Sania Birla loved the entire process of planning her wedding, but the Fremont, California, entrepreneur knew that this isn’t the case for all brides – especially when you’re designing a wedding on a budget. So Birla decided to create a one stop shop for event rentals, Saba Decor Rentals, that provides decor, design, rentals and florals, all in one place. Her business has grown from her garage to a warehouse where she now employs a small team – But her business isn’t done growing yet.
Birla’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:
I planned my wedding in the Bay Area and realized there was a lack of upscale event rental companies at affordable prices. I actually enjoyed my wedding designing process, though I know most brides find it stressful. It was then I knew that I would start a similar business one day – but at affordable prices. We wanted to create a one-stop shop for local and overseas clients, so they can manage the design of their wedding as seamlessly as possible and they don’t have to manage multiple vendors virtually. We are passionate about our business model, our services and our pristine inventory and we even added an in-house floral studio a few months ago upon request from our clients. Our favorite part of the entire process is capturing the look on our clients faces when we make their dream wedding come true.
Success is when we produce a series of successful events for our clients and are a part of their big day for the rest of their lives. The moment our bride and groom walk into the venue and see it transformed based on their vision, is when we know we did it. Our biggest success to date is the growth of our business from a garage to a studio/warehouse and being able to employ a small team of motivated individuals who have a passion for the event industry.
“We wanted to create a one-stop shop for local and overseas clients, so they can manage the design of their wedding as seamlessly as possible.”
– Sania Birla, Founder of Saba Decor Rentals
At the same time our biggest challenge has been finding the right team of individuals for this business. The wedding industry seems glamorous to most but often people don’t think about the amount of work it takes to produce an event. We have had situations where members of our team leave us after one weekend of events, because they are only looking at the business from the outside in and not the inside out. To overcome this challenge, we are very upfront with our new hires and fully explain to them what it takes and what happens behind the scenes to produce such an event and how rewarding it is afterwards.
I have a few goals for our business moving forward including; being booked for at least 40 substantial events per year, to turn our part time employees to be full time, to be published in various well-known event magazines and finally to own our own warehouse and eventually open an event venue under the same umbrella. I would also love for us to be able to sponsor Gala’s or charity events.
I have various role models for various reasons. I don’t believe in having one role model, as I can learn different things from various people. My father is my role model for his work ethic, he has always taught me to do what I love and do it with passion and dedication and not only for financial success. My mother, who has taught me to be creative and think outside the box. My husband, tells me to be patient everyday, that’s one quality I tend to lack, which is crucial in business. My sister, who is extremely giving and a constant reminder to help others. Lastly, other female entrepreneurs, who are living their dream one business at a time and their strength and dedication to keep at it.
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