Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanique Barnes.
Hi Yanique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey really began when I was working in luxury fashion, managing a Chanel boutique. Even though I loved the world of style and design, I always felt a pull to create something of my own, something more soulful, personal, and authentic.
After having twins, that calling got louder. In 2012, I started with just three off-white dresses that I listed on Etsy. Those dresses weren’t even meant to be wedding gowns, but brides connected with them. They wanted something different from the traditional mold, something effortless yet unforgettable, and that’s how Dreamers & Lovers was born. Over time, what started as a passion project became a thriving brand known for bohemian-inspired, California-made wedding dresses.
Thirteen years later, I’ve dressed brides all over the world, built a studio in Torrance, and developed a reputation for designs that feel as comfortable as they are beautiful. Along the way, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about the product. It’s about alignment, staying true to who you are, and building community around a shared vision.
Most recently, I launched my second brand, Atallier, dedicated to tall women. As a tall woman myself, I know the struggle of finding clothing that truly fits and flatters. Atallier was created to empower tall women with timeless, elegant pieces designed specifically for them. Both of my brands reflect the same mission: helping women feel seen, confident, and at home in their own skin.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started Dreamers & Lovers, I had no funding, no industry connections, and no roadmap. I was working out of my home, piecing everything together on my own while raising twins. There were seasons when sales slowed down, when I questioned if I had what it took, and when the responsibility of keeping the business alive felt overwhelming.
Another challenge has been staying true to my vision in an industry that often pushes trends and formulas. It would have been easier to follow what everyone else was doing, but I knew my brides were looking for something different. Holding to that conviction, even when it meant growing slower, was both a struggle and a blessing.
Launching Atallier brought its own challenges too. Tall women are an underserved market, and while that makes the mission so meaningful, it also requires education and persistence to build awareness. But each obstacle has reinforced why I started in the first place: to serve women who have been overlooked and to create pieces that make them feel confident and seen.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dreamers & Lovers. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dreamers & Lovers is a California-based bridal brand that creates wedding dresses for brides who were never meant to fit in. We specialize in gowns that are handmade locally with artisanal detail, effortless comfort, and a soul-led aesthetic. Brides often tell us that wearing one of our dresses feels like “coming home” to themselves. What sets us apart is that we design with both heart and practicality. Our dresses are lightweight, breathable, and move with ease, which is rare in bridal fashion. We’ve built a reputation for dresses that are as comfortable as they are beautiful, and we’re proud to serve brides who want something timeless, personal, and different from the traditional mold.
I am also the founder of Atallier, a ready-to-wear brand created exclusively for tall women. Atallier exists to fill a void in fashion by offering elegant, well-fitting pieces designed for women 5’10” and above. Too often, tall women are an afterthought in fashion, and I wanted to change that narrative. Our clothing is timeless and elevated, designed to give tall women the confidence to walk into any room and know they belong.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that both Dreamers & Lovers and Atallier were built with the same vision: to create spaces of belonging through clothing. Whether it’s a bride finding the gown that feels like it was made just for her, or a tall woman finally discovering a wardrobe that celebrates her height, both brands stand for empowerment, individuality, and confidence.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my focus is on deepening the impact of both of my brands. For Dreamers & Lovers, that means continuing to refine what it means to be a soul-led bridal brand. I want to grow our online reach so that more brides across the country can experience our home try-on program, and I’m also exploring a new showroom space that reflects the laid-back yet sophisticated California energy we’re known for.
With Atallier, I’m excited to expand the collection and continue building a community for tall women. This is only the beginning, and I see Atallier becoming the go-to destination for women who want timeless, elevated clothing made specifically for their height.
On a bigger level, I’m looking forward to using both brands as platforms for impact. I believe fashion can be a force for empowerment, and my long-term vision is to create not only beautiful clothing but also opportunities to give back, especially to women and girls who feel unseen or overlooked.
Pricing:
- Wedding gowns range from $2,200 – $3,200, with most brides spending around $2,500
- Ready-to-wear pieces start at $150 for elevated basics
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamersandlovers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamersandlovers_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamersandlovers/
