Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Fuentes-Rivera.
Hi Karla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Getting into bridal was a happy accident. After going to school for Design and Retail Management, I ended up working in sports Public Relations. Honestly, I was looking for a part-time gig and had applied for a stylist position for a bridal shop. I ended up getting hired as a shop manager and was quickly promoted to Regional manager. After four years I realized I could do this better. I opened my Sacramento location in March 2015 and after 5 successful years, I had the opportunity to open a location in Los Angeles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was rough learning how to manage two stores that have very distinct clientele, but our team has been fantastic in pinpointing the wants/needs of our brides. Currently, the biggest struggle has been finding stylists that care and can lead with love rather than making a targeted sales goal.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are the only Afro-Latinx owned bridal shop in Los Angeles and the only shop that is female-owned and lead. We specialize in clean and modern looks but have something for every bride in a size-inclusive range. Brides get a one-on-one experience with a stylist and we create a private experience low stress/pressure shopping experience. We provide in-house tailoring (which includes customizing gowns) and accessories and brides can book a “VIB” experience if they want the store for themselves.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I believe that the bridal shopping experience is a happy one. I wasn’t our brides to know that we believe in creating a life memory filled with joy and love, one worth driving thru LA traffic and the hassle of finding parking in the Arts District when our complimentary valet isn’t available.
Pricing:
- We cap our gown prices at $4500
- We start around $1350 for special order dresses
- We offer out of collection dresses starting at $899
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onyxbridal.com
- Instagram: @onyx_bridal
- Facebook: @onyxbridalla
Image Credits
KATELYN BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
