Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Orr.
Hi Ashley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My mother was a fashion marketing teacher for 37 years, so I spent most of my childhood tagging along with her to fashion shows and markets. I’ve always loved the industry but couldn’t see a way to build a successful career in fashion until I got tired of my IT consulting career and decided to open my own bridal boutique in Sacramento, California. I was a one-man show for several years, building my boutique from scratch and finally selling it to return home to Texas in 2008. Once we returned to my husband’s hometown of New Braunfels, I ran into the founder of Celebrations, who was looking to retire. I purchased the shop in 2016 and haven’t looked back. I love being part of our downtown community of retailers and working in my hometown!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is always a challenging road. Taking over an existing business requires a lot of work to build trust with customers and suppliers who don’t have any history working with you. Finding and retaining quality employees is an ongoing challenge. Balancing current trends with a conservative customer base, maintaining affordable price points in an uncertain economy, and learning how to operate in a post-COVID age are issues that we are facing right now.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Celebrations was established in 1988 and is known for providing high-quality formal wear with small-town customer service. We are friendly and fun (never stuffy) and we offer a full-service experience from selecting your gown to alterations to pressing it once more before you walk down the aisle. We maintain affordable price points and stock on-trend merchandise that you cannot find at big box stores. We are most proud of our commitment to guiding our customers throughout their bridal journey and helping them find the look that makes them feel confident and proud. We love styling our clients for their most important days!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
My definition of success has changed over the years. In my twenties, I equated success with financial security. In my thirties, I was concerned with professional accomplishments and job titles. Now, being “successful” means having the time to do things I love with people I love and finding harmony amongst all the personal and work commitments.
Pricing:
- Wedding gowns $1200 – $3000
- Bridesmaid dresses $150 – $300
- Mother’s gowns $300 – $600
Contact Info:
- Email: bride@celebrationsbridalandprom.com
- Website: celebrationsbridalandprom.com
- Instagram: @celebrationsbridalandprom
- Facebook: Celebrations Bridal & Prom
Image Credits
Jess Crozier Photography
