We recently connected with Audrey Allen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Audrey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

I believe wholehearted that dreams really do come true. Being asked as a little girl, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” I always had the unwavering passion that I would be a fashion designer. As I got older and it was time to shop for my own wedding gown, I was heartbroken with the selection of gowns and treatment that I experienced. After only having 1 gown in my size in an entire bridal boutique, It was clear that the average bridal shop was not meant for me. Right then and there I decided to design my own wedding gown, and vowed to give women with curves a better option. One where they would feel pampered, special and like they belong.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a plus size woman, I have always been keenly aware of the inadequacies that the fashion industry creates for curvy figures. I use my platform to focus on the beautiful spectrum of body types that represent the women that I design for. Offering a full range of bridal services is also important to me. We do in house alterations, whether you purchase your gown with us or not. We also carry a selection of bridal gowns in store for try on with a sample size of 26, which is a full 10 sizes larger than the average bridal boutique offers. If you have something specific in mind, we design custom, bespoke bridal gowns and regularly redesign gowns that have been passed down from family members.

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

So, when I decided to open my bridal boutique, i honestly had no idea what was in store. The same week that i received my keys to the building, I found out that my husband and I were pregnant with our first child! A few month later, Covid happened and every social event was cancelled indefinitely. What does a bridal boutique do with no brides you may ask? Well I got creative and got to work! During that time of shutdown, I had my baby and sewed, sewed my little heart out. I made over 5,000 masks for essential workers. I felt both blessed and grateful that I could not only use my skills to help people in need, but also generate enough income to keep my doors open.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have always relied primarily on word of mouth to promote my business. Sometimes I am overwhelmed when I think of the amount of support I have been given from my community. Trusting someone with your wedding gown is a big deal! I never take that for granted. Also creating a Google business Profile has been a huge catalyst as well. Customer service has always been top priority in my book and being 5 star rated on Google gives many new brides the confidence that they can trust A Plus Curves Bridal.

Contact Info:

• Website: Apluscurves.com
• Instagram: Apluscurves
• Facebook: A+ Curves
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/a-plus-curves-bridal-pensacola
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Deme Star Photography, Diaography Rated GP Photography, Phocus & Company and Michael Howard Bethea