Community Highlights: Meet Michelle Hale of Sage Hill Rentals

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Hale

Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
With a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creativity, I sought an outlet beyond my analytical IT career. After years of supporting my husband’s side hustle, I was ready to pursue my own venture. Sage Hill Rentals was born, combining my business acumen with my love of design and events. This creative endeavor brings me joy and fulfillment, while also generating revenue. It’s the perfect harmony of art and commerce, allowing me to express myself and build something truly my own.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building Sage Hill Rentals has been a rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. As a creative entrepreneur, I’ve had to navigate the less glamorous aspects of business ownership, from accounting to marketing. Fortunately, my analytical background in IT has proven to be a valuable asset, allowing me to leverage my problem-solving skills to tackle these tasks efficiently. However, my analytical mindset has also presented a unique struggle: balancing the financial aspects of the business with the passion-driven creative elements. As someone who thrives on data and profitability, it’s been a learning curve to reconcile the quantitative with the qualitative, acknowledging that not everything can be measured by numbers alone. Nevertheless, this tension has taught me to trust my instincts, embrace the beauty of imperfection, and prioritize the aspects of the business that bring me joy and fulfillment.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Sage Hill Rentals, we’re an elite event rentals business located in Columbus, OH, specializing in high-end, specialty rentals like luxury chairs, dance floors, backdrops, and decor. With nearly four years of experience, we’re known for our exceptional customer service and personable brand. We value our client and vendor relationships above all, ensuring top-notch support and seamless execution.

What sets us apart is our “all-in” approach to making every event unforgettable. We’re not just a rental company; we’re a dedicated team that will go above and beyond to deliver exceptional quality and service. Our curated rentals are carefully selected to reflect our brand’s commitment to excellence, ensuring every element contributes to an unforgettable experience.

We’re most proud of our ability to provide personalized, white-glove service, tailored to each client’s unique needs and vision. We want our readers to know that we’re not just another rental company – we’re a partner dedicated to delivering the best possible experience, with high-quality rentals and exceptional customer service that exceed expectations.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As someone with a background in IT cybersecurity, I’m intimately familiar with assessing and mitigating risk. In fact, I do it every day. However, when it comes to entrepreneurship, I believe that calculated risk-taking is essential for growth and innovation.

Opening Sage Hill Rentals was a significant risk in itself. We didn’t have a traditional business plan in place, and we were venturing into unknown territory. But we saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market and were willing to take the leap. That risk has paid off, and we’ve been able to build a successful business.

We’ve also taken risks by investing in high-end rentals to scale our business. These investments weren’t cheap, but we believed that they would pay off in the long run. And they have – our clients appreciate the quality and uniqueness of our offerings, and it’s helped us differentiate ourselves in the market.

For me, risk-taking is about being thoughtful and intentional. It’s not about being reckless or impulsive. We assess the potential risks and rewards, and we make informed decisions. Sometimes that means taking a chance on something new, and sometimes it means playing it safe.

Ultimately, I believe that risk-taking is necessary for entrepreneurship. It’s what allows us to innovate, to grow, and to stay ahead of the curve. And while it can be uncomfortable at times, I believe that the potential rewards are well worth it.

Pricing:

• High-end chairs: $12-$20 per chair
• Dance floors: $1,900-$2,000 per event
• Backdrops: $300-$500 per event
• Decor and accessories: anywhere from $300-$5,000 per event

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sagehillrentals.com
• Instagram: @sagehillrentals

Image Credits
Caroline Rose Photography
Queen Annes Lace Photography