We recently connected with Renae BOORSMA and have shared our conversation below.
Renae, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
My dad and mom had 8 (yes 8) children, and we were very poor growing up. When I started dating, they always told me to start saving my money because weddings were very expensive and they wouldn’t be able to afford a lot so I would have to pay for most of the wedding. I set a very strict budget for everything and $300 was all I had to spend on a wedding dress. I started my dress shopping journey and it was awful!! I got laughed at for my budget by sale consultants. I was put in gowns way over my budget, which caused me so much heartbreak. At other shops, sales consultants wouldnt give me the time of day and just sent me to the back of the store to a sales rack which had out dated, stained, and damaged gowns. I ended up buying a clearance gown that was way to big, and the alterations and customizations I made to it ended up costing me more than the dress itself.
After my wedding dress shopping experiences, I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to help my younger sisters, because I didn’t want them to go through what I went through. I started researching and making relationships to learn the business. I found out I was pregnant, and really wanted to be a stay at home mom, so I talked to my husband about opening a small bridal boutique. I knew I had the passion for the industry, and knew there had to be other budget friendly brides out there struggling to find a gorgeous, trendy gown on budget, and wanted to stay home with my babies. I opened an in-home bridal boutique. I know its crazy, but yes, it’s in my home. It’s a chill, low-key, no pressure atmosphere that helps brides on every budget. All my gowns are $650 and under. We work with every body type. We do custom orders or we can customize our samples to be exactly what you want. My gowns are made to size, so it cuts down on alterations cost as well. Saving brides money is my passion and seeing their smiles when they try on their dream dress on has kept me going these last 7 years.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a stay at home mom of three that that runs a small bridal boutique out of my home. My bridal boutique is totally unique compared to other shops. We are a chill, relaxed atmosphere and gives you 100% privacy and lets you shop for yourself by yourself. We give you your space and never pressure you to purchase our gowns. We can customize gowns and we are a budget friendly shop. All gowns are $650 and under, when on average brides are spending $1800-$2500. I am proud that I have stepped outside of the box and am doing something completely unique, while also being a stay at home mom. I am helping brides on a budget and saving them on average $1200-$1800.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source for me is word of mouth! Happy brides spread happy news! There are so many bride to bride groups on Facebook all around the country and when they save thousands of dollars they want to spread the word. Of course IG,Tiktok, and Facebook marketing is amazing too, but for me happy brides spread the word to all their engaged friends 🤍
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I started out with $200. I bought one dress and sold it, then I bought 2 dresses with the money I made and sold them, then I bought 4 gowns, ect….now we have over 130 gowns in stock and more on the way. I was so scared to fail so I built my business super slowly so I would never go into debt. Looking back now, I would have taken out a business loan to grow my business faster.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Timeless_bridal_boutique
- Facebook: Timeless Bridal Boutique
- Other: Tiktok @Timeless_bridal_boutique Threads @timeless_bridal_boutique
Image Credits
@shoreandsummit @morninggloryphotography @leahnicole @samanthajoystudio @_lindsayelaine @esthermoermanphoto