CBDC SOUTHWEST SUCCESS STORY

Katie Bursey, Lena & Mae Bridal Shop – Woodstock, NB

Katie Bursey went looking for a wedding dress in 2012. During her search, she found the perfect gown for her big day, but she also discovered her calling. She’d always wanted to run her own business, and that day she knew that she wanted to help others find their own perfect dress.

As the owner of Lena & Mae Bridal, Katie understands exactly how important it is to find the right gown for a client’s big day. With a thoughtfully curated collection of bridal, bridesmaid, and prom gowns, Katie is providing a special and beautiful experience for people in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

“There are usually two big occasions when we get to really dress up, put on the glitter, lace, satin or silk, and shine,” Katie says. “Whether that day is their prom or their wedding, everyone wants to feel special and beautiful.”

The team at Lena & Mae Bridal is poised to do just that. They carry an abundance of unique bridal gowns, a variety of bridesmaids dresses and prom dresses and all of the accessories to match.

After the beginnings of a career in marketing, Katie always knew she wanted something else. When she realized how much she enjoyed the process of shopping for her own wedding dress, an idea sparked, but she put the notion aside for a few years as she investigated her options.

When Katie decided to open the bridal shop, she reached out to CBDC Southwest for a loan, but what she got was much more valuable.

“The advice and guidance from my business advisor help set me on a path to success,” she says. “In less than a year, Lena & Mae’s was open for business.” In fact, Katie was going to only offer bridal gowns, but her advisor suggested she try carrying a few prom gowns to see what the response would be. Turns out, it was great advice as prom dresses are a big part of her business.

Katie named her shop after her two grandmothers, one of which she describes as a true fashionista in her own right, and the other was a practical, budget conscious but bold dresser. Katie wanted to provide the best of both her grandmothers in the gowns she carries at the shop.

“I want there to be a choice for everyone, regardless of their budget, their shape, their colour palette or the size and location of their event,” Katie says. “The gowns we have here are varied and exceptional, traditional and modern, diverse and as unique as every one of our clients.”

Katie and her team also pride themselves in their customer service, which is unique and distinct, but works well to allow her clients to feel comfortable and at ease when shopping for their big day.

“Each client and their guests have our full attention when they’re here. We close the shop for each private appointment, turn off the phones and give all of our focus to that visit because we want each person to feel special.”

Katie and her staff also provide a playlist of the client’s favourite music and each client goes home with a small gift to say thank you for shopping at Lena & Mae’s.

Katie says the best part about owning and running her own business is knowing that she’s able to accomplish something while filling a need for both the Woodstock area and the rest of the province.

“I enjoy the flexibility of being an entrepreneur, but the best part is the great memories I help make for our clients,” she says. “It’s not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh any challenges, like shutting down for two months amid a global pandemic.”

“Opening the shop became my dream, and CBDC Southwest helped me make it a reality, through funding, training and one on one expert business advice,” Katie says. “I would encourage anyone thinking of starting a business, even if it’s just a spark of an idea, to contact CBDC and they will guide you through the process with ease.”

You can find Lena & Mae on Facebook or Instagram, visit their website lenamaebridal.com, email hello@lenamaebridal.com or call Katie anytime at 506-328-4376 to book an appointment to find your special prom or wedding dress.