Daily Inspiration: Meet Sara Recker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Recker.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The boutique started over 16 years ago in a 1000 square foot studio in the heart of Medinas historic square. We have now built our boutique to be over 4000 feet catering solely to bridal attire and accessories. What started as a concept of something I wanted to do back in January of 2010, turned into a reality come April of 2010. We have moved now twice and are in our stand alone building just north of Medinas square. We have four very private suites that brides experience with their loved ones and an expert stylist in bridal fashion for their appointment. Over the years we have dressed thousands of brides and at one point maids and mothers as well. We started the boutique during the recession, survived through Covid and are looking forward with what is yet to come!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning this every step of the way. There is no road map or book on how to do things the right way for you, your business, your family, your staff and your clients. Lots and lot of trial and error. Learning from mistakes is the hardest part, but it gets much easier after that! We started the boutique during a slow season and a time when the country was suffering. We dealt with Covid 19 closures and keeping our staff paid and employed. We have done many rollercoasters through our 16 years, but oh boy what a fun and exciting ride it has been!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We specialize in bridal attire for brides getting married! Those looking for a gown, veils, belts, jewelry, sleeves and all the add ons they could dream of. The boutique is made up of 8 lines of designers from across the world and country. We have over 150 wedding gowns in the boutique at a time. We hand pick all of the dresses that come into the boutique. We choose color, size and style to what we know will suit our business the best and for the clientele we service. We are now one of the oldest surviving bridal boutiques in Northeastern Ohio. We have been doing this for a long time now, working with what the bride wants. Changing and evolving over the change of generations that have come before us. Always making sure to give the bride what she wants and needs. We hand pick the gowns our brides will try on as well, our inventory is a closed inventory. We find this way it is more focused on the bride and what she wants without overwhelming her.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is so important! Attending events like WIPA and other Cleveland Wedding Vendor events is so important. I also find doing Bridal Shows to be a great way to network as well!

Pricing:

• $1500-$4999

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedressbridalboutique.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedressmedina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedressmedina
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedressbridalboutique8176