Maple Heights: DeBorah's Bridal Boutique keeps budget in mind
Posted by Tara Quinn -- tquinn@sunnews.com May 08, 2009 14:45PM
MAPLE HTS. -- DeBorah Hamilton-Levy opened her bridal shop in Maple Heights in March and she's already got several plans for the place.
"I was with a girlfriend of mine who was getting married 20 years ago and we were looking for a wedding dress. I was one of her bridesmaids. We went to a shop in Euclid that not only sold wedding dresses but also rented them. I got the idea then. I don't recall ever wanting to open a boutique before that. When I saw they actually rented wedding dresses, I thought I would like to do that some day."
For the past 20 years Levy had several jobs. She worked for the County Data Center, National City, Shaker Heights City Schools, and Indiana Wesleyan University. In 2006, her New Year's resolution was to get her realtor's license. She currently works for Century 21 HomeStar in Beachwood.
"In 2005, a local bridal store was going out of business and I was able to pick up some inventory from there. I tried doing the bridal boutique on-line with eBay, but there are just too many bridal gowns out there. I tried to do it from the house, but I knew I needed to get out where people could see me."
She opened in Maple Heights March 9. Her shop sells, rents, and consigns bridal gowns. She also sells formal gowns, prom gowns, elegant suits, dresses, shoes, purses and accessories.
"People may be on a budget or they're not as sentimental as to spend all this money on a gown they're going to wear once. Even if they get married 10 times, they're only going to wear the dress once. Some people may just want to rent a gown. Everybody says it's a good idea."
In addition to retail, her shop will also offer pre-marital classes beginning May 9. The first series, "Before You Say I Do" will be taught by Mark and Denise Campbell of One Voice Marriage Ministry. They've been married 22 years and they counsel engaged and married couples. In the fall, they will host a second workshop, "Money Before Marriage." Each workshop will meet the second and fourth Saturday of the month and will cost $10 per session, per person and $10 for each workbook. (One workbook per class). The class meets for five to six sessions.
"So many times we go and plan this huge elaborate wedding, reception and honeymoon," said Levy. "When we get into the marriage, we're clueless."
Both classes will be held at her boutique. She is also negotiating with a fitness instructor and will sell Eurotard Liturgical Dancewear and Julie France Body Shapers.
Saturday, Levy will also host a Mother's Day Shopping Party/Open House from 5-7 p.m. Reservations are required.
"I have an entrepreneurial spirit. I love weddings. I love marriages. Weddings are a special day. I want to help somebody make that day special on any budget."
DeBorah's Bridal Boutique is located in Shaker Heights. For more information call (216) 926-6612 or visit deborahsbridalboutiqu.intuitwebsites.com.