Today we’d like to introduce you to Merrie Dudley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Merrie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a designer that even as a kid was obsessed with bridal gowns. My design career started in toys & I was lucky enough to work on great products including dolls such as Strawberry Shortcake & My First Disney Princess. That allowed me to be a bit of a fashion designer at times. I eventually took a leap of faith and started opened a bridal salon, Your Big Day that featured sample sizes 12 & up but worked with brides of every size.
One of my clients wanted a vintage inspired tea length dress & none of my vendors carried them. So I reached out to Dolly Couture and loved the dresses and the options they offered. I then began working with the founder, Dolly Thicke and learned more about the brand.
As of January 2017, I became the new owner of now, Dolly Couture Bridal, as Dolly wanted to focus on her family. I am so grateful and thrilled to continue her vision of offering affordable customizable wedding dresses to brides all over the world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing is a smooth road, the biggest roadblock for me was evolving from a traditional bridal salon to brand. I have transitioned my business, your big day from a bridal salon to a personal styling service for clients. It is not easy to balance both but my priority is to build the brand Dolly Couture Bridal.
And the other big challenge is the social media thing! There’s not enough time in the day and it’s critical for brands to have a strong presence on multiple platforms.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dolly Couture Bridal – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Dolly Couture Bridal is a vintage-inspired tea length wedding dress brand that specializes in customization. I love that most of my clients, also known as DCB2B – Dolly Couture Brides to be – customize their dresses.
I offer a menu of items that range from buttons & corset backs to sleeve lengths & pockets (by far the most popular option) The pricing is really great for a customized dress and I’m proud of the 10-year legacy of the brand delivering quality dresses to happy brides.
I am really excited about the new Artist Series. They are one-of-a-kind tea length wedding dresses reimagined by talented artists to create true works of art.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am a big believer in planning your growth and have 3 major objectives for the brand.
Dolly Couture Bridal will be available to bridal salons across the US and Canada by the end of this year. I’m in the process of designing a non-customizable line to offer to other retailers.
I really want to expand the Artist Collection line because I think it’s a unique approach to customization.
And of course, a much larger social media presence.
Pricing:
- Classic & Pink Label Collections start at $595
- Black Label Collection starts at $825
- Customizations range from $20 – $250
Contact Info:
- Address: Dolly Couture Bridal Studio (at the Wedding Hub LA)
7236 Owensmouth Ave.,
Suite A, Canoga Park, CA 91303 - Website: www.dollycouturebridal.com
- Phone: 818.389.5980
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @dollycouturela
- Facebook: @dollycouturela
- Twitter: @dollycouturela
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dolly-couture-bridal-canoga-park-2
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/dolly-couture-bridal/85db500317e1aeca.html
Image Credit:
Models: Kitty Von Rose, Bethlehem Awate, Anna Chavez, Miss Gracie Mae, Miss Rockabilly Ruby, Ashley, Mary Keating & Christina Mccarthy
Photographers: Chi Chi Studios, Mary Costa, Altar Image Photo, Holly Castillo & Elizabeth Burgi
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.
