Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Copeland.
Elizabeth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Bentley+Lace is my second startup company. We started 11 years ago in the fashion industry creating cute custom pettiskirts, rompers etc. We were a thriving six-figure company but my heart longed for more. As my clientele grew so did their needs and wants for more couture gowns for birthday parties, proms, weddings and more. After several years with our first company, we decided to start BENTLEY+LACE. Now three years later we are thriving and growing by leaps and bounds.
The best way to describe Texas-based designer Elizabeth Copeland has simply put a “Free Spirit”. Her designs speak volumes to who she is as not only a designer but also to who she is as a person. Although Copeland is an admitted free spirit when you meet her you are quickly reminded of her determination to accomplish an ambitious set of design and business goals. With over nine years of design experience, Copeland captures a unique aesthetic that balances playfulness with exceptional detail. There is no doubt that Her imaginative interpretations and desire to stay fresh and playful have provided a foundation for providing a clientele with not only quality pieces but also staying true to her love for being different.
Copeland fully embraces the creative process and understands that quality should never be compromised. Copeland and her team of professional seamstresses have worked countless hours to provide garments that provide perfectly-fitting gowns with the highest quality. No detail is spared when creating each piece. Her love for all things vintage inspired with a hint of couture are the basis for fabric selections. Copeland only works with the finest of fabrics and trims. Her fabric of choice being lace as well as other handmade fabrics and other specialty fabrics. Each piece designed is meticulously crafted with the utmost attention to detail and quality.
Copeland’s designs have been showcased on the runway in Los Angeles, New York, Austin and Dallas. Her designs are highly sought after from stylist, photographers and brides from around the world.
Another passion for Copeland is her love for supporting and building confidence in young girls. Copeland has spent the last eight years working with young girls to help build esteem through fashion. While fashion is her passion, her mission is to continue to help young girls continue to find their confidence and know that they can achieve their dreams much like she has. Her testimony is what drives her to be the very best she can and along the way try to help others also find their dreams and passions. Copeland believes anything in this life is possible with just a little hard work and determination.
Copeland has designed and gifted to stars such as: Mackenzie Hancsicsak of THIS IS US, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Archie Punjabi, Kate Flannery and Janina Gavankar, Alexis of Real Housewives of Orange County, Natalie Skyy, Alisa Reyes, Melissa Gorga of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, fashionista Jaime Hilfiger, Frankie Muniz, Forever and Forava, Ava Kolker, and many more.
“No dream is ever too big to reach. Set your goals… never let anything stop you. You can either let your circumstances hold you back or use them to change your life for the better. ”
– Elizabeth Copeland
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say, yes! While I can say most of the journey has been easy and smooth – it is also mixed with setbacks, challenges and hardships. The fashion industry is forever evolving. Styles and needs change constantly with clientele as well as industry norms. This past year I underwent 20 spinal injections and 2 back surgeries due to overworking and not taking enough time for myself. It taught me a lot about learning to balance work and personal life.
Even though I underwent so many personal challenges last year I was still able to complete over 500+ custom orders and fulfill over 400 rental orders. Being an entrepreneur has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I am also a mom of two boys Bentley (6) and Grayson (3). Trying to balance being a mom while also being a wife and full-time business (boss babe) has definitely taught me so much about strength, time management, and so much more.
Becoming a business owner is not something one decides in a day. It is something that you are born with. You are born with that drive and determination. You are born with grit in your soul! At the age of 5 – I always said I wanted to have my own business someday. Through a lot of research as well as attending college for Business – my journey led me here.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BENTLEY+LACE By Elizabeth Copeland – what should we know?
Bentley + Lace by Elizabeth Copeland is an International bespoke label focused on high-end fashion for little girls and women. From our design to our production and finishing, each B+L design is hand-crafted, boasting exceptional quality, craftsmanship, artistry and attention to detail. Whether you need a custom garment piece for a photo session or special occasion, we can bring your vision to life. B+L by Elizabeth Copeland offers both a pre-designed collection to choose from that also allows full customization or the option of selecting from our select styles/sizes now available for rental.
Fresh, lively, and just a touch of whimsy, B+L by Elizabeth Copeland embraces sweet femininity with just a touch of edginess and whimsy. One thing Copeland is known for is her alluring contrasts through pairings of bold prints and lace, giving each garment an unmistakable charm. Balance is found in the union of textured details such as hand appliquéd lace, the softness of the sheer fabric, mixed with her love of bold prints – evoking a feeling of whimsical refinement. Each garment is given its own distinct name, bringing to life its unique spirit.
With over 10 years of design experience, Copeland captures a unique aesthetic that balances playfulness with exceptional detail. There is no doubt that Her imaginative interpretations and desire to stay fresh and playful have provided a foundation for providing a clientele with not only quality pieces but also staying true to her love for being different. Copeland fully embraces the creative process and understands that quality should never be compromised.
Copeland and her team of professional seamstresses have worked countless hours to provide garments that provide perfectly-fitting gowns with the highest quality. No detail is spared when creating each piece. Her love for all things vintage inspired with a hint of couture are the basis for fabric selections. Copeland only works with the finest of fabrics and trims. Her fabric of choice being lace as well as other handmade fabrics and other specialty fabrics. Each piece designed is meticulously crafted with the utmost attention to detail and quality.
Why Rent B+L:
The Rental Process is easy. FIND IT. LOVE IT. SEND IT BACK. B+L offers the option to rent our select dresses, separates and coordinating accessories. We give you access to the current in stock B+L item(s) in limited sizes and styles. Whether it’s a photo session or special occasion. If you can not find it in our Rental section, our Shop section – B+L will custom design it for you. We have everything you need to bring your vision to life.
Our rental program allows you to experience what B+L is all about before deciding to place a custom order or for those quick turn around needs. Please note – our item(s) rent quickly so it is important that you reserve your item(s) ahead of time.
OUR VISION:
Copeland has long aspired to help build confidence in girls of all ages. Copeland strongly believes that fashion brings out the best versions of yourself, no matter what age you are. Copeland hopes that through B+L she can merge fashion and confidence together.
OUR MISSION:
Our mission at B+L is designing, creating and delivering the most beautiful garments we can dream up. We hope to provide each of our clients with a compelling shopping experience, and quality luxury items. In addition, we hope our love is evident in every email and each garment we design for our clients. Everything we do at B+L is done with LOVE, from our personalized service to styling to the follow-up correspondence. We strive to build a strong emotional bond with each of our clients – so that we will become your go-to for your fashion needs.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have mentioned this before but Determination+Grit are two qualities that are most needed to be successful. There were so many days I thought I would quit or recently I was going to retire. As I pondered the thought of retiring – so many of my loyal clients emailed me and asked that I considered at least another year or ten. When you love what you do and it is your PASSION – nothing can stop you.
To become successful you have to lean on your own skill sets and then lean on others to help push you and help motivate you. Success is not something that happens overnight, I also feel that there is always room to improve and grow. If you become comfortable with where you are then you are selling yourself short. I find that there is always something you can improve upon. There is always something you can add to your current skill sets.
I often am reading books about entrepreneurship, books about self-growth, or reading about fashion trends etc. Success is not something you achieve and you go “ok, I am good-nothing else I can learn or achieve.” Staying humble while gaining success is huge.
Pricing:
- Our custom dresses range from $200+
- Our rental dresses range from $60+
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bentleyandlace.com
- Email: contactbentleyandlace@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bentleyandlace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bentleyandlacebyelizabethcopeland/
Image Credit:
Wish Photography
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