STAFF FOCUS: Rebecca Ellington
What are you doing at Common House currently?
I am the Director of Events at Common House Chattanooga.
How did you end up at Common House?
My story of how I got to Common House is such a wild ride. At the end of 2019, I decided to launch my own wedding planning company. I had been in event planning for years and wanted to do my own thing! I worked under a wedding planner in Colorado (my husband and I lived in CO for two years before moving to Chattanooga), and she really pushed me to start my own company. Once I launched, I booked a few weddings pretty quickly and it was starting to take off. In January 2020, Shelby Howick (the previous Director of Events at Common House Richmond) found me online and reached out to see if I wanted to tour a new venue in Chattanooga. I drove up to 1517 Mitchell Ave so confused as I was looking at an old, white building that obviously needed A LOT of work. Shelby showed me around the building, and I instantly fell in love with the concept and space. Shelby and I also hit it off pretty quickly! At the end of my visit, Meg (Common House's COO) and Virginia (Common House's Director of Programming) were walking into the building. I chatted with them for a minute then went on my way. Leaving the building, I had a strong feeling I would be back.
Fast-forward to June 2020, COVID was at its peak, and I was unemployed. For some reason, Common House popped into my head, so I reached out to Shelby. Ironically, applications went live the following week, and I got the first interview! After a few interviews (all while being stuck at home with my husband because we both had COVID), I got the call from Honor, our Director of Operations at Common House Chattanooga. I was so happy I didn't even need the job details, I just knew this was the job I had been looking for.
What excites you about what you are doing currently?
Ask anyone that works at Common House, you never live the same day twice. I love the fast-paced excitement of working in events. When you have a team as we do, it makes it even better! What excites me the most is watching Common House turn into such a fantastic venue for all types of events. We have learned so much and are continually getting better. Building this event department literally from the ground up has been such a thrill.
What do you enjoy most about CH?
The people. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most incredible humans in the world:
1. The love I get from Chattanooga event vendors (planners, florists, photographers, rental companies.. the list goes on and on) is overwhelming sometimes. Not being from Chattanooga, these people have been so gracious and welcoming to me. I rely on their expertise to help make all events at Common House a success.
2. I have been lucky enough to work with amazing people hosting events at Common House. From corporate holiday parties going off without a hitch to watching couples that booked months/years in advance finally get married..there is nothing like it.
3. The Common House staff. When I started, there were just three of us (the dream team - Honor, Rob, & myself) and now we have grown to 60+ staff in such a short amount of time. When you go through opening up any type of business with people, you really rely on each other in ways you didn't expect. Blood, sweat, and tears went into making Common House what it is, and I am so happy to be a part of the Chattnooga family. Love you all - past, present, and future members!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
My entire world revolves around the two boys in my life - my sweet baby boy, Fred, and the most supportive husband, Jack. Fred is one and the absolute light of my life. When we aren’t at home with our dog, Riggins, we are out seeing the world! Fred learned at a very young age, we don't sit still very often. His first six-hour road trip was at two weeks old and his first flight was at eight months old. We love to travel and explore.