Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Mena.
Liz, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
First of all, I just want to say how honored I feel to be sharing my story with you all today!
A collector of antiques herself, my mother always inspired my adoration for the older things, so naturally, my love for vintage heirlooms and rusty details has forever been embedded in my heart. From a very young age, long before Macklemore inspired tons of teens to go thrifting with his hit song “Thrift Shop,” you would find me searching up and down the aisles looking for unique hand-me-downs. Growing up, I was always the go-to friend for planning and decorating events. Birthdays turned into Quinces and later became Weddings. After a while of collecting pieces just-for-fun, and my natural knack for putting events together, the idea of owning a rental company felt like the perfect fit!
Mi Vintage began in 2012, inside a humble storage room which quickly multiplied to two, then three; until it grew big enough for us to fill our very first warehouse! Today, we have a 4500 square foot showroom full of one-of-a-kind pieces available for rent!
We’re surely not where we want to be just yet, but we’re on our way, and I’m so excited for what’s to come! In the meantime, we’re enjoying the journey! It is truly a blessing that I get to share my passion with clients daily, collecting stunning pieces, making friends + memories along the way!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I first started, I was young (and broke). Family and friends think it’s a great idea to start your own biz and show support, but they always suggest you get “a real job.” You know, just in case? But I was fearless and in pursuit of something bigger than myself! One thing I knew for sure is that I wasn’t going to start my company having debt. So, I sold my favorite car; and the very next day, I opened my first business account. The rest is vintage, literally!
Like any dedicated business owner, I must admit, I eat, breath and sleep Mi Vintage! I guess many would consider this to be a challenge, and it is, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Like many before I have mentioned, I’m sure, you must learn to find balance. I’ve had my share of good and bad! There will be days where you feel like you’re on top of the world and you got your shit together; and others where you just want to quit everything and take the next flight out of town! But even at my lowest, I’ve picked myself up, wiped my tears, and quietly whispered YOU GOT THIS! The key is to be absolutely in love with whatever you decide to pursue! And I’m not talking about a hobby you enjoy doing often, but something you’re wholly passionate about! Because owning a business is not a 9-5 kinda thing, but a 24/7 commitment.
Mi Vintage – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mi Vintage offers high-quality wedding and event rentals in South Florida. We strive to provide the most stunning pieces at considerable prices along with the best customer service we know our clients deserve! When you choose Mi Vintage as your specialty rentals provider, you don’t just get rentals, you get peace of mind; knowing that you are counting with a team of professionals who will do whatever it takes to make your event successful!
We offer a vast selection of tables, chairs, linens, upholstery, bars, vintage furnishings, and backdrops plus any other specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. We are known for modern vintage, boho chic, vintage glam, eclectic, and rustic decor. New pieces are brought in monthly and we take annual shopping trips across the states which keeps our inventory fresh and up to date with the latest trends.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
This is a difficult question! As an entrepreneur, it’s hard for me to sit down and say “this is my moment” because I never feel like it’s enough. When I reach a certain milestone, I naturally plan for the next one, not giving myself time to stop and be proud.
A moment that I do enjoy is when I get to see my clients’ reactions to the set-ups we create for them. The fact that they choose and trust our company for some of their most cherished celebrations, means the world to me! And makes me feel damn proud!
Contact Info:
- Address: Mi Vintage Showroom
5463 NW 72 AVE
MIAMI, FL 33166 - Website: www.mivintagerentals.com
- Phone: 786-499-3110
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mivintage
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mivintage
- Other: www.pinterest.com/mivintage
Image Credit:
Juladie Ibañez Photography, Provoke Photography, The Cardonas, Mattrice Photography, Andrielle Photography, Evan Rich Photography, Erica Melissa Photography, Dipp Photobooth
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