
The Waters Point


Preserving Heritage: The Waters Point Becomes a Hill Country Gem
For Natalie Meeks, The Waters Point in Wimberley, Texas, is more than just a business; it’s a continuation of her family’s legacy. Nestled at the confluence of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, this scenic property has been in her family since 1932. Natalie transformed the land into a luxurious wedding venue and resort, offering guests a serene experience in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Bringing her vision to life was not without challenges. Early in her journey, Natalie sought guidance from the UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Senior Business Advisor Lisha Garcia. Together, they secured an SBA 7a loan to purchase the property and establish the business. Over the years, their partnership deepened, navigating hurdles from natural disasters to complex financial refinances.
The Memorial Day flood of 2015 marked a significant test of resilience, with substantial damage to cabins and the property. With unwavering support from the SBDC, Natalie rebuilt and expanded The Waters Point. She acquired additional land, constructed new cabins, and preserved jobs through multiple rounds of financing. This included a $2.96 million SBA 504 loan for expansion and refinancing of the original loan, followed by a $1.1 million SBA 504 loan to support the purchase of additional land and construction of new cabins. These funding efforts ensured fixed interest rates and long-term stability for the business. The successful navigation of these highly complex deals exemplified Natalie’s determination and the SBDC’s critical role in facilitating solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed yet another obstacle, but Natalie’s adaptability shone through. Offering her cabins to Austin executives for quarantine accommodations kept her business operational during trying times. Reflecting on her journey, Natalie shared, “Lisha and I have spent hundreds of hours together going over business plans, funding, COVID crisis, refinancing, expansion, additional family buy-outs, and so on. The SBDC has been such a blessing and backbone to my business.”
Today, The Waters Point has created 6 full-time jobs, retained 25 positions, and achieved notable economic contributions to the Wimberley community. Natalie’s vision and persistence, combined with the SBDC’s expert guidance, culminated in her being named the SBA 2024 Women-Owned Business of the Year, a recognition of her remarkable achievements.
Through her dedication, Natalie has preserved her family’s land while establishing a thriving destination that celebrates its heritage and natural beauty. The Waters Point now stands as a premier Hill Country venue, blending history and progress for generations to come.