Inside Ranchito San Miguel: Building a Destination Event Venue in Texas

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

My name is Christina Limon, and I’m the owner of Curated Events RGV LLC, which is the operating company for Ranchito San Miguel, an outdoor event venue in Brownsville, Texas, inspired by the charm and beauty of our second home, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Our venue blends rustic elegance with Mexican architecture, creating a serene and romantic space surrounded by mesquite trees. Curated Events RGV, our event planning company, designs and coordinates weddings and special events at Ranchito San Miguel. Together, both businesses allow me to bring people’s most meaningful celebrations to life with intention, beauty, and hospitality.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I truly believe it runs in my family. My grandmother owned her own beautiful salon, and my mother sold Amway products on the side to bring in extra income and create opportunities for us to travel as kids. Even my father has always had his own antiques business in addition to working full-time at the university.

Growing up surrounded by their example, I learned early on the value of hard work, creativity, and independence. They instilled in me the importance of being your own boss—to have the freedom to travel, create your own schedule, and take control of your financial future.

Even as a child, I loved creating, organizing, and finding ways to bring ideas to life. Owning my own business has always felt like the path I was meant to walk, though I didn’t always know what form it would take—until God opened the door for Ranchito San Miguel and Curated Events RGV.

Are you a mamaprenista?

Yes! I’m a proud mother of 4-year-old twins and have also helped raise my two adult children from my husband’s previous marriage. One of my keys to balancing business and family is living close to our venue, which allows my family to be nearby during events. My kids even like to help out by decorating or putting things away—it’s a fun way to involve them and teach responsibility.

We also make it a point to have family days on weekends or when the venue isn’t booked. These are special times when the kids can enjoy the venue pool, and we invite family and friends over for BBQs, pool fun, and quality time together. For me, balancing work and family is about intentional planning, creating routines, and making space for both work and meaningful family moments. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding to grow both my family and my business simultaneously.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When we first launched, my marketing strategy was rooted in authentic storytelling and visual connection—showing the beauty of Ranchito San Miguel and the heart behind what we do. I wanted people to not just see a venue, but to feel the warmth, culture, and peace of the space.

With the support of several local women’s networks that I’m a part of, I was introduced to someone who became one of my best business investments. He specializes in social media content creation and has since become both a great friend and an incredible asset to our business. Together, we focused on producing quality content—capturing special events, real moments, and the story behind our work through photography and video, rather than just posting for quantity.

Along the way, I also learned the importance of the right collaborations—partnering with vendors and local influencers who genuinely align with our vision and values. Getting our story featured in local publications helped us connect with the community on a deeper level. I discovered the best places to market, how to be strategic with timing, and most importantly, when to say no to opportunities that didn’t align with our brand or purpose.

While not everything went exactly as planned, the experience taught me that meaningful relationships and authentic storytelling are far more valuable than any traditional marketing formula.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of building a venue that brings joy, peace, and connection to others. Seeing couples exchange vows, families celebrate milestones, and guests feel at home at Ranchito San Miguel fills me with immense gratitude. Every structure, every tree, every detail carries our family’s touch and testimony of hard work and faith.

In just over a year of being open, we’ve accomplished so much. We have been fully booked nearly every weekend year-round and have had the honor of hosting over 100 events—from weddings and quinceañeras to community gatherings and private celebrations. Recently, we celebrated our official grand opening and ribbon cutting with the local Chamber of Commerce, marking our first successful year and setting the stage for our next chapter.

With the help and support of our family, we’ve also purchased an additional 9.5 acres behind our current property to expand our venue. Our future plans include creating the ultimate destination venue, complete with a larger indoor event space, expanded parking, a dedicated chapel, casitas for overnight stays and retreats, a horse corral and stables, and even a winery. This expansion represents not only our growth but also our ongoing commitment to creating a place where faith, family, and celebration come together in a meaningful and memorable way.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One thing I wish I had known is how much weekends would become fully booked with events, which means I can’t travel or take spontaneous time off the way I used to. I’ve also learned the importance of staying creative—continually finding new ways to attract clients, grow the brand, and stand out in a competitive market. While the workload can be intense, these challenges have also pushed me to become more strategic, disciplined, and innovative in how I manage and grow my business.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

What does “excellent customer service” mean to you in the context of an event venue?

