I passed by this quaint little shop one day while driving through Annapolis, and I knew I wanted to step foot inside! When I met up with Cindy at her shop, Love & Lace Bridal Boutique, a few weeks back, I loved how cozy and comfortable the place was. But more than that, I was SO impressed with Cindy’s knowledge of not only dresses, but the bridal industry in general. She shares some awesome tips with me for this feature, so keep reading to hear more from her!
How did you get started in your business?
My first job in bridals was at the age of 16. I worked part time at a bridal shop in Glen Burnie while finishing up high school. Then over the next several years I found myself in about 5 other bridal shops around Maryland. I left the industry for a while to pursue another career but always knew that the next time I worked in a bridal boutique it would be my own.
How you would describe your style? What is your favorite type of bride?
I would describe my personal bridal style as…Bridal! My 2014 wedding dress was full of beads and lace. I had a cathedral veil and I think I really played the bridal role. As far as my favorite type of bride, I would say a confident bride. A bride who knows what she likes and is confident enough to wear what she wants even if it isn’t a crowd favorite. I often seen brides who are eager to please her loved ones and – to some extent – I understand that desire, but sometimes a bride’s feelings get lost in the crowd, and I love when a bride takes control of her bridal appointment and is able to express her feelings about a style or a gown regardless of what others think. Afterall it’s her special day!
What is your favorite part about your work?
From a business stand point, my favorite part about my work is that it’s mine – I enjoy picking my inventory, I enjoy pricing it my way and being able to control my busines. As a bridal consultant, I enjoy the special bond that myself and a few of my brides form. I’ts great to be able to be a small part of this special time, and when a bride finds her gown at my shop it’s just as special to me as it is for the bride and her family. These moments can not be faked – and the emotions are very real for everyone involved in the bridal journey.
How do you love to serve your clients?
As someone who worked in bridal for a long time before owning one of my own, and also being a newlywed, I understand what my brides are searching for – it’s more than just a gown. Its an experience. Its a shop that they can be confiden. t in and a sales person who can answer the questions they have – truthfully. And I think that’s the best way I can serve my brides – by being honest and sincere in every aspect of my business.
If you had one tip for a bride, what would it be?
I can’t narrow it down to just one tip, so here’s a short list.
-Shop small and local – the experience is usually better than the big box bridal shops.
-Go with your gut and don’t over think the purchase.
-Be confident in your instincts and stop shopping after you find the gown.
-Ask questions – if your consultant can’t answer them or they aren’t confident in the answers – move along.
-Bring only the people whose opinions you truly value.
-Try everything. Even if it’s a style you’re unsure about – you could be very surprised by a silhouette you may pass over several times.
-Trust your consultant to help you find the dress. It’s our job to dress brides and most of us are really good at it!
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