Everyone knows the changes the mortgage industry has gone thru over the last decade or so. In fact, most people know of a former mortgage loan originator. You can now add my name to that list. Yes, I am a former mortgage loan originator.
How did I make the leap and launch my own vintage tabletop rental business? That seems to be the million-dollar question.
The truth is that I was angry and miserable those last few years as a mortgage loan originator. If I’m honest, I felt trapped in a dead end 100% commissioned job. It was hard to see a way out. I had been extremely angry for years from the industry changes. Knowing full well I needed to get out of the mortgage industry but what should I do next? What can I do next?
One day out of the blue, a friend said, "You should rent china plates. You would be good at it.” Rent china plates? It might sound silly to you, but the idea sparked my curiosity.
I did a bit of research and was delighted to discover the idea was a legitimate business happening around the world, and a relatively fresh concept in Chicagoland. It reminded me of a previous job I had more than 20 years ago.  Prior to the mortgage industry, I sold retail store fixtures and everything a retail store needed to run their store from shopping bags, display racks to mannequins.  I’ll never forget the time I sold 500 piñatas to a retail store for their window display. We didn’t carry piñatas in our catalog, but with a bit of creative ingenuity I found a way to get them for the customer.   
Fast forward to now, and it seems I’m using that same determination and creativity to support customers.  This time around, I supply beautiful tableware for couples celebrating special occasions. I work hard to help them add their own style and personality to their special day.  It brings me great joy to share my vintage collection and help make their special day truly memorable.
 But how did I make the leap?
In looking back, I would say there were three things that helped me.
 1) A strong self-awareness- I understood my strengths.  
*Positivity-cup is always half full explains why I stayed in the mortgage industry too long.
*Maximizer-natural ability to take something from good to great
*Ideation-I love to brainstorm
*Relator- natural networker
*Achiever-I have always been goal oriented
2) Recognizing my values such as bringing joy to my life and to others.
3) Understanding my love language. Yep, my love language. That’s right. Mine is quality time. That’s why I enjoy my appointments with clients. Spending time hearing their story and helping to meet their needs.
These three things gave me the confidence to take a leap and launch a business based on my unique strengths and talents. I am sharing this with you in the hope that it may help you find your own true passion.
 There is nobody just like you. Embrace your strengths and take a leap! 
 
Janet Mathews
Owner and Founder
Dish & Décor Vintage Rental
www.DishandDecorVintageRental.com

As you plan your own high tea event, be sure to check out our phenomenal collection of teacups, saucers and tea pots.  We have over 900 vintage teacups and saucers. And to serve your finger sandwiches, sweets and sconces, we have an abundant supply of three and two-tiered stands and cake stands in all colors. Don't forget a tea cart and some vintage tea tins too! 

Are you trying to come up with ideas for a Romantic Wedding Shower this Spring?

​Here are some simple tips:

1) Look into renting space from your local park district. You don't have to rent from the town you live in. This photo was taken at the Crystal Lake, Illinois Main Beach Pavilion for a Styled Photoshoot.

2) Rent your tableware. They will be delivered early and picked up after the event. You won't need to worry about washing everything because the rental company picks up and does the washing.

​3) Rent your linen. Color goes a long way in setting the mood. The linen in this photo is Blossom Lamour. It has an elegant sheen to it. When you add in the textured Pink Soiree Napkins, it screams ROMANCE. All rented from Windy City Linen in Wheeling,  Illinois.

​4) If you are using a Park District venue most already have chairs and tables, so you won't need to rent those. Chairs pictured belong to the Main Beach Pavilion.

5) What food to serve. Usually most people opt for a light lunch of salads. 

6) For centerpieces, speak with your local florist on what will fit your budget. They may also have favors too. The flowers and box of chocolate favors in the photo are from Apple Creek Flowers in Woodstock.
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7) Don't forget about the cake or sweet table.

I brought together vendors for this styled shoot and submitted the photos to the local newspaper-The Northwest Herald. The paper called right away and  interviewed me over the phone. The reporter even spoke with one of my clients. I still can't believe the fantastic article they wrote. I couldn't be more happy. Click the link below to read the newspaper article.
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Dish and Decor Vintage Rental is located in Crystal  Lake, IL.
We deliver to Greater Chicago, Rockford, Naperville, Winnetka, Highland Park, Plainfield, Lake Geneva, Kenosha and surrounding areas.
We deliver. We pick up. We WASH!