Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Combs.
Erika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my career working as an event coordinator at The Dallas World Aquarium. There I began coordinating the setups and planning for such events as weddings, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, corporate and holiday parties. Once I graduated from UNT and started my family, I decided to leave the company. I took some time to myself to reflect what I really wanted to do but I wasn’t completely sold on being an event planner, although I do love it. My mother and I decided to start a linen rental business, I was able to still do what I love and have the privilege of working from home. We immediately registered the company, began buying inventory and promoting on social media- this was the beginning of Imperial Event Rentals.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a business is never a smooth road, especially at the beginning. We started the company in 2015 and had less than ten events the first year. Of course, you begin to worry whether you made the right choice in starting a business. We learned that the difference between a struggling business and one that succeeds is the partnerships we make along the way. We had to make a name for ourselves, so we began attending open houses and networking events. When the venues, event planners and vendors gave us the opportunity to work with them, they began to trust us and our work. This in return leads us to more bookings and events.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are proud to consider ourselves a boutique rental shop, where we provide styling consultations and every client is given detailed attention. We provide stylish and affordable options to all events, whether big or small. We offer a large variety of table linens, runners, chargers, napkins and chair treatments for any occasion… We are always adding to our inventory to stay current with the new trends in the industry. What sets us apart from other linen vendors is that we are a small team, however, we are knowledgeable and experienced in our trade. This is why we are diligent in making sure our products are top quality and consistent through each event.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is such a complex and dense city full of opportunity. I believe Dallas is a perfect location for any small business to thrive in; it is the focal point of the Metroplex and has a very diverse population. There is so much support for small businesses in the city, whether it comes from clients or from fellow small business owners. The wedding & event industry vendors in the city are very friendly, encouraging and willing to give advice or a helping hand. If you are local and feel inspired to start a business here, go for it, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imperialeventrentals.net
- Phone: 972-352-3400
- Email: imperialeventrentals@gmail.com
- Instagram: @imperialeventrentals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imperialeventrentals/
Image Credit:
Double You Photography, Smiling At You Photography, J Lew Photos
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