We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Sipple and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
A strong desire to build something of my own pushed me to take the leap and start SIPS Rentals. My journey through different areas of the event industry began with work as a planner in Syracuse, New York. I moved to Charlotte to work on the venue side of the business. Regardless of the positions I held, I found myself constantly drawn to the more creative design side. I saw firsthand how the right decor choices could completely transform a space and set the stage for an unforgettable experience. I wanted to build a brand that not only provided beautiful pieces but also felt approachable and personal. Working with clients to guide them through the entire process or merely providing items that complete their vision. It’s been incredibly rewarding to bring that plan to life and be part of events that are incredibly meaningful to the clients I work with.

What should our readers know about your business?
A strong desire to build something of my own pushed me to take the leap and start SIPS Rentals. My journey in the event industry started in Syracuse, New York, where I worked as a planner. I later moved to Charlotte and stepped into the world of venue operations. In every role, I found myself drawn to the design side of events—the way the right details and decor could completely transform a space and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

I didn’t just want to offer rentals—I wanted to create a brand that felt approachable, personal, and supportive at every stage of the planning process. That’s why SIPS isn’t just about beautiful pieces. What sets us apart is offering clients more of a one-stop shop. From design guidance to carefully curated inventory and collaborative vendor relationships, we make it easier to pull everything together in one place, without losing the heart and creativity that make an event feel special.

It hasn’t been easy. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced plenty of uncertainty, self-doubt, and growing pains. One of the hardest parts was leaving the security of traditional event roles to bet on my vision. But every challenge has taught me something about resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying rooted in my “why.” I’ve learned to trust the process, lean into the pivots, and keep showing up.

At SIPS, every piece in our collection is chosen with intention, and every client experience is grounded in care. We’re proud to offer high-quality, reusable decor in a world that leans too heavily on single-use. And we love partnering with other local creatives—planners, venues, and small businesses—to help bring meaningful, beautifully designed events to life.

SIPS Rentals isn’t just a rental company. It’s a brand built on community, creativity, and care. I started this business to help people celebrate with intention, and I’m so proud of the way we’ve stayed true to that mission.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Charlotte for a week, I’d make sure they got the perfect mix of great food, fun spots, and local gems that show off what makes this city so special.

We’d kick things off with a walk down the greenway to Sunflour Bakery for lunch and coffee, then head to South End to hang out at Monday Night Brewing—a perfect spot for drinks, lawn games, and people-watching.

The next day, we’d explore Camp North End, checking out the art and local shops. Lunch would be at Optimist Hall—with so many great stalls, it’s hard to choose just one. At night, we’d grab drinks and take in the skyline views from the rooftop at Nuvole.

Midweek, we’d get outside with a walk or paddleboarding session at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Afterward, we’d wind down at Substrate with a glass of wine and grab pizza next door from Bird Pizzeria.

For a more relaxed day, we’d do a little shopping at SouthPark Mall, then drive up to Davidson for dinner at Kindred. We’d end the evening with a stroll through the charming downtown streets.

Saturday would start at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, followed by a game of pickleball. That evening, we’d head to The Crunkleton for craft cocktails and a great dinner to cap off the weekend energy.

To wrap up the week, we’d get an early start with a hike at Crowders Mountain.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my parents. Their constant support, encouragement, and belief in me have meant everything. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, whether I was taking a leap into something new or navigating the ups and downs of running a business. Their work ethic, values, and unconditional love have shaped so much of who I am today, and I’m endlessly grateful for the foundation they gave me. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://www.sipsrentals.com

Instagram: @sipsrentals

Image Credits
Faded Fern Photography
Moving Mountains Photography
Anais Guerlin
Click Away Photography
Christian Reyes Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.