We’re looking forward to introducing you to Robyn + Michelle Lytle. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Robyn + Michelle, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
We recently hosted a party to celebrate our 10 year anniversary of owning The Lytle House. Our business took off so quickly, and we were in the process of balancing a lot between that and raising our three children. We just haven’t had the the time to acknowledge our business journey and everyone who helped us get to where we are now, but I’m so glad we took the time to plan a party to celebrate our accomplishments with our family and closest friends.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Robyn and Michelle Lytle. We have been married since 2014, and we purchased our first venue property in Chicago towards the end of 2015. We went through about a year and a half of design and construction before we were ready to start hosting our first events. The Lytle House officially opened in 2017, and we have been hosting weddings and other events since then. We have now expanded our business into the suburbs, where we recently opened our second venue, The Lytle Auditorium. Our expertise is in the wedding industry, and our goal has always been to offer couples an “easier way” to plan a wedding. Our venues focus on smaller, more intimate celebrations with guest lists under 100. We aim to be flexible and accommodating in order to make the planning process smooth and unique to the couple. Both locations are 100% owned and operated by the two of us, so our clients get very personal attention.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Robyn’s dad was always self-employed, and she remembers him talking about how great it was to work hard for yourself and reap all the benefits, while not having to answer to a “boss”. Both Robyn and Michelle enjoyed working as soon as they were old enough to get jobs–they were both raised to be independent, self-sufficient, and proactive. Every year, we talk about growing our team and hiring employees, but it’s hard to find quality talent with the same work ethic.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t need to go to college to have a great career. It’s more important to be focused, driven, and hardworking. College can’t teach you that. And a degree doesn’t guarantee a well-paying job.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Michelle has great ideas–they are always flowing and always pushing the limits. We have a good balance of pushing each other to consider all the possibilities before deciding the best way to make the idea come to life. We also have a network of other venue owners and business owners in Chicago who we regularly go to for advice.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When we are at home as a family with our children and a wide open day to fill together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelytlehouse.com and www.thelytleauditorium.com
- Instagram: @thelytlehouse and @thelytleauditorium
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
