal is to open a farm stand that sells herbs, cut flowers, and produce we grow on our land,” Cricket said.
In August, they started renting out the three-bedroom, two-bath house on the property as an Airbnb.
“It’s been cool to see people stay in the Airbnb,” Brad said.
Their guests have included fishermen and vacationers.
“People think we’re crazy for not wanting to live here,” Cricket said.
For more than 20 years, she dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast, and the couple looked at several properties that were for sale. Cricket changed her mind about opening the B&B, and they found the Appling property.
“When we came and looked at it, we knew,” she said.
Their children, who range in age from 21 to 27, have dreamed about this new venture with them. Brad also credits God with turning the dream into reality.
“God gave us this dream over 20 years ago, and we’re following His lead,” he said.
The Willises opened Artsy Me, an art studio, on Dec. 1, 2001.
