With the store celebrating its second birthday, what could be better for this week’s blog than a feature on the woman who made it all happen? Angela is the owner of Fabulous Frocks of Kansas City. Learn a little bit more about her journey into opening this little gem in the West Plaza.

Emily: What made you want to get into the bridal industry?

Angela: In college, I was all over the place. I finally found out that the journalism school at Iowa State had an event planning program. I knew that this was going to be a good fit for me since I was interested in owning my own wedding planning business. Fast forward ten years, I still had the desire to own a business. After a lot of research, I came across the Fabulous Frocks franchise. The more I learned about FF, the more I could see myself owning a bridal salon. I often joke that I just happen to be good at what I do and just got lucky.

Emily: If you could pick a favorite part of your job, what would it be?

Angela: Obviously, every time a bride finds her gown with us, it is incredibly special. But my absolute favorite is when I am able to help a bride customize her dress. I am the kind of person who can easily visualize things and create something in my head. When a bride is telling me she likes the bodice of one gown but the skirt of another, it is like a puzzle to me. I love being able to put the pieces together to create the bride’s dream dress. Then, when the custom gown arrives in our store and the bride sees it for the first time, the look on her face helps me know I truly captured her vision…it’s the best!

Emily: What are some goals you have for FFKC in the future?

Angela: My current goal is to work with our designers to get more custom options into the store. Not only is it very rewarding for me as a stylist but it is something brides are wanting. Even a small change like adding sleeves isn’t offered by a lot of designers. We want to be the place where a bride can create a gown that no one else is going to have. The beauty of it is, brides get to experience the fit and feel of the gown versus relying on a sketch. It makes a huge difference knowing how the lining, lace, tulle, etc. feels! Of course, our ready-to-wed gowns are here to stay! Brides with shorter engagements want a gown all their own, too. Our brides get a unique gown no matter what route they go!

Emily: What advice would you give to brides about both shopping for and selecting a wedding dress?

Angela: Besides all of the typical advice, like being in the right mindset to find your frock and bringing your biggest cheerleaders, I hope brides are able to feel confident in their own skin. The hardest thing is hearing a bride tear herself down. I know that their fiancé only sees the best thing in the world. My advice to brides is to see that in themselves, too.

Emily: What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t at Fabulous Frocks?

Angela: When I am not at Fabulous Frocks, my husband, Blair and I love to travel. This year, we have been on a cruise and went to Jamaica for a friend’s wedding. But after closing up shop on the weekend, I am perfectly content just relaxing at home with Blair and our two kitties, Esky and Scout.

Want to learn more about Fabulous Frocks of Kansas City? Click here!

Photos by: Kara from KCM Studios