Wedding expert Suzanne in heaven after opening her dream business
Picking a name for a new business is always a tough task but the owner of a new Shrewsbury bridal shop had a head start – her name.
So Suzanne Heavens opted for Heavenly Brides and Belles for her new business which opens in the town’s Pride Hill Shopping Centre on Saturday, December 8, and everyone is welcome to the grand opening.
Not that she’s claiming too much credit - that goes to her husband, Paul - but it did give her plenty of scope when it came to picking a title for the store which will be on the centre's lower level.
It’s also a business Suzanne, 30, from Wenlock Road, Shrewsbury, knows well after spending nearly five years as manager of a successful bridal shop before deciding to open her own business.
The mum of one – she and Paul have a two-year-old daughter Bethany – was in charge of the Barnardo's Brides By Appointment store in Wellington and before that was an office manager for the British Red Cross but weddings and being her own boss have always had an attraction for her.
“When I was 20 I had an online business making handmade and bespoke wedding stationery and favours,” she said: “So I have always liked being in charge.
“When the job came up at Barnardo's I thought it was something I had to do and I have been very successful there and enjoyed it.
“I’ve got lots of ideas and now I can put them into practice. It’s a bit scary but now I feel I’ve got the experience and the maturity to take it on.”
And there is something special and romantic about weddings, according to Suzanne: “I love being involved with bridal wear, it’s a lovely job and it’s very girly but it’s far from easy.
“But once you’ve found someone their dream dress it’s so satisfying. Buying a wedding dress is very much a heart-led process and if you can help someone it’s so rewarding.
“I’ve got a good eye for what suits certain body shapes but it’s a very informal process – I know what it’s like to look for a wedding dress and I want to make it a fun and friendly atmosphere while remaining honest and professional.
“It is the bride that is the most important person and it’s really important to get to know her and help her make the right decision – and we’ll always have tissues to hand when it gets emotional.
“That’s usually the moment when the mum sees her daughter in THE dress – everyone knows when it’s the right one and it’s lovely and I’m liable to shed a tear myself.”
Suzanne’s store will supply wedding gowns and bridal accessories together with evening dress, bridesmaid dresses and prom gowns and she also plans to have a range of shoes, hats, veils and tiaras.
She added: “I plan to be able to make it affordable too without sacrificing quality or the sheer pleasure of the experience. These are brand new designer dresses at affordable prices and we give each bride who buys a wedding gown a special gift.
“It’s a job I love and I do have to pinch myself sometimes to realise how lucky I am to do something I really enjoy and something which customers tell me I do really well.
“My aim is for every bride to be to walk away with the dress of her dreams whether it’s for a traditional church wedding or for a service on beach in Bali.”
Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “We’re always glad to be able to welcome a new store to the centres and especially one which adds something different to the shopping mix we have here.
“Suzanne is clearly passionate about her business and that’s what all successful retailers have, a real passion to give their customers what they want.”
Anyone needing more information or wanting to book a bridal appointment may contact Suzanne any time on 07436 809903. Social networkers can also follow the store on Facebook and Twitter.
