We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tessa Kim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tessa, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
I started my journey in the world of bridal accessories and veils when I decided to create my own headpiece and veil for my August 2009 wedding. Wanting something that truly reflected my individuality on such a special day, I embarked on the task of crafting a unique and beautiful piece. Little did I know that this personal endeavor would ignite a passion within me and pave the way for the establishment of my business.
In the months leading up to my wedding, I immersed myself in a world of bridal research, exploring the pages of magazines, online platforms, and local boutiques to find inspiration. With meticulous attention to detail, I studied an array of materials, designs, and trends, gradually shaping my vision for a unique collection of accessories and veils. Fueled by my growing passion, I took a leap of faith and started crafting and selling headpieces and veils on Etsy. The response was incredible—each piece sold out within days, which inspired me to meet the demand and create even more. This success gave me the confidence to leave my day job and dedicate myself fully to pursuing my business dreams.
Over the following months, I poured my heart and soul into perfecting my craft. I experimented with various techniques, relentlessly refining my designs to ensure they epitomized my distinct style and attention to detail. Each piece was lovingly handcrafted, with a commitment to using only high-quality materials.
My journey began with a personal desire to create something extraordinary for my own wedding. Through unwavering determination, tireless pursuit of perfection, and a dedication to handmade craftsmanship, I transformed my idea into a thriving business. Today, I continue to provide brides with beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that make their special day truly unforgettable.
Tessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Tessa, and I am the founder and creative force behind Tessa Kim Bridal. My journey into the bridal industry began when I was preparing for my own wedding in August 2009. Determined to have a headpiece that truly reflected my individuality, I embarked on the task of creating one myself. This personal endeavor sparked a passion within me and led to the establishment of my business.
I specialize in crafting exquisite bridal accessories and handmade veils. My handmade products are designed to add a touch of uniqueness and elegance to a bride’s special day. I take pride in creating one-of-a-kind pieces that empower brides to express their individual style and feel like the best version of themselves on their wedding day.
One of the main problems I solve for our brides is the search for something truly special and distinct in the sea of mass-produced bridal items. I offer a curated selection of beautifully handcrafted pieces, ensuring that each bride can find something that resonates with her unique vision and personality. My commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail sets my products apart from others in the industry.
What I want potential brides to know about Tessa Kim is that we pour our heart and soul into every piece we create. Each item is meticulously handmade in the U.S.A. with the utmost care and attention to detail. I am always here to help brides find that perfect accessory or veil that will make them feel like the most beautiful version of themselves on their wedding day. I believe in the power of personal expression and strive to provide a memorable and meaningful experience for our brides.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In response to the shifting landscape of weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the need to provide more options for minimonies and small, COVID-friendly celebrations. Understanding that couples were adapting their plans and opting for intimate gatherings, we made the decision to expand our ready-to-ship collection.
We carefully curated a range of accessories, veils, and intimates that catered specifically to these smaller, more intimate events. These pieces were designed to be versatile, effortlessly complementing various wedding styles and settings. By offering ready-to-ship items, we ensured that couples could receive their chosen pieces in a timely manner, even with shorter planning timelines or last-minute changes.
Our focus on providing options for minimonies and small weddings allowed us to support couples in creating memorable and meaningful moments, despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic. We took pride in being able to contribute to their special day by offering beautiful, handcrafted accessories that added a touch of elegance and personal style.
This addition to our offerings not only addressed the immediate needs of couples during a challenging time but also expanded our reach to a broader audience. It reinforced our commitment to being responsive to our clients’ changing circumstances and demonstrated our ability to adapt and evolve with the ever-changing wedding landscape.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to offering a diverse range of options that cater to couples’ unique wedding visions, whether they choose a minimony, a small COVID-friendly celebration, or a larger gathering. Our continued focus on providing exceptional products and exceptional experiences remains at the core of our brand.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best sources of new brides for us have been a combination of Google search, Etsy, and word of mouth referrals. Google search has been instrumental in driving organic traffic to our website, allowing potential clients to discover our brand when searching for bridal accessories and related keywords. Additionally, our presence on Etsy, a popular online marketplace for handmade and unique products, has provided us with a platform to showcase our offerings to a wide audience of brides-to-be. Finally, word of mouth referrals have played a crucial role in our growth, as satisfied clients have shared their positive experiences with friends, family, and fellow brides, generating valuable recommendations and expanding our reach. These diverse channels have contributed significantly to our client base, enabling us to connect with brides looking for something special and one-of-a-kind for their wedding day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tessakim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_tessa_kim_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TessaKim/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tessakim
- Other: tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tessakimbridal
Image Credits
Deyla Huss Photography