Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel and Vannesa Herrera.
Gabriel and Vanessa, please share your story with us.
Our business started over 18 years ago at of all places, an open-air market in Goleta, CA selling furniture. For anyone who has ever worked at an open-air market, it is not easy. The days are long and hard. We traveled 60 miles each way Saturday and Sunday. Did I mention that to set up for each day, we had to unload a 20′ truck to set up our booth and then after a long days work, we had to dismantle it and put everything back in the truck to drive back home 60 miles. Being self employed is a commitment, but one we were up for!
We quickly realized that we loved the business as a whole. We enjoyed the interaction with our customers, but discovered a love for bringing custom furniture and design to our customers. Unfortunately, this was not the right space for us so we set out to find our next place and we headed to Orange County and started our next leg of this great journey. We always say that our customers led us to where we are today.
Orange County offered us a great new opportunity. We began to expand our custom furniture selections and started working with local designers as well. After a few years, we decided we needed a location that would allow us to have customers visit us during the week so we set out to find our first brick and mortar location. Although we had been in business for over 12 years we had never had a store front and the thought of taking this next big step was both exciting and nerve racking, but once again we were up for the challenge and jumped in with both feet. After searching endlessly for store fronts we came to realize that “traditional” store front locations were extremely overpriced and we would lose our edge of providing great quality custom furniture at affordable prices.
We came across the most perfect spot in our current location which is a Warehouse type setting that gives us the perfect amount of space, but with low overhead to continue to offer great prices.
You’ve heard the expression: “do what you love, love what you do”. We do. We love our small business. We love working with our customers and helping them furnish their homes and most of all meeting new people some of who we consider to be friends. We have seen many of our go through major life changes, such as first homes, getting married, having kids… etc., and we feel honored and humbled to be a part of that.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In our first 12 years of our business, we worked at open air markets. Working outdoors you have to deal with rain, winds, cold and excessive heat. In addition, the hours are excessively long starting at 4am and going on until 8pm-9pm at night.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sofas Tables and More – what should we know?
We found a niche that has been our ability to recreate furniture that our customers love and want for a fraction of what they cost at large retail chains, but more importantly, we can completely customize and change in any way to fit our customers specific needs. We were also among the first to bring to market furniture made from reclaimed wood designing and building dining tables, bedroom furniture and much more. We felt a desire to provide an environmental friendly product. Through the years, we have continued to evolve in our options.
As a company, we are most proud of the fact that we work with each customer directly. We make it a personal experience for each customer and love seeing our customers leave happy.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Our ability to be flexible in a market that is constantly changing. We always try to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new changes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 20290 Normandie Ave.
Torrance, CA 90502 - Website: www.sofastablesandmore.com
- Phone: 310-251-3313
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: sofas_tables_and_more
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sofas-tables-and-more-torrance
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.
Sujey Logan
April 24, 2018 at 22:31
My husband and I purchased a house over 11 years ago and were on the hunt for the perfect dining room table and chairs. We had been looking for over a year when I found Sofa Tables and More. Gabriel and Vanessa knew exactly what we were looking for. They created our table and chairs exactly as I had visioned them. 10 years later, my table is still my favorite piece of furniture in our house. Our furniture was made with such quality. Till this day, I still get so many compliments on my dining set. Thank you both for helping us out way back then!
Sarah
April 25, 2018 at 04:15
Vanessa and Gabrielle made my first custom furniture sets and I couldn’t be happier with the quality. Now as an Interior Designer I refer them to my clients on a regular basis. Thank you for featured them. They deserve it!