Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhodelle Graham and Susan Facer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We weren’t looking to get into the event rental business – it came looking for us! Rhodelle’s husband built eight beautiful wood farm tables for her daughter’s wedding in 2018. At the reception quite a few people asked about renting or buying them from us, so we had a decision to make. Do we sell these amazing hand-built farm tables, or keep and rent them out for weddings and events?
Rhodelle really wanted to hold on to them until her younger daughter’s wedding but wasn’t sure if she was up for starting a business. Then miracle of miracles, Susan said she’d come on board and start this crazy adventure with her. Rhodelle bought a trailer, Susan purchased chairs, we took a leap of faith, and here we are! As time went on we built an arch, bistro tables, a few more farm tables, and added some antiques. This little business started at home and we are keeping it in the family, so the name Home Sweet Home Event Rentals was a perfect fit.
It’s been fun having our husbands and kids involved and helping us along the way. Repeat customers and developing friendships are incredibly rewarding as well. Some of our first brides from three years ago have now used us for their baby showers. How cool is that?! We are taking one day at a time, learning as we go, but we truly love having a business together!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. First of all, the physical workload is extremely taxing on us. We carry and assemble heavy farm tables after delivering to our events. It’s crazy that a couple of ladies in their 50’s like us move furniture for a living! Second, because we’re sisters, we have a lot of the same strengths and weaknesses.
Neither of us is business people or tech-savvy. Things like creating an LLC, getting a business license, putting together a website, social media, insurance, advertising, invoices, taxes, rental agreements, etc. were completely out of our comfort zone; let alone backing up a 20-foot trailer full of heavy tables and chairs! The whole thing has been a process for sure, but we’re loving it and still learning!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Home Sweet Home Event Rentals?
We rent hand-crafted farm tables, cross-back chairs, benches, bistro tables, antiques, and more for weddings and other special events. Of course, people can rent from the “big guys”, but since we’re a small company, our beautiful furniture stays beautiful because it’s delivered under our personal care.
Mistakes that may happen with larger companies are eliminated because we personally manage each job throughout the entire process. Things like getting back to people quickly, sending photos and measurements, and talking through space issues are only a few of our perks.
We’re competitively priced and are more accommodating and flexible with timing than the larger event rental companies. Our customers can feel happy about supporting a small, local business as well.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our families are incredibly supportive of this business adventure. Our husbands Kraig and Keith, help build and upkeep our furniture, give advice on the business side of things, and help with the heavy lifting. We also love to hire our adult children for the larger events.
Friends and neighbors who have become employees are invaluable!
Our friends Brad and Pam at Bloomingbells in Las Vegas encouraged Kraig and helped him build our very first farm tables. As we started the business, they were incredibly supportive and continued to be helpful through our venture. Their event rental company Bloomingbells Rentals in Las Vegas is the best!
Contact Info:
- Email: homesweethomeeventrentals@gmail.com
- Website: HomeSweetHomeEventRentals.com
- Instagram: @homesweethomeeventrentals1
- Facebook: Home Sweet Home Event Rentals
