Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Caballes.
Hi Symone, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hestia Event Rentals began as a blend of passion and circumstance. My professional background isn’t in design or events, but I’ve always been drawn to them. The way a space feels, the textures that invite you in, and the small details that bring everything together. The spark for Hestia came a little unexpectedly. My fiancé and I had just purchased our home in early 2024 and were looking forward to hosting family and friends during the holidays. But in September, Hurricane Helene flooded the house. With our home under construction, entertaining was off the table, and that’s when the idea of event rentals first crossed my mind. We ended up staying with my in-laws for the holidays, and my contribution was making the setting beautiful. When I started searching for pieces that matched what I envisioned, I realized the closest options were in East Tampa. Between delivery fees and logistics, it was costly and impractical.
From the beginning, Hestia felt like the perfect name to capture the spirit and meaning we wanted to share. In Greek mythology, Hestia is the goddess of hearth and home, symbolizing warmth, connection, and the essence of gathering. My fiancé is Greek and I’m Filipina, two cultures that celebrate connection, generosity, and the beauty of coming together. Naming our business after her was our way of honoring those roots and building a brand infused with soul, story, and a love for beautiful details. Today, Hestia is based in Port Richey and serves the greater Tampa Bay area. We’ve poured so much heart into this venture, and while the path hasn’t been linear, every twist and turn has brought us here. We’re thrilled to play a small part in life’s most meaningful celebrations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many small-business stories, ours began with both excitement and a fair share of growing pains. Early on, sourcing was our biggest hurdle. Finding the right pieces and vendors felt daunting, but we eventually connected with an incredible sourcing agent who’s become a trusted partner and resource. Then came the economic curveballs. Just as many of our items were ready to ship, tariffs spiked, and we decided to hold off until the turmoil settled. It was frustrating at the time, but ultimately a gift. It gave me space to refine our branding and website until they truly reflected the vision we had in mind.
When shipments finally arrived, we quickly learned we do not have enough space and also, many pieces were left behind. Instead of dwelling on it, we used that as an opportunity to find a larger space we can grow into and fine-tune our inventory to better fit our brand and the needs of our community. All of this unfolded while I was still juggling my nursing schedule, which offered some flexibility, while my fiancé, who works in construction, didn’t have the same leeway. Every spare moment went into Hestia. And of course, the unglamorous side of business (insurance, legal support, logistics, marketing, equipment, software, travel, etc.) added up quickly. Still, each obstacle strengthened our start, helped us build more intentional vendor relationships, and a stronger foundation for Hestia.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hestia Event Rentals was born out of both passion and a gap in the market. In North Pinellas and Pasco, rental options were limited. Most event rental companies were based farther south or east, making access expensive and inconvenient for local couples, planners, and venues. We wanted to change that by offering a curated collection closer to home, designed to make gatherings not just possible, but memorable whether it’s a wedding, milestone celebration, or intimate dinner. As we grow, we’re excited to expand into more design-forward and custom pieces that reflect the evolving style of the Tampa Bay community.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a natural risk-taker, but starting Hestia required stepping into risk in a very real way. For us, the biggest risk is financial. We invested heavily in inventory, branding, and all the behind-the-scenes costs of starting a company, expenses we definitely underappreciated at first. It was one of those all-or-nothing moments. When I envisioned launching Hestia and people discovering our website, I didn’t want it to look like we were just testing the waters. I wanted to make a great first impression, for others to feel the brand, and to see that we were truly competitive in the industry.
Event rentals as a concept isn’t new. We didn’t reinvent the wheel; we embraced what was already working while layering in our own style. We brought in tried-and-true staples alongside more design-driven pieces that felt true to Hestia’s aesthetic. It was a thoughtful balance of familiarity and freshness, guided by both research and intuition, and a belief that our vision had a place among the best in the space.
I’ve come to appreciate risk as a necessary aspect to growth. It’s less about avoiding uncertainty and more about trusting your preparation, instincts, and resilience to carry you through. Each challenge has been a chance to learn, adapt, and refine. Moving forward with grace, even when things don’t go as planned, has been one of the most valuable lessons of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HestiaEventRentals.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hestiaeventrentals/
