Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlean Moore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Arlean. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am pretty sure that my first outfit as a little girl was a dress, a string of pearls and a fabulous pair of shoes! My closest friends would definitely vote me as the “most likely to be overdressed” for a simple lunch or special event. I am also the girl that dressed all of my friends for their special events – I was everybody in my circle of friends’ best shopping buddy. As far back as I can remember, I have always had a special love for dresses, fashion and helping girls/women through encouragement, and looking their best. I am a technology project manager by profession, working for companies as MCI, Worldcom and Reuters with over 15 years in the industry. In addition to my corporate career, I started Amore Weddings & Events in 2003. I ventured into event planning in 2001 when my boss learned that his planner had done nothing three weeks to his wedding….his fiancé’s family, a large one, was coming in from Italy for the wedding. During the three weeks of planning, I realized that my project management experience partnered well with event planning. After planning my own wedding in 2003, Amore Weddings & Events was launched.
Prior to opening Amore Bridesmaids, I was with Thomson Reuters. In fall of 2015, Thomson Reuters made the difficult decision to close their Houston operations, and I was laid-off. I was crushed, and I needed to take some time off to figure out my next step. I was assisting my friend that operates a non-profit one day and in the discussion, I shared that I have always wanted to open a boutique since high school….her response was, “well, why don’t you.” My husband encouraged me to do what I love, and has been supportive throughout. I wish I could say that I had a perfect plan from the start, but I did not. I opened Amore Dress Boutique with the idea of selling day-to-dinner, cocktail dresses and church suits…Boy, if I had continued on that path, my business would not have survived. How did I go from Amore Dress Boutique to Amore Bridesmaids Boutique? I bumped into to it. As mentioned, I love dressing up, and after finding the Lela Rose Bridesmaids line (I am a fan of Lela Rose), I decided to bring them on as my formal line due to the great designs and price points. My vendor put me on their website as an authorized retailer, and before I could even hang my shingle, I had people calling AND showing up on my doorstep for bridesmaids dresses. My very first customer was from Beaumont, TX…Yes, they drove down just for me, and no they did not call. I made the decision to transition and focus on bridesmaids, and it has been wonderful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, as they say, “Cash is King”! For me, like many other small business owners, maintaining cash-flow especially in such a young business can be a challenge. I made mistakes early on, and with the transition to focus on bridesmaids. I have had to diversify as bridal is a cyclical business; so, I now carry flower girl, Jewelry, bridesmaids robes. Seasonally, I carry homecoming, and will be bringing in prom in 2018. I also provide, Day of Wedding Coordination Services throughout the year.
The challenge that remains is not so much online shopping but what we call in the industry “shopping” or “showrooming”. This is when a customer will come into your store, try on dresses, ask for advice and guidance, have the experience, then take photos of the tags or dress, and buy it or look for it online. I have had the pleasure of coming to the rescue of several bridesmaids after they’ve bought from online and counterfeit sites. Due to not being close to what they ordered or incorrect sizing; and needed a dress right away. Really, “shopping” a small business is not cool.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Amore Bridesmaids Boutique – what should we know?
By now, you have probably figured out that my store name plays on my name – Arlean Moore; however, it’s more than that – It’s All About Love. Love of fashion. Love of people. Love of the work I do. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to ensure that my customers have a great customer service experience first, and then, fall in love with a gorgeous dress. I have had customers tell me that they feel like they have visited one of their favorite relatives after being in Amore. They really do become part of my family, and I do my best to take care of them for their special day. I am a one person operation with two on-call contract employees for my super busy weekends, and by the grace of God, I get it all done – and I do it well. I generally have a phone consult with my bride to get a sense of her vision. When the appointment arrives, I will often have dresses pulled-out based on our consult. Once they have tried a few dresses, I can better narrow down what the individual really wants, and what will look best on them…bridesmaids want to look great also! I spend time listening, educating and making suggestions along the way. I am most proud that my business is growing from customer referrals, and that my customers become part of the Amore Bridesmaids family. They get great service, a gorgeous dress for a great price, $160-$340, and they become Amore Bridesmaids…they send me gorgeous pictures and I even get invited to their weddings. In addition to bridesmaids, I put non-traditional brides, mothers and even grandmothers in dresses from the lines I carry.
Amore Bridesmaids is a 100% woman owned, and U.S. Army Veteran Owned-Business.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband is my biggest supporter who never lets me quit, and provided financial support early on. My god-daughter, Kaitlan Kirkwood, who also serves as my assistant/associate buyer and consultant. She encourages me, keeps my schedule, and is an awesome merchandiser. My summer intern, Patricia Escobar, is a business major at Texas A&M, who checks in on me, and she’s the ultimate organizer. My girlfriends who will jump in, and help me at bridal shows whenever needed. The bridal community is a very tight-knit group, and there are several shop owners locally and around the country that have served as mentors and sources of encouragement.
Pricing:
- Dresses Range from $160-350. Average pricing $250
- Dresses should be ordered 3-5 months prior to wedding
- Sample dresses in various sizes and colors available for $100 and below
- Need a dress right away? Quick delivery dresses available
Contact Info:
- Address: 421 Gentry #206,
Spring, TX 77373 - Website: www.amorebridesmaids.com
- Phone: 832-823-5183
- Appointment requests: https://www.amorebridesmaids.com/appointments/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amorebridesmaids/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmoreBridesmaids/
Image Credit:
SD Photography
Eliza Kinnard Photograpy
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
