Only five years after moving to Mishawaka, a new U.S. resident opens her own business

Doris Tineo was looking for a way to support herself in her newly adopted homeland, so she turned to what she operated in her native Venezuela ― a space for weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties and other special events.

Tineo already took a big risk moving from Maracaibo to Mishawaka five years ago, and she says didn’t have the time or financial resources to figure out how to get into law, which is what she studied in Venezuela.

Though she was able to pick up jobs easily enough because of her fluency in both Spanish and English, she kept her eye on the possibility of opening her own business, specifically a venue for special events, which she had experience operating in coastal Maracaibo.

“Venezuelans are very entrepreneurial,” she says. “We prefer working for ourselves rather than for a big company.”

While settling into her new life with her then 21-year-old son, Tineo finally settled on opening a venue here and learned about the help offered for would-be entrepreneurs by the nonprofit C2 Your Health Women's Initiative.

Tineo found affordable space in McKinley Commons plaza at Grape Road and West McKinley Avenue in Mishawaka, which has gained a Smoothie King, Big Lots, Home Outlet, John’s Auto Spa and other new tenants in recent years.

Redeveloping: Home Outlet store marks another step in the metamorphosis of old shopping plaza

Called simply Afterhours, Tineo’s event space is on the still-redeveloping western side of the plaza with Dream Nails nearby but also some empty storefronts, which she hopes are filled in the near future.

With a lack of visability by passersby on Grape or McKinley, Tineo hopes she can attract enough business with ample parking, affordable rates, unique events and a revamped interior. The interior of the bright space is filled with unique pieces and artistic touches that Tineo created on her own.

Though she took possession of the space in October, the opening was delayed until recently because she did most of the decorating work by herself and she was amazed by the number of permits that were required to renovate and open a new business.

“I have a new degree in permits,” the energetic business owner says. And because of what she’s learned, she says, opening a second location or a separate business in the future will be a lot easier. “I’m committed to this business and maybe another.”

In middle age, Tineo has taken risks at a time when most are looking ahead toward retirement. In her move from Venezuela and the opening of the business, she has taken a gamble that would make most people squeamish.

With a capacity of 70, Afterhours currently offers a wine and canvas event on Saturdays at 11 a.m. that is conducted by Tineo, who counts art among her many passions, and entrepreneurship classes might meet there on Wednesdays.

But Tineo is looking for groups and individuals who might be looking for affordable space for meetings and special events. Bululu Tropical, a Venezuelan restaurant and treat shop in nearby Town & Country shopping center, will be the principal caterer for the space, but people are free to hire their own caterer or bring their own food.

Afterhours also has a beer and wine license for those interested in more adult-oriented celebrations. Cost of the space is $500 for Fridays and $700 for Saturdays, with special pricing offered for meetings. Tineo's goal is to fill the calendar.

Even though she was familiar with much of the United States because of regular vacations and time spent living here when her father attended graduate school in Massachusetts, Tineo ended up locating in Michiana because she likes the size of the community ― not too big and not too small.

"I’ve even grown to like the winters,” she says.

For more information on pricing or to arrange a tour, contact Tineo at 574-320-4716. Or visit the business on Facebook or Instagram.

Email Tribune Market Basket columnist Ed Semmler at esemmler@sbtinfo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: New spot in Mishawaka offers affordable space for parties, meetings