Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in bridal services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angel Chok, owner of Novelle Bridal Shop, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a small, close-knit family-oriented bridal boutique that takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, creating the most memorable bridal shopping experience, and offering great quality products to our brides. We first opened our doors in February of 2009 and since then have served thousands of brides from all over Canada, helping them find their dream wedding dress. We love our Novelle family, our Novelle brides, and most importantly, we love what we do.
Our brides appreciate small details, enjoy connecting, and love to celebrate special moments in life. We are so grateful to be a small part of their wedding. It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to get to know each and every one of our brides and share this special time with them.
Tell us about yourself
The Novelle story started 14 years ago when I was planning my own wedding and shopping for a wedding gown for myself. Not knowing anything about the bridal world, I found my shopping experience discouraging and stressful. With limited options at the time, I found myself settling on a dress that I thought was just good enough. And this is not what I'd want for any brides looking for their dress.
Not having the ultimate SAY YES moment for myself brought on the idea of building a space that is intimate, comfortable, and just an amazing shopping experience where brides can SAY YES to their dress of their dreams.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Owning a family-run business means constantly being surrounded by people closest to me, whether that be my family, friends, team, or brides, who offer endless support and inspiration every day. The knowledge and experience I gained from the wonderful community have helped me become a better person every day, and you never stop growing as a person, which is my absolute biggest accomplishment that I am forever grateful for.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Allocating time for yourself is a constant balancing act as a business owner. Running a business is very much like caring for a new baby. It’s very easy to forget that in order to care for anything, you need to care for yourself first. Very often, growing the business becomes a priority, and you don’t have time for anything else in life. Never let the business consume all of you, but let it be a part of you. I find myself at a better place in the business when I learn to care for myself first.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared to make some tough decisions- It is inevitable to be faced with critical decisions as a business owner. Whether it be termination of an employee or negotiating with difficult customers, there are constant decisions to be made.
- It’s okay to make mistakes- We all learn from our mistakes and failures. These are valuable lessons that only come with experience.
- Be flexible- Often, when you are dreaming about your business, and there is this perfect idea of how it’s going to be, but that’s not always the case. If something just doesn’t work, innovate and keep going.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://novellebridal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NovelleBridalShop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novellebridal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/novellebridal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-chok-b681a861/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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