Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Park.
Hi Miranda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My passion for vintage started at a young age. My grandmother owned a small antique shop. I loved going to auctions with her and spending days at work with her. I also had a love for classic films that sparked my interest in vintage fashion.
My passion for sewing and design came from my mom. She made dolls when I was a child and taught me how to sew at the age of 6 or 7. At that age, I mostly made small art projects and Barbie clothes. I made my first clothing articles at age 8 and showed them at a fashion show at the state fair in Columbus; it was an interest that stayed with me throughout childhood and adolescence and led to an interest in fashion design. I studied Fashion Design at the Kent State Fashion School and received a bachelor’s degree in fine and professional arts. I ended up doing my internship in bridal, and it has been my career path ever since.
I worked as a seamstress for over seven years before opening my business in 2012, specializing in vintage wedding gowns, party dresses, accessories, and alterations. I have expanded the business to offer modern wedding gowns in addition to vintage gowns.
I purchased my very first vintage wedding gown from a small antique shop when I was still in high school, thinking I might wear it to prom. I never ended up wearing it, but it ended up becoming the very first dress I ever sold when I opened the boutique. It was very bittersweet.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, the road has been pretty smooth. My obstacles/ challenges early on were finding the self-confidence to move forward as an entrepreneur and securing the small amount of funding I needed to get the doors open. I had only a small amount of savings and was not able to secure a small business loan through the bank. The parent of a close friend offered me a small loan to get started, and I was able to pay her back in the first year of business.
Down the road, I would say my biggest challenge would be finding a good work/life balance. Owning a small business can easily occupy the majority of your time, and I have had to learn to prioritize finding a balance.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Miranda’s Vintage Bridal?
At Miranda’s vintage bridal, we specialize in retail services of vintage wedding dresses, modern wedding dresses, party dresses, accessories, and in-house alterations services. Vintage wedding dresses range in era from the early 1900s to the 1990s. Our modern wedding gowns are from four different designers across the world and are in a “vintage-inspired” aesthetic.
Our customer is traditionally nostalgic, romantic, and earth conscious. Shopping vintage is a great way to shop sustainably, and our modern designers use some sustainable fabrics and practices.
It is important to us that we bring an intimate and personalized shopping experience two couples of all diversities and ethnicities.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Lessons I have learned would be to really focus on my strengths and not be afraid to ask for help in areas where I excel less.
To not only give 100% to my customers but also remember to take time for myself, friends and family to maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Knowing that it is ok to say no when necessary.
To always keep looking forward to find ways to keep things fun, interesting, and new. It is easy to become set in the same yearly cycle, but it is good to break that cycle to keep things new and exciting.
Pricing:
- Vintage Wedding Gowns 350-1500
- Modern Wedding Gowns 1800-5000
- Alterations a la carte average 500-850
Contact Info:
- Website: mirandasvintagebridal.com
- Instagram: @mirandasvintagebridal
- Facebook: Facebook.com/mirandasvintagebridal
- Other: Etsy.com/shop/mirandasbridal
Image Credits
Aster and Olive Photography
Laurie Hamame Photography
Marisa Lyon Photo
Jenna Powers Photo
