We were lucky to catch up with Anna Braff recently and have shared our conversation below.
Anna, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I grew up with meager beginnings in a small town. My parents were divorced and I was raised by my single mother. She willingly took on the arduous task of being the sole income earner and parent. She raised my sister and me without help from my father; her parents passed away when we were young. She had no siblings and much of our extended family did not help with emotional or financial support. It was just us three. I know how hard she worked, but also I wanted to get out of my circumstances. I always worked hard, studied hard, and dreamed big, so I knew I would be destined for more so long as I worked at it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I own Provenance Rentals, a boutique specialty rentals and prop house in Los Angeles. Our collection includes beautiful , hard-to-find, and unique furniture and props. I created this business and work on almost every aspect of running this and helping it thrive.
People love our brand for many reasons: exemplary customer service, high quality products, and the overall feel and identity it gives an event, home staging, brand activation, conference, or industry production. We curate things that are special. We distinguish ourself from everyone else. We want the rentals to reflect our customers’ personalities and design aesthetics. Everyone wants to feel unique and special, whatever that definition may be. We want our clients to resonate with that same vibe.
Provenance Rentals is always looking at where trends are going in addition to staying true to beautiful, timeless, and classical pieces. Our brand is a mix of both modern and vintage and both can actually compliment each other and are not mutually exclusive. We are continually adding to our collection, so we encourage customers to check our new arrivals page on our website provenancerentals.com, our social channels, or even better — schedule a visit in person — since not everything is photographed right away.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important skills or areas of knowledge that were (and still are) most impactful to my journey are professionalism, uniqueness, and boldness. Having a legal background prepared me to start and run a business in a professional manner. We are transparent, honest, communicative, and we deliver what we promise and hopefully more. In terms of uniqueness, anyone can start a business, and these days it is hard to think of anything novel or original. With that being said, we go back to our core values of how are we different? What sets us apart? And it cannot be just price. You have to really tailor and speak to your client. Everyone is different so your approach, designs, and products have to fit with the uniqueness of that client. Boldness goes hand in hand with running a business. Every time I have made calculated risks they have paid off. It may not be right away, but I truly believe you cannot just sit there and wait. You need to seize opportunities and push outside your comfort zone.
I think anyone in the position of deciding whether to start a business, how to actually run a business once you are in it, and how to stay motivated will need to find the things that push them to grow. If my words resonate with them, I can say with professionalism — always do your job and do your job well. One great piece of advice was under promise and over deliver. It is helpful to manage expectations so you can blow your client away. It is important to say what you mean and mean what you say. Set boundaries with clients, have strong contracts reviewed by a good attorney, show up on time, be presentable, have a professional website and socials.
With uniqueness, what makes you special that people are willing to trust you and surrender their hard-earned money for your products or services? Clients have the right and power to find similar or equivalent services or products elsewhere, but they choose you. Why? Ask yourself. And realize it is you they like, not just what you do. Take pride in finding why you are unique as a person. You are your brand.
Boldness. Well, the fact you even want to put yourself out there as a creator, founder, or entrepreneur that takes chutzpah. Timid people don’t take on risks like that, so first give yourself a pat on the back and some grace. Next, listen to yourself. If something keeps tugging at your to make that decision, make that call, buy that inventory or equipment, or publish or perform something — it is worth listening to. Fortune favors the bold. But always try to balance this with consequences. It may not be right away you reap the benefit, but act wisely in your choices.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mom is my rock. She always supports me and wants me to succeed. She pushes me when I have shown fear and she believed in me when I wasn’t quite ready or battling imposter syndrome. My mom only sees the good in me and she is one of the kindest, sweetest people in the world. My mom, for the most part, fostered my independence — I think she knew she always had a curious explorer on her hands and she allowed me to do that. My mom just loves me unconditionally and I rely on her for support. She’s my safe space. You need a good support system when you are trying to be an entrepreneur, and I am so lucky I have that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://provenancerentals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/provenancerentals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/provenancerentals/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/31419951
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/provenancerents
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WulyIhjbyRxNVQ30PCyFA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/provenance-rentals-inglewood
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@provenancerentals
Image Credits
Peterson Design & Photography Cruzio Weddings Reality & Retrospect Natasha Campos Redamancy Photo & Film Joanna Webb
