We recently connected with Sara Shipp and have shared our conversation below.
Sara , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Why does Sara want to sell wedding dresses?
Well, I have wanted to bring this dream to life for almost 2 decades. Opening a high-quality wedding dress studio in Ventura sounds like a perfect idea! Given the area’s unique aesthetic and the fact that local brides may currently need to travel to far away cities for an elevated bridal shopping experience, a studio offering exceptional gowns and personalized service could fill a clear gap.
My dad’s sudden passing made me realize how precious and fleeting life can be. I am motivated to pursue this dream, seizing every opportunity, knowing that we can’t predict when our lives might change drastically. My mom’s generous support and Justin’s encouragement have been crucial in launching lemons & Lace. I am determined to make the most of this moment and not look back with regrets.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
WHO AM I
Hi! I’m Sara, the core and spirit of Lemons & Lace.
I’m a mom to two extraordinary girls, Bill and George. I am also married to Justin, my remarkable husband who supports my dream of creating a space where brides can find their perfect dress. I have always loved weddings and have dreamt of selling wedding dresses for over 20 years! And now, that dream is finally coming true — here we go!
Why open a business now? Well, after losing my dad suddenly, I came to understand the delicate nature of life. I knew it was time to pursue my passion and create something unique.
With no regrets, my mom’s support and Justin’s encouragement, Lemons & Lace was born. 
When I’m not crafting the perfect bridal experience, you’ll find me thrifting, making memories with the people I care about, dancing with enthusiasm (I’ve got some sweet moves), or finding out how to always be of service to others. Charity holds a special place in my heart.
I believe there is magic in the Santa Ana winds and my nails are always red.
I’m thrilled to embark on this journey with you and am eager to make your wedding dress experience truly unforgettable.
WHO WE ARE
Ventura’s Bridal Studio
As Ventura County’s only bridal studio offering bespoke,
one-of-a-kind dresses, Lemons & Lace caters to the bold, elegant, and effortlessly stylish bride looking for the perfect gown for her big day.
We take pride in offering personalized bridal styling, exclusive access to top industry professionals, and custom touches to make your dream dress uniquely yours. Your wedding dress journey is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we’d be honored to make it unforgettable for you and your bridal party.
Come sip some bubbly, enjoy the Lemons & Lace experience, and let us bring your vision to life!
WHAT WE DO
Stress Free Dress Shopping
Wedding dress shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Come indulge in sweet treats, share laughs, and make it a fun, memorable experience! We are also developing some one-of-a kind vintage clutches & accessories to have a little fun & finish off you look!
Luxury Dresses, Not luxury Prices
Discover high-quality, beautifully crafted dresses that won’t break the bank. Plus, we offer shipping across the USA!
Fast & Flawless
Discover your dream dress without the hassle. Our efficient process ensures you receive your gorgeous gown quickly and with ease. Lemons & Lace dresses are part of an exclusive private label collection and are unavailable anywhere else. We also provide styling sessions – even if your dress was not purchased from L&L!
Memorable Experiences
Beyond beautiful dresses, we offer concierge services for unforgettable experiences like massages, gourmet lunches, and wine tastings.
Exclusive and Focused Appointments
Appointments are required to ensure you receive our full attention. We only book one wedding party at a time. Please arrive on time, but not early, as we don’t have a waiting area. While we adore children and pets, we kindly ask that you let them sit this one out.
Giving back to our community
At Lemons & Lace, we are committed to supporting the Ventura Community. We pledge that a portion of our proceeds will always benefit those in need, demonstrating our dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond offering beautiful wedding dresses.
Building connections within the wedding industry
Our studio provides a wedding-focused space where local vendors in the industry can connect with and meet their clients.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Early on, I ran a small wedding coordination business, which allowed me to form lasting friendships with past brides and build valuable connections within the wedding world in Ventura County.
Additionally, my husband and I work together to grow his general construction company, Meridian Design Construction. This venture has introduced us to a wide range of people and created opportunities that naturally complement my work with Lemons & Lace. He built out my studio and it truly is a show stopper!
I’m deeply passionate about giving back, and my involvement in philanthropy has brought wonderful and inspiring individuals into my life.
Lastly, my maiden name, Masterson, is well-recognized in the Ventura business community due to my family’s long-standing connection with a Porsche & Audi dealership and actively supporting the community through partnerships with other organizations, further adding to my local network and credibility.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth has been/will be a huge driver for my success!
I’m also putting a lot of effort into setting myself apart from others in the area so I shine.
Lemons & Lace is the only bridal studio in my region offering this unique and personalized experience for brides. And I’m just getting started—there’s so much more I plan to grow and offer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lemonsandlacebrides.com
- Instagram: _lemons.and.lace_
- Other: I am about to open and working on all the outlets to be found!
Image Credits
Personal Photo : Teri Kramer