06/10/2026
Three years ago, I opened The Parlour after living in Mississippi for less than a year.
I barely knew anyone on the Coast. I was still trying to figure out where I fit, how adults make friends in their 30s, and where the events were that felt like something I would actually want to go to.
So, selfishly, I created one.
I grew up in a small town in Iowa where community was everything. When I moved here, I missed that. I wanted a space that felt intimate, welcoming, creative, and easy to walk into, even if you didn’t know a soul.
The Parlour has never been just a rental space to me.
It is a micro event venue, yes. But it is also a place for small businesses, creatives, organizations, women, friends, families, and people who are trying to build something of their own.
The last three years have had slow months, city issues, flooded floors, doubt, imposter syndrome, and plenty of “what the hell am I doing” moments.
But they have also brought me some of the best people, partnerships, friendships, and reminders that if you can’t find the community you’re looking for, you build it.
I also can’t talk about The Parlour without mentioning Kevin, my unpaid employee, furniture mover, fixer of things, emotional support human, and the person who somehow always ends up helping without ever complaining.
The next year is going to be about leaning even more into what I always wanted this place to become.
Not just a venue.
A community space.
More on that soon.
Happy 3 years, Parlour.
-Kristie
