I have something GREAT for you today! In Podcast Episode #23 (yep, I’m back on the podcast train…) I interview a Holly Greenhagen from Dame Couture. Holly is a designer and a retailer and her charming bridal shop is in Evanston, IL. She spills the beans in this interview about what works, what’s not working, and what bridal designers should do to get bridal buyers interested.
In this episode, Holly and I discuss:
- Why she decided to design her line AND carry other bridal lines too
- How her journalism degree from Northwestern turned into a bridal business
- How she gets customers
- Which part of the business sells the most – accessories? Holly’s own designs? veils?
- How to pitch a bridal store buyer to get your line pick up
- What makes a bridal buyer carry a new collection in their shop
- The deal with Bridal Trunk Shows and how to book one
- What kind of pictures bridal designers should have
- Who GETS the order when there are so many choices out there
Mentioned in the Interview:
- Bridal line Rebecca Schoneveld
- Bridal line Truvelle
- The Emyth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
- Screw It, Let’s Do it by Richard Branson
Click below to listen to the interview:
You can also click here to download the podcast to any device as an mp3
Find Holly and Dame Couture here:
What do YOU think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Good or bad, I just LOVE hearing from you!
As always, thanks for reading and listening,
Jane
13 Responses
Jane, that was an awesome interview with Holly! You asked all the right questions and the information Holly shared is so helpful to me at this point in my business. Thank you both so much!
It’s my pleasure!! And Holly is terrific to answer all my probing (and sometimes not too PC) questions!
It almost makes me want to open a new bridal salon. I love the idea of trading samples. Having to purchase the 5 gowns a season was always difficult because you could get stuck with dresses you didn’t like and old inventory. I wonder how the trading of samples might work with couture retail pieces, hmmmm…….
You always give me something to think about. Great interview Jane. Thank you Holly.
Ericka
Thanks, Ericka!! You’re up next! I’ll reach out to you because I need a pic of your lovely mug.
– Jane
Great interview! It’s always great to hear what store owners are interested in and how the like to be approached. I loved the “don’t tell me your inspiration” line. I thought people wanted that – I was wrong! Thanks, Jane!
Oh man, JoJo… Buyers do NOT care about your inspiration at all. Consumers care, but B to B selling is different in this aspect.
– Jane
Hi Jane! Thank you for this great info! I met Holly on one of your first manufacturing tours and had a great day with her and really liked her sensibility. So, of course, I had to drive by her lovely store just to see it in person.
It’s fantastic to get an update on her business and business acumen.
Her shop is GREAT, isn’t it? She makes you feel very at home. Thanks, Laura!
Jane
How cool is this! To get that perspevtive! Not much difference on the other side of the ocean! Thanks for sharing this info Jane! Much appreciated!
Yep, it’s a small world after all… Thanks, Wendela!
Jane
P.S. Sorry to put that song in your head.
I absolutely love your podcasts!!! Is there any way to get them through iTunes so I can listen in my car?
Thank you!!!
Flannery
YES!! They will be on iTunes soon – about 2 weeks. Be sure you’re on my list and we’ll send you a notice. You can sign up here: https://fashionbrainacademy.com/contact/
– Jane
This podcast was so helpful!!! We are wondering what the name of the small business wholesale show is? We’ve never heard of this but it would be very up our alley!
Thank you!