We were lucky to catch up with Patrice Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Patrice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

The first Patrice J. Bridal client was a good friend of mine. I’d been sewing for myself for about 10 or so years when a friend of mine asked me to make her wedding dress. Normally, I would turn down all request to sew for others. However, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be part of her special day.

I ended up making both her and her wife’s wedding dresses. I attended the wedding and assisted them getting dressed. Following the wedding, I bawled like a baby in my car. I knew there was no way I could continue my career in accounting.

And that is how Patrice J. Bridal began.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

The bridal industry is largely white and thin. Patrice J. Bridal is providing brides of all sizes and ethnicities the opportunity to receive stellar service, try on dresses that actually fit and flatter, as well as seeing themselves represented in all our marketing and social media presence.

The PJB Bride has a non industry standard body, meaning they have curves and all curves are not made equally. They trust me to make them look and feel amazing on their wedding day because I know that challenges they face when it comes to finding formal wear that fits and flatters. This is where 20+ years of sewing experience and having a non-standard body becomes INVALUABLE!

Patrice J. Bridal, solves this problem because we carry ready to wear bridal gowns in sample size 10-26. We also offer on-site alteration services, which means we know exactly what needs to happen to achieve the most flattering fit. And if all else fails OR we have a bride with a vision. We have the talent and skills to make her dream dress. Hello! one of a kind original!

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

After making my first wedding dress I knew bridal was where I was meant to be. However, as a mom and wife and someone who grew up with limited resources, quitting my career in accounting was not something I was ready to do. This girl was not ready to give up biweekly paychecks. So I slowly built my business on the side working nights and weekends.

I purchased ready to wear sample bridal gowns with funds from my paycheck, purchased sewing supplies and bridal fabrics, built website and started marketing all while working full time.

I saw brides and their tribes in a 2 bedroom home, until the city officials got wind of my business and told me to shut it down.

I was devastated but determined not to give up, so with my accounting paycheck, I leased a commercial storefront in 2022.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My husband and I are natives of New Orleans, Louisiana. We had just closed on our 1st home when Hurricane Katrina hit and devastated our hometown. We were one of the many who did not evacuate. As a result, we spent 2 days in the Superdome, 1 night in a parking garage before being airlifted from Tulane hospital to the airport. Where we then boarded a plane to Chicago then Louisville, KY.

We lived in Kentucky for 6 months before relocating to St. Louis to rebuild our lives from scratch.

I credit this moment in our life with building our character and stamina for unforseen change. Because of Katrina, I know we have the fortitude to not only survive but thrive in situations that are less than ideal.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.patricejbridal.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/patricejbridal
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/patricejbridal
• Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/patricej715

Image Credits
Pinxit Photos Mena Darre Juli Sanning