Happy Monday y'all!
The next inspirational female business owner we wanted to highlight in our series is the owner of Elle James Bridal, Kristin Panetta. Elle James Bridal is the perfect place to find classic southern gowns that have a fashion forward wow factor. Kristin is an absolute expert on all things when it comes to helping you chose the gown that will make you feel your absolute best on your wedding day. We got the chance to talk to Kristin about her experience as a business owner in the Mississippi wedding industry- keep reading for more on her story, some fantastic advice, and to learn about what makes Elle James so special!
The next inspirational female business owner we wanted to highlight in our series is the owner of Elle James Bridal, Kristin Panetta. Elle James Bridal is the perfect place to find classic southern gowns that have a fashion forward wow factor. Kristin is an absolute expert on all things when it comes to helping you chose the gown that will make you feel your absolute best on your wedding day. We got the chance to talk to Kristin about her experience as a business owner in the Mississippi wedding industry- keep reading for more on her story, some fantastic advice, and to learn about what makes Elle James so special!
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{Tell us a little bit about yourself!}
I was raised in Madison, Mississippi where I graduated from Madison Central High School and went on to graduate college from Mississippi State University. Immediately after graduation, I moved to New York to pursue an internship with a women's ready to wear brand called Veronica Beard. It was an amazing learning opportunity for me because our office was one big open space that housed the head designers, their design team, public relations, sales, and production. I was immersed in every aspect of the fashion brand and learned so much that helps me tremendously in my day to day work at Elle James Bridal! I eventually moved home to Mississippi where I ended up marrying my incredible husband Adam . We have one fur baby named Stella and one baby girl due this August!
{Tell us about Elle James!}
Elle James Bridal is an intimate bridal boutique located in the heart of Ridgeland, Mississippi. We are by appointment only and only take one appointment at a time to ensure all eyes are on the bride and no one is fighting for a mirror or waiting to try on a specific dress. This also creates a stress-free environment so each bride can truly enjoy trying on dresses with her loved ones. While at Elle James, brides will get to try on gowns that they cannot find anywhere else in the state. We work very close with the leading designers in the wedding dress industry and are honored to be the only bridal boutique in Mississippi that carries the majority of the designers in our shop. Elle James Bridal just turned 2 years old (yay!!) and while my family is a huge support system for me, the business is mainly run by myself and one sales associate.
I was raised in Madison, Mississippi where I graduated from Madison Central High School and went on to graduate college from Mississippi State University. Immediately after graduation, I moved to New York to pursue an internship with a women's ready to wear brand called Veronica Beard. It was an amazing learning opportunity for me because our office was one big open space that housed the head designers, their design team, public relations, sales, and production. I was immersed in every aspect of the fashion brand and learned so much that helps me tremendously in my day to day work at Elle James Bridal! I eventually moved home to Mississippi where I ended up marrying my incredible husband Adam . We have one fur baby named Stella and one baby girl due this August!
{Tell us about Elle James!}
Elle James Bridal is an intimate bridal boutique located in the heart of Ridgeland, Mississippi. We are by appointment only and only take one appointment at a time to ensure all eyes are on the bride and no one is fighting for a mirror or waiting to try on a specific dress. This also creates a stress-free environment so each bride can truly enjoy trying on dresses with her loved ones. While at Elle James, brides will get to try on gowns that they cannot find anywhere else in the state. We work very close with the leading designers in the wedding dress industry and are honored to be the only bridal boutique in Mississippi that carries the majority of the designers in our shop. Elle James Bridal just turned 2 years old (yay!!) and while my family is a huge support system for me, the business is mainly run by myself and one sales associate.
{Who are some inspirational women you encounter on a daily basis?}
My mom is definitely the most inspiring woman in my life. She's a real girl boss! I wouldn't be where I am today without her.