What did you do before starting your own business?

Before launching my venue business, I built a diverse career grounded in both creativity and service. My husband and I have owned a construction and design business for over 20 years, where I’ve been involved in interior design and project planning—a foundation that shaped my eye for architecture, aesthetics, and functionality.

When I first moved to Texas in 2003, I worked as a loan officer, which gave me valuable experience in finance, client relations, and business management. Later, I pursued my passion for healthcare, earning my Master’s in Nursing and working as a Registered Nurse for 11 years at our local hospital, followed by serving as Director of Infection Control for 6 years.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt called to shift my path. I transitioned into education as a Clinical Nursing Professor, guiding the next generation of nurses while also pursuing my dream of building Ranchito San Miguel and Curated Events RGV. My background in design, leadership, and care for others has deeply influenced the way I approach my business—with attention to detail, compassion, and purpose.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Faith and family inspired me to take the leap. I wanted to build something that honored God, provided for my family, and created opportunities for others. For years, I had been planning events and designing floral arrangements for friends and family both in Texas and Mexico—my first wedding floral design was over 20 years ago. I always loved creating beautiful celebrations but never charged for my work; it was something that brought me genuine joy and fulfillment.

When the opportunity came to use one acre of land we already owned to build what would become Ranchito San Miguel, I could immediately envision the laughter, joy, and love that would fill the space. That vision—combined with my long-time passion for design and event planning—and the desire to create a lasting legacy for our family, motivated me to finally turn my lifelong passion into a business.

Do you have any recent wins?

Yes! This past year has been filled with incredible milestones and blessings. We successfully hosted our first full season of weddings and private events.

One of my proudest recent achievements was being selected as the first-ever BankHER RGV Grant Recipient out of 60 women business applicants. The BankHER Grant, in partnership with Her Texas, was created to amplify woman-owned businesses across the state by moving real dollars and opportunities directly to women entrepreneurs.

The selection process was based on a weighted scoring system that evaluated business impact, clarity of funding use, growth potential, professional development, and alignment with the BankHER mission—and I am truly honored to have been chosen. This recognition not only validated the hard work we’ve poured into Ranchito San Miguel and Curated Events RGV, but it also reaffirmed my mission to inspire and uplift other women entrepreneurs in our community.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

The app I can’t live without is HoneyBook. It keeps my business organized by allowing me to easily access invoices, payments, and client project details all in one place. It’s a true lifesaver for managing bookings, staying on top of deadlines, and ensuring every client experience runs smoothly.

Who are your customers?

Our customers are couples, families, and organizations, primarily from Texas, who value meaningful, beautifully curated celebrations. Many of our clients are looking for a wedding or event experience that feels unique, warm, and deeply personal—something that reflects their story and culture. We also host community events, private parties, and corporate gatherings.

What's your top productivity tip?

My top productivity tip is organizing and prioritizing my day the night before and getting up early before the kids wake up. That quiet, uninterrupted time in the morning allows me to focus on the most important tasks, plan strategically, and set the tone for a productive day. By starting my day intentionally with God first, I can balance work, family, and business responsibilities without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

What's your favorite business tool?

My favorite business tool is HoneyBook. It streamlines almost every aspect of my event planning and venue management—from invoices and contracts to client communications and project details. Having everything organized in one platform saves me time, reduces stress, and allows me to focus on creating memorable experiences for my clients.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I make time for my family, faith, and personal wellness, knowing that being fully present in those areas allows me to show up stronger in my business. I prioritize tasks, focus on what truly matters each day, and carve out moments to rest, reflect, and recharge. By balancing hard work with downtime, I can maintain energy, creativity, and joy in both my professional and personal life.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I avoid burnout by being intentional about rest, family time, and setting boundaries. Traveling and taking breaks help me recharge and gain perspective, while spending quality time with my family reminds me why I do what I do. I also make a conscious effort to put my phone away and disconnect from work when I’m with my husband and kids. Balancing hard work with rest and presence allows me to stay energized, creative, and focused in both my business and personal life.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

My best advice is to plan ahead and be financially prepared. Save money, maintain a backup fund for emergencies, and avoid quitting your primary job too soon. Having family support is essential, and it’s important to find a healthy balance between work and family. Entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding, but it takes careful planning, perseverance, and a strong support system to succeed.

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