Conversations with Claire Li

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Li

Hi Claire, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Mae Bridal was born from the combined expertise of three friends with backgrounds in fashion, marketing, and business. We set out to create a unique bridal experience in Los Angeles that would resonate with brides searching for elegant wedding dresses and unforgettable moments. Named after Maeve, the daughter of one of our founders, Mae Bridal embodies her joyful spirit, which we bring to our Santa Monica bridal shop every day. With the support of our entire team, including Maeve herself when she’s not at daycare, we aim to make every bride’s visit to our bridal store truly special.

Expect good vibes, stunning views, and beautiful wedding dresses. We are proud to bring renowned designers like & For Love, Eleonore Pauc, Project Bridal, and DAHL to Los Angeles, offering an unconventional and worldly bridal concept. Our showroom in Santa Monica features two distinct spaces: the Ocean Room, with its terrace overlooking the Pacific, where brides often celebrate finding “the one” with a glass of champagne, and the Blossom Room, filled with flowers that create a romantic atmosphere for each appointment.

A bridal fitting at Mae Bridal is an intimate, personal experience—a memory to cherish with loved ones. At our exclusive Santa Monica bridal shop, we strive to create the kind of experience we would want for ourselves, ensuring every bride feels uniquely special. We’ve shared countless moments of joy and tears with our brides, and look forward to many more in the future.

In addition to offering a range of beautiful wedding dresses—from boho wedding dresses to minimalist and classic styles—we host special events at our showroom. We collaborate with local businesses, such as Skinceuticals, to provide exclusive offers and goodie bags, further enhancing the personalized experience at Mae Bridal.

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?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, ours has had its challenges. But when you’re passionate about your work and stay true to your vision, the path forward becomes clearer. Our journey has been one of growth and discovery, shaping Mae Bridal into the joyful, unique space it is today. We’re proud of how far we’ve come in establishing ourselves as one of the best bridal shops in Los Angeles, offering everything from beach wedding dresses to elegant, classic gowns.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Mae Bridal, our diverse backgrounds in business, marketing, and design have allowed us to craft a truly unique bridal experience. With Coco’s design degree, Karolina’s decade-long experience in marketing, and Claire’s expertise in finance in New York, we’ve come together to elevate boutique international designers. Our focus is on curating exclusive designers who have little to no presence in Los Angeles—or even the United States—bringing their exceptional work to discerning LA brides.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; our brides frequently tell us they’ve never encountered such unique and distinctive collections before. We’re also committed to collaborating with local businesses to ensure that every bride who visits Mae Bridal receives not just a gown but an unforgettable, personalized experience at our Santa Monica bridal shop.

Any big plans?
We’re excited to continue introducing unique wedding dress styles to Los Angeles, all while maintaining our commitment to providing exceptional, personalized experiences for every bride. Our vision is to establish Mae Bridal as the best bridal boutique in Santa Monica, recognized for offering a fresh and inspiring approach to bridal shopping. Whether you’re searching for a casual wedding dress for a beach ceremony or a luxurious gown for an elegant affair, we aim to seamlessly blend fashion with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that truly sets us apart in the Los Angeles bridal community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maebridal.com
• Instagram: mae.bridal

Image Credits
Models: Alivia; Anastasia; Tyler; Maya