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!
DS: Where are you from?
AF: Challans in France on the West Coast. I try to go back to France every year.
DS: When did you first come to the US?
AF: When I was 21
DS: Do you miss living in France?
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.
DS: If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
AF: Venice, Italy
DS: Who is your role model?
AF: My mother
DS: What was your first job?
AF: An antique dealer when I came to the US at age 21
DS: What is your worst habit?
AF: I work too much!
DS: What is the last book you have read?
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!
DS: What advice would you give your younger self?
AF: Take risks
DS: What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
AF: Take risks, Anne giggles.
DS: If you could be featured on the front page of any magazine, what would it be?
AF: I have no idea! I’m not really a magazine reader.
DS: Who do you miss most?
AF: My parents.
DS: What is your favorite thing about yourself? Least favorite?
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!
DS: What is the one sport you wish you could play?
AF: Not really a sport, but I wish I could learn modern dance
DS: What is your favorite way to de-stress?
AF: Gardening and painting
DS: What is the last country you visited? Favorite county you have visited?
AF: I last visited France, but my favorite was Italy
DS: What country do you wish to visit next?
AF: I would like to go to Asia or South America. There are so many countries that I would like to travel to.
DS: What is the best gift that you have ever received?
AF: Cartier watch for my 21st birthday.
DS: What is the most worn item in your wardrobe?
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!
ANNE’S FAVORITES
DS: Hobby?
AF: Reading or gardening
DS: Season?
AF: Spring
DS: Animal?
AF: Probably the birds
DS: Smell?
AF: In spring, everything smells good, especially flowers or cut grass.
DS: Drink?
AF: Wine or champagne
DS: Food?
AF: French food
DS: Band?
AF: Not a musical ear, but I do like a French singer, Barbara.
ANNE’S THIS OR THAT?
DS: Android or iPhone?
AF: Android
DS: Twitter or Instagram?
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.
DS: Coffee or tea?
AF: Coffee
DS: Sweet or savory?
AF: Sweet
DS: Scary film or happy ending?
AF: Happy ending
DS: Introvert or extrovert?
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.
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
DS: How did you chose the name The Westside Warehouse?
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!
DS: Do you require brides to use certain vendors?
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.
DS: What is included in a rental package?
AF: The venue, antique furniture, parking for 120 cars, security for 4 hours, 10 inch rounds, and 10 high boys
DS: What is your preferred method of communication?
AF: By email
DS: How long have you been in business?
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.
DS: That leads us into our next question. What inspired you to open an event venue?
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.
DS: What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
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!
DS: What is your most commonly asked question by brides?
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.
DS: What is the most stressful part of your job?
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!
DS: Where is The Westside Warehouse in 5 years?
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.
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