We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara Kavchok. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara below.

Barbara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

I deeply believe in family-driven businesses because I am a product of one. My mother began her career as a bridal gown designer, and I grew up immersed in the industry. As a young woman, I initially chose a different path, pursuing Fine Arts instead. I earned a BFA in Illustration and worked in that field for a time, but eventually, I found my way back to fashion—my first love. Sometimes, we resist what we instinctively know to be true. My initial reluctance was part of my journey to carve out my own path, only to realize that my true purpose was always there: to create art and fashion that inspire others to become the best version of themselves.

Barbara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Barbara Kavchok Couture is a fashion brand I founded in 2016, where I serve as the principal designer. Alongside my talented team, I create bridal and eveningwear for retailers across the USA. Every gown is handcrafted at my design atelier in historic Bethlehem, PA, by a dedicated group of skilled women. We prioritize sustainable manufacturing practices to ensure each garment is produced ethically and with the highest standards of craftsmanship. We also see local clients who want to come directly to me for a truly bespoke, one-of-a-kind gown.

My passion for fashion was shaped by my upbringing in the industry, learning from my mother, a designer in her own right. She now assists me in my brand as an invaluable consultant. At my atelier, I personally design, drape, and develop every pattern, ensuring each piece reflects our commitment to quality while providing my team with fair, living wages.

Beyond bridal, I have also presented solo fashion exhibitions, including An Uncommon Thread: Fashion as Fine Art and ReFash: A Trashion Show. These experiences reaffirmed my purpose—creating wearable art that inspires and elevates those who wear it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started in this industry, it was easy to compare myself to others and fall into the trap of imposter syndrome. Seeing my competitors’ work sometimes made me question my own, and I’d get caught up in distractions—chasing more stockists, growing a bigger social media presence, or focusing too much on creating “saleable” gowns.

Over time, I’ve learned to tune out the noise and truly enjoy the creative process. By staying focused on my own vision and treating each gown as wearable art, I consistently produce my best work. This shift in mindset has also allowed me to appreciate my competitors without feeling inadequate or envious. Instead, I admire their contributions to the industry while embracing the freedom to create without inhibition.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most valuable business lessons I’ve learned is to never overpromise. Several years ago, I had an exceptionally successful Bridal Fashion Week, bringing in a wave of new retailers eager to carry my line. I had initially committed to a 60-day order fulfillment timeline, based on a conservative sales estimate. However, after the market, it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to meet that deadline with the surge in demand.

Thinking this was a “good problem” to have, I attempted to outsource some of the production to stay on schedule. Unfortunately, the quality didn’t meet my standards, forcing us to remake those gowns in an even shorter timeframe—after already losing money on the failed production. In the end, the samples arrived six weeks late to new stockists, leading to disappointment and frustration.

Had I simply set a more realistic shipping timeline from the start, most retailers would have understood. But in trying to be everything to everyone, something inevitably suffered. This experience taught me that setting clear, honest expectations is always the best approach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barbarakavchok.com
• Instagram: @barbarakavchokbridal
• Facebook: @barbarakavchokbridal
• Other: tiktok handle @barbarakavchokbridal