We recently connected with Joanne Horowitz and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joanne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The idea for Unique Modest Bridal was born from a deep understanding of a significant gap in the bridal industry. For years, I had worked in fashion and design, helping women find beautiful attire that aligned with their values and sense of style. But time and time again, I saw brides struggling to find modest wedding dresses that truly reflected their personalities. It was an underserved need—brides wanted elegant, stylish gowns that were also modest, yet their options were extremely limited. This sparked something in me, and I began to wonder why modesty and style couldn’t go hand-in-hand on such an important day.
The moment I decided to create Unique Modest Bridal was both logical and emotional. I knew the demand was there—so many women had approached me with the same frustration and hope, asking if I knew of any designers who understood their needs. Beyond the practical market demand, I felt a personal connection to this vision. I wanted every bride to feel that her gown was made just for her, with her values and beauty in mind. The thought of creating a line that could bridge elegance and modesty, with options for customization, was incredibly exciting.
From a business perspective, it made complete sense. I wasn’t simply designing dresses; I was solving a problem that had left many brides feeling unseen in the traditional bridal market. By offering customization, a fast turnaround, and direct-to-consumer pricing, I could give brides a unique experience they couldn’t find elsewhere.
The enthusiasm and gratitude I felt from brides I worked with reaffirmed that this was the right path. It wasn’t just about dresses—it was about empowering women to feel like themselves on one of the most significant days of their lives. Knowing I could play a role in creating that experience filled me with purpose and excitement. That’s how I knew that Unique Modest Bridal was more than just a business idea; it was a passion-driven endeavor to bring something truly unique to the world of bridal fashion.
Joanne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Joanne, founder and CEO of Unique Modest Bridal. I come from a background in fashion and design, with a passion for creating attire that celebrates individuality and elegance, especially for those who value modesty. My journey into the bridal industry began when I noticed a recurring challenge that many brides faced: finding a wedding gown that was both stylish and modest. Brides would often approach me, sharing their frustrations about the limited options available that aligned with their values yet still reflected their personal style. Seeing this need, I felt inspired to bring something new to the bridal market that would address this gap.
Unique Modest Bridal is dedicated to providing beautiful, modest wedding gowns at accessible, wholesale prices. We offer a unique blend of quality and customization, working directly with clients to ensure each gown is tailored to their tastes and preferences. Our services include a range of custom options—from different necklines and sleeve lengths to fabric choices and even personalized details like trains, veils, and petticoats. This approach means that each bride receives a gown that truly feels like it was made for her, all with a fast 30-day turnaround time.
The core of what we offer is a solution to a problem that has long been overlooked in the bridal industry. Traditional bridal stores may offer modest options, but they are often limited, lack variety, or come at a high cost. At Unique Modest Bridal, we solve this problem by creating a wide range of elegant, modest styles with the flexibility for personal adjustments, all while remaining budget-friendly. Clients don’t have to compromise on style, quality, or affordability; they can have it all with us.
What sets us apart is our dedication to personalization and direct-to-customer pricing. Brides work directly with our designer to ensure their gown meets every expectation, and by going straight to the factory, we can keep costs lower than most bridal retailers. I’m incredibly proud of the trust our clients place in us and the positive experiences they share after wearing a gown that truly represents them.
The main thing I want potential clients to know about Unique Modest Bridal is that we are here to support and celebrate them on their journey. Our brand is rooted in understanding the importance of modesty, elegance, and individuality, and we bring these values into every design. Whether it’s a small detail or a full customization, we are dedicated to making each bride’s vision a reality. For us, it’s not just about selling a dress—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for every bride and making her wedding day truly special.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a combination of personalized service, targeted marketing, and word-of-mouth referrals. We place a high priority on creating a personalized experience for each bride, ensuring that her vision and needs are met with close attention to detail. This individualized approach makes brides feel valued and confident, which has naturally led to positive word-of-mouth referrals—one of the most powerful ways to attract new clients.
Additionally, we’ve strategically used social media and online platforms to reach our target audience. By sharing real-life photos, testimonials, and showcasing the versatility of our modest bridal gowns, we connect with brides who resonate with our brand values. We also partner with influencers in the modest fashion community, helping us reach brides who may not have known about us otherwise. This visibility, combined with strong client satisfaction, has been key to growing our clientele and establishing Unique Modest Bridal as a trusted choice for brides seeking modest elegance.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly illustrates my resilience happened early in the journey of building Unique Modest Bridal. I had been working tirelessly to bring this brand to life, designing collections, sourcing quality materials, and connecting with suppliers. I had even entered a partnership with someone to help launch our first collection. But at the last minute, my partner pulled out, leaving me with unpaid debts and significant financial strain. I was left with a collection that needed to be launched but without the necessary support and funds.
It was an incredibly challenging time. I felt frustrated and worried about how to move forward, but giving up wasn’t an option. I knew the need for modest bridal wear was real, and I was committed to meeting that need. So, I took a deep breath and reassessed my options. I decided to start small, managing production costs carefully and handling much of the workload myself. I reached out directly to stores and potential clients, using every resource I had to keep the business afloat.
Through this process, I discovered my inner strength and my true dedication to the brand’s mission. I saw firsthand the impact my designs had on brides, and that kept me going. Today, Unique Modest Bridal is thriving, and looking back, I realize that overcoming that setback was one of the best things that could have happened. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my vision, no matter what.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniquemodestbridal.com
- Instagram: uniquemodestbridal
- Facebook: uniquemodestbridal
- Linkedin: Uniquemodestbridal
- Twitter: uniquemodestbridal
- Yelp: [email protected]
Image Credits
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