Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Austin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Taylor, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

A common misconception in my industry is that budget brides don’t bring in revenue. However, this belief overlooks the fact that these couples still value the bridal experience and feeling beautiful on their big day. By giving them the respect they deserve, they’re more likely to make purchases, even more so than some high-end clients. Don’t underestimate the bottom 25%—they can be surprisingly supportive.

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.

Bringing NYC Glamour to Joplin, Missouri:

I’m Taylor, the owner and master stylist behind this journey. It all began in the bustling streets of New York City, where I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business Merchandising. My career ignited at Macy’s Corporate, where I immersed myself in the world of fashion, managing digital merchandising for menswear giants like Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica. As my journey unfolded, I transitioned into a buyer role in Women’s Shoes, curating collections with brands like Anne Klein and Steve Madden.

During my time in fashion school, an internship at Jenny Yoo Collection ignited my passion for bridal wear. Although I excelled in my role at Macy’s, my heart yearned for more. This led me to take a leap of faith and launch Augusta Bridal, with the vision of bringing NYC luxury bridal experiences to the heart of Joplin.

In 2020, amidst global uncertainty, I made the bold decision to relocate from NYC to Missouri, seeking solace and a new beginning with my family. Despite the challenges of remote work, my passion for connecting with brides and fulfilling their bridal dreams remained unwavering.

Augusta Bridal was born from my determination to fill a void in Joplin’s bridal market. My upbringing in NYC infuses me with unique insights, and I aspire to infuse Main Street Joplin with the same magic that defines my native city.

My journey from the bustling streets of NYC to the heart of Joplin is a testament to my unwavering dedication to my craft and community.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In our small-town Joplin, networking through our local chamber has been invaluable. Word of mouth remains our top source for new clients, a testament to our commitment to client satisfaction. We’re fortunate to have a supportive community backing businesses in this area.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

We embarked on a marketing campaign inspired by a TikTok showcasing Disney gowns, which initially shocked us. I jokingly urged my associate, Hannah, to “do numbers” with it. Little did we anticipate its viral success, surpassing 50K views and drawing girls who referenced the gowns in-store. Unexpectedly, Disney enthusiasts flooded the comments, some roasting us. Surprisingly, this unexpected attention taught us that not all bad press is detrimental.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.augustabridal.co
• Instagram: @augustabridal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/augustabridal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-austin/
• Other: TikTok – augustabridal417 we have 5 star reviews on google also !

Image Credits
@showmemagazine @hudsonphotography @avabandyhair @theravington @mavenmedia