Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rich Lyke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rich, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
After more than 20 years in the event industry, I had seen firsthand the challenges event planners faced when trying to find rental services that matched the high standards of their clients. Whether it was for luxury brands like Montblanc, Louis Vuitton, or top-tier venues, the available options often fell short in terms of customization and quality. I knew there was a significant gap in the market for rental services that could offer unique, custom pieces to elevate events.
Around that time, I met Artur, who had over 7 years of experience in crafting custom furniture. We quickly realized we shared the same vision for the event industry—creating something truly special by blending his craftsmanship with my understanding of what event planners needed. That’s when we decided to partner up and launch Vogue Rentals.
Together, we aimed to offer more than just rentals—we wanted to provide a completely customized experience. The logic behind Vogue Rentals was simple: solve the problem no one else was addressing by offering unique, custom-made furniture that allowed planners to create exactly the atmosphere they envisioned, without compromise. What excited me most was the idea of creating something bespoke and beautiful for each event, paired with exceptional service from start to finish.
Our partnership, combining my experience in the event world with Artur’s furniture expertise, felt like the perfect way to meet the needs of an industry that was ready for something new. That’s when we knew we were onto something truly special with Vogue Rentals.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Vogue Rentals and Our Journey
My name is Rich, and I’m a co-founder of Vogue Rentals, a premium event rental company that redefines the way events are styled and experienced. Our journey into this industry started with a passion for creating memorable moments and the belief that the right furniture and decor can transform any event into an extraordinary celebration.
I’ve been in the event industry for over 25 years, blending my experience in IT, entrepreneurship, and creative design to build a business that focuses on delivering excellence. My co-founder, Artur, has been crafting custom furniture for many years, and together, we’ve built Vogue Rentals as a hub for beautifully designed, high-quality event furniture and decor. Many of our items are handcrafted locally in California, ensuring both uniqueness and exceptional quality.
What We Offer and Problems We Solve
At Vogue Rentals, we specialize in providing unique, stylish furniture and decor for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more. From handcrafted wooden tables to luxurious lounges and bespoke decor, we cater to clients looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that set their events apart. We solve a key problem for our clients by offering items that are not only functional but also elevate the aesthetic of their events, creating a cohesive and unforgettable experience.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Vogue Rentals unique is our commitment to artistry, customization, and attention to detail. Unlike many rental companies that focus on generic, mass-produced items, we offer exclusive designs that reflect our clients’ visions and tastes. Additionally, our deep understanding of event logistics means that we deliver not just beautiful furniture but also a seamless rental experience. We’re proud to work with top-tier clients like Montblanc, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Visa, Four Seasons, Toyota, Red Bull and many others, which speaks to the trust and quality we bring to every event.
What We’re Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of our journey as a brand – from starting as a small venture to becoming a trusted partner for luxury events. Our ability to adapt to trends while staying true to our core values of quality and creativity has been key to our growth. I’m also proud of the team that works tirelessly to bring every client’s vision to life, ensuring their event is nothing short of spectacular.
What We Want You to Know
At Vogue Rentals, we’re more than a rental company – we’re your partners in creating moments that matter. Whether it’s a grand wedding, an intimate gathering, or a corporate gala, we approach every event with a fresh perspective, blending creativity with practicality to make your vision a reality. For us, every event is an opportunity to craft stories and memories that last a lifetime.
We’d love to help you bring your next event to life with elegance, style, and a touch of magic. Let’s celebrate in style!
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
Yes, at Vogue Rentals, we take pride in manufacturing many of our products in-house. This journey began with my co-founder, Artur, who has been crafting custom furniture for many years. His expertise in furniture design and manufacturing allowed us to bring unique, high-quality pieces to life, tailored specifically for the event industry.
When we started, we realized that the market lacked furniture that combined both style and durability—essential elements for events. Instead of sourcing generic pieces, we decided to create our own, ensuring that every item met our high standards of quality and design.
Our process began in California, where we set up a workshop to produce custom tables, chairs, and decor elements. Having full control over the manufacturing process allowed us to innovate and create pieces that stand out. We also built strong relationships with local suppliers for raw materials, which ensured consistency and supported our commitment to local craftsmanship.
Lessons Learned
One of the most significant lessons we’ve learned along the way is the importance of blending functionality with aesthetics. Event furniture not only needs to look stunning but must also be practical for repeated use. Balancing these aspects has been a challenge, but it’s one we’ve embraced.
Another key lesson was the value of adaptability. Trends in event design change rapidly, and our ability to manufacture in-house gives us the flexibility to respond quickly, offering clients the latest designs without delays.
What Sets Us Apart
By manufacturing our own products, we can customize pieces to suit specific client needs and ensure our inventory is truly unique. This has been a cornerstone of what sets Vogue Rentals apart in the event rental industry.
Looking back, starting our own manufacturing was one of the best decisions we made. It allowed us to build a brand that’s synonymous with quality, creativity, and reliability, and we’re excited to continue innovating for our clients.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at Vogue Rentals has been a combination of relationship building, maintaining a strong online presence, and consistently exceeding client expectations.
1. Building Relationships:
Relationships are the cornerstone of our business. We’ve cultivated strong connections with event planners, wedding coordinators, and venues. These partnerships have been invaluable, as they often recommend us to their clients. By consistently delivering exceptional service, we’ve built trust and a network of loyal collaborators who know they can count on us.
2. A Robust Online Presence:
In today’s digital age, having an engaging and visually appealing online presence is non-negotiable. We’ve invested heavily in showcasing our work through platforms like Instagram, where our audience can see our furniture in real event settings. Our website is designed for seamless user experience, allowing clients to explore our inventory, add items to a cart, and request quotes easily.
3. Word-of-Mouth and Referrals:
The quality of our service and products speaks for itself. Many of our clients come from referrals – whether it’s a couple recommending us to their friends or a corporate client passing on our name. This organic growth has been fueled by consistently going above and beyond for our customers.
4. Client Experience:
We understand that events are deeply personal and often once-in-a-lifetime occasions, so we focus on making the rental process smooth and stress-free. From personalized consultations to timely deliveries and impeccable setups, our attention to detail sets us apart. Happy clients often turn into repeat customers or become our best advocates.
By combining these strategies, we’ve managed to grow not just our clientele but also our reputation as a reliable and creative partner in the event industry. Our approach has been rooted in authenticity, passion, and a commitment to making every client’s vision a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vogue.rentals/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoguerentals
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevoguerentals
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/80911382/
- Twitter: https://x.com/voguerentals
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VogueRentals
Image Credits
Sergey Green
Kristin Healy
Peyton Byford