Sweet Everlasting…Dreams Really Do Come True

In July 2018, amid the excitement and preparations surrounding the upcoming birth of their first child, Hannah Wilson (with support and encouragement from her husband, Chris) decided it was the right time to realize her dream to one day own a boutique-style event rental company. As Hannah shared, “If you have a dream, just take a leap of faith and see where it takes you.” So, young Hannah – recently graduated from college, newly married and anxiously anticipating the arrival of their little one, took the leap. With an impressive initial inventory of vintage furniture and accessories and the rental of a 200-square-foot storage unit in Winston-Salem, she began what would prove to be an unforgettable journey full of twists and turns.

“This dream has evolved into a passion project beyond anything I could imagine.”

~ Hannah Wilson, founder of Sweet Everlasting Rentals

In those early days, Hannah met clients at her tiny storage unit to select pieces from her growing inventory. She was literally bursting at the seams and knew that, in order to expand her business, she needed more space. Hannah had no way of knowing the hardships she would encounter, and she most certainly had no idea that a global pandemic was brewing just around the corner. But, during the height of COVID, when many independently owned businesses were shutting down, Hannah took a risk and formally acquired Eventful NC – another boutique-style event rental company – in January 2021 which allowed her to move into the space they were leasing in the heart of downtown Greensboro. With a new space and plenty of room for expansion, Hannah continued to purchase beautiful and unique furniture, décor and props…increasing her treasure trove. From gorgeous vintage sofas and settees of every color to chairs, benches, mirrors, trunks, tables, lanterns and so much more, Hannah’s keen eye for curating items sure to add that “just right” touch to any occasion guaranteed her clients would find the perfect pieces to bring their visions to life. Investing in the business during a very uncertain, bleak time was a risk she was willing to take.

“It was one of the scariest things I have ever done – investing a lot of money with no way of knowing if the gamble would pay off.”

~ Hannah

Hannah watched (and cringed) as many small business owners were forced to close during the pandemic and, while she knew that could be her reality as well, she pressed on, worked hard and, gratefully, was able to keep the doors of Sweet Everlasting Rentals open. In time, as individuals and corporations began to plan events once more, her client base really picked up and, by the summer of 2023, her business was booming! And then, just like that, Hannah found herself at a crossroads once again. She learned that her Greensboro landlord was selling her space and she (and all 2,400 square feet of inventory) would have to move. It was hard news to take, but Hannah chose to take another huge (scary) leap of faith and purchase her own building. She looked far and wide and eventually located the perfect space in Yadkinville – 3,300 square feet to house her current inventory with plenty of extra space for more treasure-hunting finds. As Hannah confessed, “This relatively short entrepreneurial journey has been filled with many highs and lows, necessary risk taking and lots of faith, but I wouldn’t change any of it because it got me to where I am today.”

“It was really hard to get to this point, but worth it. I hope to inspire other young women who want to start their own business to go for it.”

~ Hannah

Always forward thinking, Hannah rebranded her business last year with a new logo, new website and a fabulous new “wishlist” feature that has proven to be a game changer. Everything on the website is rentable, and each item is easily accessible by clicking on the category of interest. Hannah stated, “It’s simple! Clients pick out the items they’re interested in from the rental inventory by starting a wishlist. They submit the wishlist to me, and I’ll create a custom quote.” For individuals who want to come to the showroom and see the items in person (which Hannah highly recommends), the wishlist feature streamlines the selection process; providing Hannah valuable information for making suggestions to help bring their visions to life. For clients who are short on time or live far away (Hannah serves all of NC and will even venture to SC and VA), this “online shopping” feature works great!

“I take great pride in transforming something old or forgotten into a timeless treasure that lives on through beautiful events.

~ Hannah

Check out the incredible inventory by visiting Sweet Everlasting’s showroom located at 1849 Old Stage Road in Yadkinville (by appointment only), or online at sweeteverlastingrentals.com. To reach Hannah, email hello@sweeteverlastingrentals.com or call 336.422.6644.

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Debbie Linville

Forsyth Magazines writer since 2016. Although Debbie has lived as far south as Florida, as far north as New York and as far west as Texas, she loves calling North Carolina (Winston Salem, in particular) home. Debbie married her high school sweetheart and they have two grown, married children. Their nest is far from empty – two adorable Havanese, Lola and Millie, keep them on their toes and fill their home with joy! Debbie recently retired from a long career in the educational arena. She holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in literacy education. After 20 years in the elementary classroom, she spent the next two decades teaching and supporting pre- and in-service teachers. She still continues to promote educators in myriad ways, but is thoroughly enjoying the flexibility of a schedule she crafts to engage in activities of her choosing. She loves spending time with family and friends, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and Crisis Control Ministries, pursuing hobbies such as card making, quilting, and photography, cooking, reading, traveling (as often as possible!), and writing on a consistent basis for Forsyth Magazines!

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