Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Damele.
Hi Candice, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
One day while browsing online, I stumbled upon a listing for a bridal shop for sale with the support of my loving husband, I took a chance to own my own boutique. Yes, I really bought a bridal shop on a whim! I have always worked in retail and excelled in customer service. So, I thought why not? I was not open a year when the Covid- 19 pandemic happened. This was a blessing in disguise. Instead of giving up and shutting down, I took it as a sign to renew what I had invested in. I closed the location I bought, rebranded, and moved closer to home. This was my phoenix moment. Within the last 2 years, I have been mentioned in magazines, asked to headline at the Dallas Bridal Expo, and was voted one of the best bridal boutiques in DFW.
While looking for my own wedding dress years prior, my bridal shopping experiences helped me to understand what I feel is missing from the industry empathy and transparency.
I want to be a part of that happy and exciting experience for other brides. I have a passion to help brides find the dress that speaks to them and reflects their own personal style. I put forth every effort to provide each bride a stress-free & fun experience, set in a relaxed, private atmosphere. My goal is to provide a more personal, one-on-one shopping experience. I strive to make each and every customer feel as if they are family.
Damele Bridal is a safe space for brides to be themselves. I am there to educate and advocate for them in their dress journey.
“You define your gown not the other way around.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The bridal industry is often glamorized in films and TV shows, leading many brides-to-be to have unrealistic expectations. One of the biggest struggles facing independent bridal boutiques is dispelling the false narratives that have been perpetuated by the mainstream media. For example, contrary to popular belief, you do not need the approval of your entire bridal party before saying yes to the dress. Ultimately, it is YOUR day, and YOU should be happy with your choice. Additionally, haggling for a better price is also not appropriate behavior when shopping for a wedding dress. Remember, your gown is an investment that will be memorialized in your wedding photos forever. Therefore, it is important to do your research and learn the value of the dresses you are interested in before setting a budget. Finally, while big box dress stores may be more convenient, they will never offer the same level of quality or customer service as a small boutique. Therefore, if you want to ensure a positive and stress-free experience, it is always best to shop at an independent bridal boutique.
We’ve been impressed with Damele Bridal, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Damele Bridal provides a private shopping experience where the entire store is opened per appointment only. Each bride gets to have the entire boutique to themselves. This allows the bride to receive all the attention they deserve. Having no distractions while discussing the needs and wants for their dream dress allows the bride to be able to process how they feel in the gowns, along with being able to communicate their opinions clearly without outside influence. I provide a safe- space for individuals to be themselves without judgement. This allows brides to find the gown that truly reflects their personality while staying in budget. Even if you do not say yes to your dress during your first appointment with Damele Bridal, you will leave feeling more confident and educated in the styles that work for you. Damele Bridal offers unique styles within a reasonable price range, with excellent customer service.
Pricing:
- $1200-$3500
Contact Info:
- Website: DameleBridal.com
- Instagram: @damelebridal
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DameleBridal/
Image Credits
Ana Lanier
@albaroseco
@elissaeileen
