In this episode of Founders and Funders, Ray sits down with Alina, the director of Coolibah Downs Private Estate, a premier wedding venue in the Gold Coast hinterland. Alina shares her inspiring journey from helping out in her family's business as a teenager to taking the reins of a struggling venue and transforming it into a thriving destination.

Alina discusses the unique challenges of running a wedding venue, her experiences in the corporate world, and how she applied lessons from her background in mergers and acquisitions to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. From rebranding the business to exploring new markets like intimate weddings and corporate events, Alina's strategic approach serves as a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs in the events industry.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• ​Alina's early life influences growing up in Brisbane and her family's immigrant background.


• ​The origin story of Coolibah Downs and how Alina's family acquired the property.


• ​Alina’s corporate career in mergers and acquisitions and how it shaped her business acumen.


• ​The challenges of rebranding an existing business while maintaining its essence.


• ​Adapting to market changes and identifying new revenue streams during COVID-19.


• ​Key lessons in digital marketing, team management, and the importance of outsourcing.


• ​Advice for entrepreneurs looking to enter the events and wedding venue space.

Guest Bio:Alina is the director of Coolibah Downs Private Estate, one of the Gold Coast's most sought-after wedding destinations. With a background in law and commerce, Alina has transformed Coolibah Downs into a premium venue known for its bespoke services and picturesque location. Her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Connect with Coolibah Downs:

• ​Instagram: @coolibahdownsprivateestate

Listen Now:Tune in to learn how Alina combined creativity, strategy, and hard work to create a thriving wedding destination. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, event planners, and anyone passionate about the wedding industry.

Sponsor:This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm—the ultimate platform for recording studio-quality podcasts and videos remotely.

Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners:Start your podcasting journey with a special discount! Use the code Ray15 at checkout to receive 15% off your first subscription. ⁠Click here to get started⁠.