Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Braff.
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?
I call myself an unintentional entrepreneur. I was a lawyer in a previous life and feeling rather unfulfilled. I just had my second baby and wanted to throw a beautiful party for him — his Jewish naming ceremony. I collected beautiful pieces and handmade custom decorations for six months. I planned everything and wanted the experience to be memorable from start to finish. The guests loved it and everyone said I needed to go into business doing this. I didn’t want to be a full-on party planner though. It was the collection of items that spoke to me. There was something about being the keeper of these treasured objects that required some grit to procure them. I was approached by a mom friend at the party saying we should go into business together. She liked to do crafty things, too but also worked a regular full-time job. We started a business, but within a year, we could not see eye-to-eye and then we dissolved our partnership and business. I continued on with another partner briefly and moved locations. That also did not last long, but we were still on friendly terms at the end of our partnership.
I was at a crossroads once again: I either had to shutter or move forward. I chose to move forward. I ended up moving locations again, I have been at the same location since 2019 and without a partner. Instead, I find talented and trustworthy people to help along the journey whether it is my upholsterer, graphic designer, workforce, bookkeeper, or other outside vendors I collaborate with to grow and flourish my business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t know how any business is a smooth road. I think you get to a point where you do get to enjoy your business in later years with a lot of hard work and sacrifice invested in earlier years, but there are always challenges even with established businesses.
My first struggles were finding customers and stability with partnerships. Then once one thing gets settled a new challenge pops up. This time it was about logistics and scaling (though this is still always a challenge as you grow). After that, the pandemic almost forced my business to close. Now, the economy and government regulations are the newest challenges. Running a business in California is nearly impossible. You have to make wise choices as a small business owner. Keeping costs down, saving, and being prepared for rainy days are the best ways to weather any of these storms. You always need cash flow to survive in tough times and thrive in good times.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Provenance Rentals is a lifestyle brand party rental company. We curate an inspired and one-of-a-kind aesthetic for events and many other purposes. Provenance Rentals isn’t your typical standard party rental company; instead, we are a boutique specialty rentals company and our collection is a departure from the ordinary.
Provenance Rentals offers up the chicest specialty furniture and prop rentals for weddings; elopements, micro-weddings, proposals, and engagement parties; film and television productions, music videos, commercials, photoshoots; branding events; conferences and trade shows; corporate events; social events like bar and bat mitzvahs, baby and bridal showers, product launches, movie nights, birthday and dinner parties; influencer marketing events, home staging, and so much more.
Provenance Rentals specializes in unique and hard-to-find furniture and props ranging from vintage, antique, and one-of-a-kind to chic, high-end, modern, and beautiful. We are firmly rooted in the belief of quality over quantity, providing memorable and special moments, and customized customer-centered experiences.
Provenance Rentals has really come a long way from such humble beginnings with no seed money, lots of challenges, and yet we still are sought out by our wonderful customers and renowned brands who praise our work as timeless, special, and unique. You aren’t going to find our beautiful offerings just anywhere and in the condition and quality that makes it extraordinary. Provenance Rentals has been recognized with many accomplishments and awards like Best Wedding Rental Company in Los Angeles, Best of the Knot, and more. Our products have been featured on television like Entertainment Tonight, BravoTV, FX’s Better Things, and in publications like Vogue, InStyle, and the top wedding blogs like Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and more.
Regardless of our growth and clientele, Provenance Rentals is an inclusive brand and we want to work with clients from all backgrounds, cultures, preferences, identities, and socio-economic statuses. At Provenance Rentals, we believe sometimes it is even that one chair that can make your event pop, keep your guests happy and engaged, and provide lasting memories that bring joy in time and memoriam.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a number of ways to support the small businesses you love, and specifically ours. Potential customers are always welcome to reach out via email, phone, or social media. We love hosting visitors — so come see things in our showroom and warehouse in person. Of course in order to stay in business, we need customers who wish to order from us. Whether your order is small or big, we can accommodate with will call or delivery (and all the other logistics that go into delivery like set-up, tear-down, installations, and more). Our business sustains and grows thanks to our customers.
You can also support us in other ways such as: follow us on social media and engage; leave a glowing review; bookmark our page; read, like, and share our blog; tell your friends; refer us to any venues or industry people.
Provenance Rentals also loves to collaborate — through a very selective process, we work with other brands, individuals, and vendors. We try to align ourselves with other stylish, chic, and positive brands, vendors, and individuals who have similar core values. Provenance Rentals encourages you to reach out and learn more if we vibe.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on each item and depends on the amount of days.
- Pricing can range from $10 to $600 depending on the item.
- Basic delivery and pick-up (curbside) start at $250.
- Set-up/tear-down, difficult access, late night, holidays and other things can add additional fees.
- We offer will call as an option to self pick-up and return if the order does not qualify for our rental minimum for delivery. More information can be found on our Details/FAQ page https://provenancerentals.com/the-details
Contact Info:
- Website: https://provenancerentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/provenancerentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/provenancerentals
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/provenancerents
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WulyIhjbyRxNVQ30PCyFA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/provenance-rentals-inglewood
Image Credits
Peterson Design & Photography Reality and Retrospect Studio Opia Anokiart Photography Playful Soul Photography Katie Jane Photography
