Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Cardoso.
Tricia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story of how I started is pretty unique to me Lol I began working from home due to covid-19 in March 2020 and then by September while I was eight months pregnant with my first child, I randomly had an idea of starting an event rental business, focusing mostly on wicker furniture and props such as peacock chairs and such. I decided to name our business Crowned Rentals because of how I felt when I first sat on a peacock chair (royalty and a queen). We started off with just one chair and then we started growing as months passed with our inventory and knowledge of the field we were in. My husband is my business partner and the person that assists me with repairs, set-ups and much more; I don’t think I would be able to do it all without his help. By early 2021, I started planning on adding something else to our growing business and that’s when we decided to launch Bold and Luxe Picnics in April of this year. Bold and Luxe Picnics is our sister company to Crowned Rentals and we specialize in providing luxury pop-up picnics around the city. It’s a modern day way to picnic in style and it’s becoming quite popular everywhere!!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
DEFINITELY NOT haha, We had our shares of ups and downs in the last year being in this business while constantly learning and growing as we go. Mind you, I had no knowledge or background of any of this. It was all new to me so I began studying the field and connecting with other individuals that were also in the wicker rental business across the states so that helped me a lot. I don’t remember how it all happened but I am now in an Instagram group of 10+ women from all over the United States that do the same things that I do, we share ideas, stories, even the bad ones, victories and resources. The support is amazing!! Some of the struggles for me was getting my business out there, people returning some of the wicker chairs damaged and me not knowing how to go about it and pricing. I felt sometimes I sold myself short just to keep customers happy, I didn’t always charge what I had written down because if I felt it was too much then I would possibly lose a potential client. I am learning to stand firm in my price especially when it starts to add up and also learning to do better when it comes to time management and learning when to stop working so I can focus on my family at home.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Aside from my business, I work as a victim/witness advocate for Fulton County District Attorney’s office. I have been there for 2 1/2 years. I work beside attorneys, investigators, victims, etc. and I am the mediator and support system to the victims and witnesses of crimes. I provide resources, attend court hearings and trials with them and soo much more. I am proud of being in this position even more so now that I work in the special victims unit (consists of adult sex crimes, domestic violence, crimes against women and children, elderly abuse and animal cruelty). As a domestic violence survivor and someone who almost lost their lives due to DV and gone through PTSD, I felt it was a calling for me. It was an important role and a familiar path so I felt the need to be a voice to the voiceless and the resourceful person to these victims because I didn’t have that. I was in a toxic relationship for three years and it began while I was young and naïve and at that time, I didn’t recognize the early signs of abuse until later when it became to difficult to walk away. I was living up north and my mother was in Atlanta not knowing what I was experiencing. I was too ashamed to speak on it; I couldn’t afford living on my own so I felt stuck. Today, giving all glory to God, I am grateful that I was able to break free from that relationship, create a healthier one years later, going after my dreams while pursuing healing. I am excited for what the future holds for me and it has only began!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The number 1 for me is the bible; going on my own journey and experiencing God for myself has been life-changing. I wouldn’t be able to do none of this without him. I also love these two YouTube channels, Impact theory w/ Tom Bilyeu and the school of greatness w/ Lewis Howes. I love learning so they have some of the most amazing and motivational guests from all walks of life, I highly recommend it. For podcast, I love Dr. Caroline Leaf, she is a cognitive neuroscientist that introduces Christianity in her teachings as well. She has helped me understand my PTSD so much and she’s extremely resourceful. I have one of her books called “cleaning up your mental health”, I’ve attended a conference where she spoke and I also follow her on Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Email: crownedrentalsatl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @crowned_rentals @boldandluxepicnics
Image Credits
Photographer: @dr8nn Makeup: @ebonemakeupartistry Hair: aleysiasbeautybar
