Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Schneller.
Hi Kelsey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Initially, I had an Etsy shop where I sold homemade candles, string art, and watercolor bookmarks while lettering in volleyball and basketball during my high school years. I applied to enter into an annual craft show where the manager rejected my application three times because he said that I wouldn’t make back the cost to enter. I did make back the cost of entry plus 300% ROI.
I started a youtube channel (Kelsey’s Vlogs), a TikTok (WorkoutswithKel) where I gained 104K followers, became a licensed real estate agent in GA and TN, and flipped furniture all while attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Having made $1,000 flipping furniture and other small amounts of money here and there from my past projects and jobs, I was able to buy enough inventory to build my own website and enter into styled shoots. Even though there was no payment involved for styled shoots, it really did help get my name out there. The night of my first styled shoot, I booked my first wedding for over $800!
After three months, I was able to book 12 different events and weddings and make ⅓ of my investment back. I have built up enough inventory to be able to book events and weddings of over 200 people. I offer a full range of rentals including glassware, flatware, chargers, table runners, napkins, custom mirrors and name tags, plates, chairs, custom cake toppers, and candlesticks.
I am making lots of mistakes but that’s the only way to learn!
Where I got the name: I picked “GlassWing” as their company name to honor her mother, April Schneller, who is a big part of her life and the beginning of GlassWing, and Lori Johns, a second mother to me, who planted the seed of my business. When I was growing up, whenever I had bad dreams, my mom would tell me to think of butterflies. It always seemed to make me forget my scary nightmares. When researching butterfly names, I came across a butterfly called “Glasswing” that had glasslike wings, and that is where GlassWing Event + Wedding Rentals LLC comes from.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is never a smooth ride in business. Some of the things that I have struggled with are getting pricing right, getting too excited and ordering new inventory before deposits, budgeting, keeping up with the trends, and what websites are the best based on quality and price.
I’m working really hard on my mindset and on not putting limitations on myself and visions for the future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
GlassWing Event and Wedding Rentals LLC is a vintage rental company with a wide range of rental offerings including plates, chargers, glassware, napkins, custom mirror signage, flatware, custom cake toppers, chairs, custom name tags, and candlesticks. GlassWing works directly with clients to design the perfect unique tablescape and offers many customizable rentals in areas of Chattanooga, TN; Dalton, GA and Atlanta, GA. We provide quality products and services at competitive prices and promise to always treat people with respect and honesty.
I attend Georgia Institute of Technology where I am concentrating in Accounting and getting certificates in Entrepreneurship and Real Estate Development. I have a passion for learning new things, getting outside of my comfort zone, and dreaming of big futures. I anticipate turning GlassWing Rentals into a warehouse with the front being set up for staging so clients can view the inventory. On top of this, I am looking forward to expanding into a wedding venue.
I love working with people and new styles. I don’t take no for an answer or back down very easily.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Honestly, my biggest advice is just start. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes paralyze you from starting or continuing. You are on your path and can’t get off of it. So work hard.
Pricing:
- $1 for most Glassware
- $2 for most Chargers
- $1 for most plates
- $2 for name tags
- $0.50 for napkins
Contact Info:
- Email: schnellerkelsey@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.glasswingrentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasswingrentals/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassWingRentals
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Kelsey%E2%80%99sVlogs-furnitureflips
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey.schneller/?hl=en
Image Credits:
Madeline Jane Photography Abby Horne Photography
