Today we’d like to introduce you to Corinne Weber.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Corinne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve spent many years in marketing and business development professionals, while my love for design flourished more in my personal life; I have a degree in world arts and traveled extensively to discover design aesthetics in other countries. I always dreamed of having my own business but also believed that everything has its time and place.
In late 2015 I found myself wanting to drastically change my professional life (what would happen if I focused all the energy, creativity, commitment and dedication on my own business instead on someone else’s?!) It was a time in my life when I was inspired by other women who started businesses once their kids were in college (I have a daughter who is studying art at UCLA), so why not me? My oldest friend and I went for a long walk on the beach and brainstormed ideas, and that’s where the concept for the Hängar was born: a sort of a “long-term pop-up” retail shop with accessible (affordable) furniture and featured wall art by diverse Los Angeles artists.
One month later I opened doors to a 7,000 sq ft space named “The Hängar” (the building has vaulted ceilings and looks like an old airplane hangar inside. The Umlaut of the name is a fun spin, as I am of Swiss origin, and without the Umlaut, the word Hangar is pronounced differently). Initially, I signed a lease for 6 months on blind faith and with an “all in” attitude. Almost 2 1/2 years later, the Hängar is going strong and I’m having the time of my life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My initial challenges were with the building itself; it is old and the roof has many leaks. I remember heavy rains (in L.A.!!) the time I started the business, and a few mornings I opened doors to as many as 15 puddles and found many furniture pieces damaged.
However, in general, it has been quite a smooth road. I learned that in retail one cannot look at the sales of one day only, but needs to view an entire week or even month. There will be days with no sales, but also random days with exceptional sales. Retail is unpredictable.
My biggest challenge is being a one-woman-show and doing it all from purchasing and selling, sourcing art and planning events, accounting and social media and everything else that is involved in a business. Social media is the most mortifying aspect for me, as I am not accustomed to posting pictures of myself, even though that is what makes it fun and interesting for customers. I have learned to ask for help, so I am truly an owner and not only an operator.
A challenging aspect is to keep at the pulse of things on all levels, sort of re-invigorate the business all the time. That is why I partnered with a Vintage clothing guru to add a Vintage clothing annex to the Hängar, and also, I attempt to do events on a monthly basis.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Hängar story. Tell us more about the business.
The Hängar features a large selection of eclectic furniture, industrial, contemporary, boho-chic, traditional, vintage and more. The inventory is refreshed every week (a weekly truck arrives on Thursdays) and includes many one-of-a-kind pieces. The Hängar has been called “the best-kept secret in town” because prices are always up to 30% below retail. I believe in making beautiful, high-quality pieces affordable to everyone, that is why the majority of my customers are young couples or young families and most customers are repeat customers who also send friends and family.
I am proud to feature a variety of wall art by local artists (painters, street artists, photographers, etc.) – some are well established, some are emerging, but incredibly unique and I love to offer my venue to showcase a wide variety. It is inspiring for customers to see how well art and furniture can be paired up.
I am happy that my space has become a community focus and I am humbled by the support of the neighborhood. Our monthly events (Sip n’shop with local vendors, artist receptions, networking events, documentary film screening, fundraisers, and more, including an upcoming wedding reception!) are well loved and well attended.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck is a funny term, it implies that “things just happen” and I don’t much believe in this randomness. : ) I do believe that experiences led up to the point I was ready and confident enough to decide that it was exactly what I wanted to do. I believe in having to be ‘all in’ for professional and personal success and I believe that is best to let your authentic self-shine while doing so.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3472 S. Centinela Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90066
- Website: www.thehangarla.com
- Phone: 310.315.9977
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thehangarla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHangarLA/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/the-hängar-los-angeles-2
Image Credit:
Leslie Farris
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
