Name of Business:
Gilda's Place of Bridals
Address:
589 S. Main St., Fall River, MA 02721
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Evenings by appointment only.
Web:
www.gildasplaceofbridals.com
Phone:
508-672-5299
Owner:
Suzanne Ferreira
Number of employees:
Three
What products or services do you offer?
Bridal gowns and accessories, dresses for bridesmaids, mothers and prom, and custom-made, one-of-a-kind flowergirl and communion gowns. We also offer alterations to dresses for any bride and their wedding party.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I was employed by Gilda's Bridal for 14 years. When I heard the store was going to be closing, it hit home for my family. My mother, Connie, has been employed by Gilda's for 18 years, and the women of Gilda's have been making dresses for me since the age of 6. I have known and loved the ladies of Gilda's for many years. Gilda has always been my mentor, and to see what we worked so hard to establish close was heartbreaking. That is when the decision to become a small business owner was finalized.
What makes your business unique?
Our customer service and workmanship is a staple in the bridal industry. All who have entered the salon feel the love and warmth of our employees. We are the most experience bridal salon in Fall River, with 31 years in the business. Our alterations department comes second to none. The newest member to our staff has been employed by our company for four years. This shows you that our staff is well-experienced in the trade and will work with you to make your wedding day everything you have ever dreamed of.
What brand names do you offer?
We carry Maggie Sottero, Private Label by G, Jasmine Bridal, Moonlight, Bill Levkoff, B2, Belsoie, Bella Formals, Impressions, Alfred Angelo, Caterina, Avanti, Jade, Sweet Beginnings and Little Maidens.
Before you opened this business, what was your experience in the field? What qualifications do you have?
As a sophomore in high school, I was an intern at Gilda's Place of Bridals. My mother wanted to keep an eye on me after my grandmother had passed away. The first owner, Gilda Franco, taught me everything she knew about the bridal industry. As time went on, I continued my education and received my associate's degree in business administration while working for Gilda's Place of Bridals. I became store manager and operated the store during its most successful years before leaving in 2006 to further my career.
How is business so far?
Our store opened Feb. 1 with a great outcome considering the snowstorm. We anticipate business to pick up rather quickly in the month of February for the upcoming bridal season.
Where do you see your business one year from now?
In the near future we will be carrying a larger selection of bridal wear as well as accessories. We will also be carrying a line for our fuller-figured brides, so no one will be turned away for lack of sizes. Our goal is to make every bride feel beautiful on their big day.
Where will the business be in five years?
We hope to have a full line of all the odds and ends that are a part of the bridal experience. Our dream is to make Gilda's Place of Bridals a one-stop shop for all your bridal needs.
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