The following interview has been republished from https://www.essensedesigns.com/blog/inspiring-women-in-bridal-3/.

For sisters and owners of The Wedding Factor, Stacey Veeraraj and Kathy Hart, providing the ultimate bridal experience comes naturally. With backgrounds as wedding planners, the duo started The Wedding Factor nine years ago after realizing they wanted to expand their wedding expertise and start their own bridal boutique.

Located in historic Old City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, The Wedding Factor is a full-service bridal salon and wedding dress store that offers designer wedding gowns, plus size wedding dresses, headpieces, handmade veils, jewelry and other accessories. In addition, they also offer in-house master seamstress services and continue to offer their wedding planning services since it remains as one of their passions.

We couldn’t be more thrilled for you to meet these savvy sisters, Kathy and Stacey!

Q: What inspired you to start your own bridal boutique?

A: We started out as wedding planners and transitioned into store owners after the NYC Bridal Market in April of 2013. We met a fellow bridal representative there, and it was then that we decided this was the direction we should head in, even though we did not own a store yet.

Q: What is your favorite part of owning a bridal store?

A: Helping brides and their families create special moments that will be remembered forever. It’s very rewarding to watch brides find their dream dress. We enjoy being part of a community where we provide valuable services to our brides.

Q: What is it like being Black women in the bridal industry?

A: The community is small, however, that is not our focus. We have consistently tried to provide excellent service and a positive environment for all brides, but it can be particularly rewarding to have brides of color come in and cry real tears because they are so happy to be given this level of service that was not offered to them at other bridal stores. We have heard this from many brides, and we are happy to be a part of their journey.

Q: What advice would you give to other Black women in the bridal industry?

A: Be prepared to work hard and fight for your dream! Also, it’s important to meet other store owners so you have a support system. Always be willing to learn and grow!