blazing

In this new space they have ample storage for their ever-growing inventory. Five triple decker rows of custom-built shelving 16 feet wide, by 24 feet long, and 8 feet high hold the larger furniture pieces. There are letters on the aisles and pictures on each shelf to indicate the “address” where pieces belong. Other areas of the showroom house collections of vases and glassware, pillows and decorative blankets, wall hangings and mirrors, rugs, candleholders and all types of accessories to add interest to an event backdrop. If you browse through the Gathered Boutique Rentals website, you will notice interesting names for pieces of furniture. Frequently those names relate to where the piece was acquired or something about its former purpose. To hear Brusven talk about these pieces, you can tell she cares for them and loves their unique characteristics and personality.

An added benefit of the new showroom is the ability to host small events on site. The space can comfortably handle 25 to 45 guests for a seated event or up to 50 guests for a social. Included in the rental package is furniture, tabletop decor, dishware and a crew to set it up and take it down. When Gathered Boutique Rentals stages events at other sites, the design team works with clients to cultivate an idea or vision into a fully implemented and beautiful plan. On the day of the event, they bring that design to life and oversee every aspect of set-up including furniture and florals, to dishware and the dessert table. They make sure that every detail is perfectly placed, and when the fun is over, they see that it all comes down and is taken away.

Meeting with clients and discussing their ideas, hopes and dreams for the occasion is the exciting beginning of each event. As Brusven explains, “We love to help people see outside the box and create an experience for their guests that is truly unique, interesting and memorable.” Because the inventory is close at hand in the warehouse it is easy for her to help people envision and consider new options they may never have thought of on their own.

The Balancing Act

As with any entrepreneurial business owner, it is easy to allow work to invade every waking moment. Juggling two busy career schedules while caring for sons Miles (11) and Simon (8) has certainly been a challenge, but as Brusven and her husband describe it, “With our irregular schedules, managed chaos is simply the norm.” They both appreciate the freedom their jobs give them to take the kids to work when necessary, and one unique feature built into their new showroom is a loft hideout for the boys. “It creates a fun space for them to read, play and relax, while we work,” says Brusven. “I love that this business truly is family-run right down to my kids!” Sometimes Miles and Simon help shuffle couches or build platforms. This time of working together has given the boys opportunities to learn valuable lessons about work ethic and what it really means to pursue a dream.

At the end of the day, in spite of being sweaty, bug bitten, bruised, and sporting broken fingernails from schlepping furniture around unusual places, Brusven considers it “a great feeling to talk with a client after an event and hear them express their delight at how much they loved and appreciated the unique atmosphere we had created together.” Reflecting on the benefits of this unusual career, Brusven truly enjoys the flexibility and the opportunity to express herself in a way that adds beauty to the world. As she thinks about the journey of developing this business, Brusven wants to encourage others to be brave and take risks too. She is thrilled to have found her niche. “I wanted to create a life for myself that was not lukewarm, but blazing — and no matter how few hours of sleep I get each night, I'm still excited to get back to work the next day.”

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