Meet Kira Karamanos of Kuki’s Bridal in Antelope Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Karamanos.

Kira, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The road to the manifestation of our business was filled with challenges and obstacles that would later prove to be the defining factors in the success and the perseverance of Kuki’s Bridal. The origins of our narrative are derived from countless consecutive struggles that are widely known to be near impossible if not unfathomable to the wide majority of Americans.

At a very young age, I was always interested in fashion and design. My mother being a very talented seamstress influenced me so deeply, I shadowed her every move. Finally, at the age of just ten years old I was given an opportunity to immerse myself in my passion. My mother had bought the rights to our very own “Kuki’s Bridal.” Over time, I became experienced in aspects of fashion and design that involved every specification of garments. In doing so I gained extensive skills in the business aspect of the operation. I not only designed garments but I developed passion for sales. I knew that this business was a perfect match for me because I took so much joy and pride in being able to contribute to perfecting a brides ideal wedding day; although, at times it can be extremely stressful the satisfaction of contributing to such happiness is extremely fulfilling. My father, being the insightful and genuine man he is, had always said that if you enjoy what you do you will never work a day in your life, and I’ve found this to be increasingly accurate.

To extend my scope of understanding regarding my own business; my ambition guided me to strive for higher education where I knew I could maximize my potential as a team member and leader. I knew that a business degree would be the most beneficial program for my skill set, so I went on to study Business Marketing at California State University Northridge, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree while maintaining honors status. There have been so many educational moments in this adventure, but I’m confident that there is so much more and am adamant about keeping an open and humble mind to the possibilities that circulate my reality.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My mother came to this country from Bolivia at the age of twenty-four. Being so young, deprived of money, and comprehension of the language. She came here as many did before her, with a dream and the righteous ambition to better her life and her family’s back home. She began working immediately cleaning houses and continued to do so throughout my childhood. I would go along with her when I was young and knew that this was not what I wanted my mother to be doing in the long run. She had a background in design from when she came from Bolivia and was very talented with creating garments. She began doing alterations out of our home and was successful with it.
So, when the opportunity to purchase Kuki’s Bridal arose things became clear to her, she knew that it was destiny. For a young immigrant, there is nothing more difficult to be away from your family in a potentially hostile environment with no literacy of the language. When I become, frustrated or stressed out by the rigors of my business I consistently refer to my mother’s struggles, because it reinforces my zeal and pushes me even further than what I thought my limits were before.

Like any business, there are always hard days that you can never get out of your head when you get home. I always try to remember that I love my clients and I try my absolute best to please them, but you can never make everyone happy. I’m human, we’re all human and make mistakes but within a business, mistakes are always lessons to be learned. I take my struggles and value them because if it wasn’t for struggles along the way, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kuki’s Bridal – what should we know?
We are a proud professional establishment that offers a wide range of services as well as a multitude of various designer gowns. Not only do we offer wedding gowns, but any formal gown that could possibly be required. This includes but is not limited to; formal events such as prom, pageants, mother of the bride/groom, bridesmaids, flower girls, and tuxedo rentals. We are known as a one-stop-shop when visiting our fine establishment, there will be a visible wide selection of anything from accessories to undergarments. We specialize in in-house alterations and customizations of gowns with the artisanship of a clear professional with over 35 years of experience.

To keep a diverse inventory, each season I fly out to bridal fashion week and preview dresses from the newest collections that the designers have just released. I always think of every body type and keep in mind of what to select to ensure I have a dress for any bride that comes into my location. Were known in the Antelope Valley for having the largest selection of wedding dresses. What makes us unique is that we’re not a corporation, were a family owned establishment with dedicated team who genuinely cares about our clients. I care about how my customers look and feel on their special day because it’s a reflection of our business.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Here at Kuki’s Bridal, we really do love our clients and we would like to sincerely pay tribute and thank them. Without the undying support of our loyal clients, our business would never have been able to flourish as it has. To our clients, we would like to express our upmost gratitude along with a promise to continue to service our area with nothing but the absolute best professionalism and expertise that we have been known to provide. We hope to continue to build new relationships with future clients, so to our potential clients, we hope to see you soon.

Pricing:

• Wedding gowns can average between: $1,200-$1,600
• Our price range for wedding gowns ranges from $300-$4,000

Contact Info:

• Address: 42117 50th st. W Quartz Hill CA. 93536
• Website: kukisbridal.com
• Phone: (661)943-4600
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kukisbridal/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kukisbridals/

Image Credit:
Kira Karamanos

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.