In todays post, we talk with Robyn Ungard, owner of Impress Party Rentals, a Dayton Ohio Vintage Rental company.
1. Why did you start your business?
I began my business when the marketing communications company I worked for dissolved back in 2015. I worked as a virtual assistant from home for a while. The party rental company evolved when I decided I needed something more creative to do. After working as an assistant in the creative world of advertising and marketing for over 30 years, starting up a home-based party rental business seemed like the perfect fit.
2. What is your background?
Marketing and advertising
3. How did you get into event rentals?
I was looking for a creative outlet. I worked with the most talented, creative people in the region in the marketing and advertising world. I love history, vintage items, old movies and antiques. Friends say I am an old soul. And I love to be around happy people. Weddings, baby showers and parties of all kinds are happy events. I married my interests and experience and came up with the idea for a boutique rental company!
4. Describe your service/product you provide and how are you different from the rest?
We offer a wide variety of unique products, and our goal is to keep prices low so every couple can have the event they desire and create their visions without busting their budgets. Our clients work with us to keep prices low by picking up and dropping off their rentals. And high on our list is customer service–offering that special one-on-one touch and creating a relationship with our clients. If we don’t have a rental a couple is looking for, we don’t hesitate to refer them to one of our competitors. Finding what they need to create their vision is of utmost importance. We offer pre-designed decor packages that couples can customize. For example, we offer a LOVE ladder package that includes a white four-rung step ladder, the choice of a lantern or bird cage, and 10″ marquee lights which spell LOVE. Clients rent the basics and then add their own creative touch to match their theme and style.
5. Describe your style/approach.
We cater to couples who utilize wedding planners as well as the DIY bride. And garnering relationships with other vendors is important to us.
6. When did you first realize you wanted to work with weddings?
As a high school student I remember talking with a friend about one day opening a wedding business. I’m happy my dream finally came to fruition!
7. What is your favorite part of a wedding?
When the beautiful bride appears at the back of the church or venue and starts walking down the aisle. I always cry.
8. What other types of events do you do?
We’ve done everything from high school graduations to wedding and baby showers to engagement parties.
9. What’s your favorite part of your job?
Knowing I had a small part in making that milestone in someone’s life special.
10. What’s the most unusual request you’ve had?
I think shipping our giant marquee MR & MRS lights to California for a wedding.
11. What is the most memorable event you’ve had?
Each event brings with it a special memory.
12. What wedding rental trends are you seeing?
I’ve seen an increase in couples having weddings at their homes, a family member’s farm and at state and local parks. I see a trend in rustic glam. Rustic is still in but couples are opting to add some bling.
13. What are your top 3 best selling rentals?
Our giant marquee LOVE lights, our giant marquee MR & MRS lights and our LOVE ladder packages.
14. What is your favorite rental item?
Our giant marquee lights. I love to see client reactions when they see them in person. They always say they are larger than they thought.
15. Do you have any new products coming for 2019?
Yes. We are revamping our website to make it more interactive for clients. This will allow them to create unique decor packages online tailored to their events. We are searching for a couple new wedding arches and are adding options for centerpieces.
16. What words best describe you?
Creative, risk taker, compassionate
17. What words best describe your company?
Unique, creative, budget friendly
18. How do you feel your respective craft enhances a wedding?
We offer unique decor and props which gives couples a chance to “step outside the box” to create their vision.
19. When you are not working on a wedding, what do you like to do for fun?
I’m a genealogist who loves uncovering family skeletons. As an avid reader I enjoy history books and romance novels. Fun for me includes riding roller coasters–the bigger and faster, the better!
20. If you could provide rentals for any celebrity wedding (past, present or future), who would be the lucky couple?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. From a marketing perspective, what brand awareness! And they seem like they would be fun to work with.
21. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned, and would pass along to others?
Follow your dream. It is never too late to make it come true.
22. Do you have any final advice for brides and grooms?
I’ve been married to my sweetheart for 38 years. No matter what life throws at you, depend on each other and communicate to get through it. Live each day as an adventure together. And always give your sweetheart a kiss goodnight.
23. How should couples interested in a rentals for their weddings get in touch with you?
Couples can go to our website at Impress Party Rental and browse our inventory and fill out a Wish List on the “How to rent from us” page. You can also call or text at 937-280-5737 or email us at impresspartyrentals@gmail.com.
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Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Looking for unique ideas for your wedding? Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!