Let me start off by saying how absolutely beautiful The Westside Warehouse is! From the intricate antique details to the high ceilings and everything in between, this new up-and-coming venue is truly a bride’s vision.
We met with The Westside Warehouse’s owner, Anne Flaire, on an early Fall evening as she first welcomed us into her beautiful antique room. Anne is incredibly talented at refurbishing furniture, and all of her personal antiques can be included in the venue rental for no additional charge! We continued our tour throughout The Westside Warehouse and then officially began our interview by asking Anne where her beautiful accent was from!
Let’s get started!
AF: Challans in France on the West Coast. I try to go back to France every year.
AF: When I was 21
AF: It feels like you have a foot in one country and one in the other. There are things you love and criticize in both the US and France.
AF: Venice, Italy
AF: My mother
AF: An antique dealer when I came to the US at age 21
AF: I work too much!
AF: It was a story of a friendship of two women. It was called Les Indesirables and I read it in French. I like reading in French because it’s my language and maybe I understand [the story] better.
As Anne continued to share with us more about this story, we recommended that she read one of our favorites books, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Such an amazing and inspirational read!
AF: Take risks
AF: Take risks, Anne giggles.
AF: I have no idea! I’m not really a magazine reader.
AF: My parents.
AF: Even though I don’t know how to do something, I’m going to try any way. I was told I am extremely stubborn!
AF: Not really a sport, but I wish I could learn modern dance
AF: Gardening and painting
AF: I last visited France, but my favorite was Italy
AF: I would like to go to Asia or South America. There are so many countries that I would like to travel to.
AF: Cartier watch for my 21st birthday.
AF: Oh my god! All of them! I have sets of clothes for everything.
We all laughed together when Anne told us that she changed clothes for us today because normally she would have come inside with gardening all on her clothes and twigs in her hair!
AF: Reading or gardening
AF: Spring
AF: Probably the birds
AF: In spring, everything smells good, especially flowers or cut grass.
AF: Wine or champagne
AF: French food
AF: Not a musical ear, but I do like a French singer, Barbara.
AF: Android
AF: My son just taught me Instagram. I hate it, but you have to do it for marketing and publicity! My son also created my website.
AF: Coffee
AF: Sweet
AF: Happy ending
AF: You tell me, Anne laughs!
We guessed that Anne likes her alone time, but also likes talking to people too. Anne agreed with us saying that she loves to grab a book when she gets home after socializing all day. She also said that when she was young, she was definitely more of an introvert, but in business, she has learned to be more of an extrovert.
AF: It was kind of a funny story. We tried to get the name “Events with Flaire,” but there was already another company with a similar name, so a younger friend of mine told me that the words “westside” and “warehouse” were two popular words that people googled, so we went with that instead!
AF: No, but the vendors must have licensing and insurance. Brides can bring in their own alcohol, but bartenders have to be licensed. I always give suggestions on vendors to brides when they book with me.
AF: The venue, antique furniture, parking for 120 cars, security for 4 hours, 10 inch rounds, and 10 high boys
AF: By email
AF: As an antique dealer, 33 years. Business was not doing as well, so I had an idea to create a venue for 5 years, and waited until I had the money to pay for it.
AF: I needed to find myself a job. I had the choice to make and decide if I could revamp my antique business. Posting pictures online of my antiques did not excite me and took away my passion. I like talking to people and meeting people and I have always loved this building and like working with my hands, so I said why not give a try.
AF: The preparation, Anne smiled. Moving the furniture and the decorating… Even though that is not my job, I love to help out any vendors!
AF: Before my clients come for a tour, they always ask if a particular date is available or ask for pricing and what the rental includes.
AF: The first time I did this, I had no idea what I was doing. Since then, I have more experience under my belt, so I’m getting more relaxed. Starting from 10 am to 2 am is a very long day though. I will eventually have to hire someone for the night shift!
AF: I try to live in the moment. I try not to think of the past or think too much ahead. I would like less furniture though, so that the whole space can be open. I want a garden in the front that I have already started. I could also see doing big events outside with tents.
We ended our interview asking Anne more about her travels and her life in France. We are so lucky to have been able to interview such a sweet and kindhearted person and we cannot wait to work with her in the future! -DS
Check out their website HERE.