The wedding dress industry is filled with the most inspiring women! From our designers, to the sales reps we work with daily, and even other wedding dress shop owners around the country, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible support system of really talented ladies! I also adore connecting with the local business women - women are killing it in Mississippi! And last but no least, the connections we get to make with our brides and the women in their family always inspire me. There is nothing more special that getting to learn about the history behind each bride's family and the strong women that have helped raise her to become to woman she is today.
{What was your inspiration for starting your own business?}
Both of my parents are very hard workers so I grew up with a good work ethic. I don't know how to explain it except to say I simply love working, especially when it has to do with serving others. I never knew I wanted to own my own business or work for myself, but when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped in head first.
I created Elle James Bridal out of necessity. After shopping for wedding dresses with friends and for myself, I felt that the experience of wedding dress shopping everyone dreams of as a little girl had been lost. I began doing research and learned that a ton of Mississippi brides were driving out of the state to shop because the wedding dress industry's leading designers were not offered anywhere in the state. There was a huge void in the market. That is the moment I realized I wanted to create an intimate, dreamy space where brides could find the industry's leading wedding dress designers and receive an incredible experience in a stress-free environment.
I previously worked in New York for a women's ready to wear brand, then moved back to Mississippi where I worked for a wedding planner, served as communications director for a nonprofit, and was an account manager at a marketing firm. While I felt pretty lost jumping from one industry to the next trying to find my place in the working world, each position was a piece to the puzzle that helped lead me to open Elle James Bridal. I use knowledge I gained from every one of those positions every single day as owner of Elle James!
{What's your favorite part about living and working Missisippi?}
I love the pace of life in Mississippi. We are hard workers and know how to get the job done and done well, and when it's time to relax and have a good time, we know how to do that too!
My mom is definitely the most inspiring woman in my life. She's a real girl boss! I wouldn't be where I am today without her.
The wedding dress industry is filled with the most inspiring women! From our designers, to the sales reps we work with daily, and even other wedding dress shop owners around the country, I am very fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible support system of really talented ladies! I also adore connecting with the local business women - women are killing it in Mississippi! And last but no least, the connections we get to make with our brides and the women in their family always inspire me. There is nothing more special that getting to learn about the history behind each bride's family and the strong women that have helped raise her to become to woman she is today.
{What was your inspiration for starting your own business?}
Both of my parents are very hard workers so I grew up with a good work ethic. I don't know how to explain it except to say I simply love working, especially when it has to do with serving others. I never knew I wanted to own my own business or work for myself, but when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped in head first.
I created Elle James Bridal out of necessity. After shopping for wedding dresses with friends and for myself, I felt that the experience of wedding dress shopping everyone dreams of as a little girl had been lost. I began doing research and learned that a ton of Mississippi brides were driving out of the state to shop because the wedding dress industry's leading designers were not offered anywhere in the state. There was a huge void in the market. That is the moment I realized I wanted to create an intimate, dreamy space where brides could find the industry's leading wedding dress designers and receive an incredible experience in a stress-free environment.
I previously worked in New York for a women's ready to wear brand, then moved back to Mississippi where I worked for a wedding planner, served as communications director for a nonprofit, and was an account manager at a marketing firm. While I felt pretty lost jumping from one industry to the next trying to find my place in the working world, each position was a piece to the puzzle that helped lead me to open Elle James Bridal. I use knowledge I gained from every one of those positions every single day as owner of Elle James!
{What's your favorite part about living and working Missisippi?}
I love the pace of life in Mississippi. We are hard workers and know how to get the job done and done well, and when it's time to relax and have a good time, we know how to do that too!
{What's it like being a female business owner in Mississippi?}
Being a female business owner in Mississippi has been incredible! I do think it is probably easier for me compared to other female business owners because I am in a female dominated industry. I wouldn't say I've run in to any disadvantages. It is interesting to hear people's responses when I tell them what I do though. When I say I own a bridal shop to someone who does not own their own business, they immediately comment on how fun it must be. I will never forget the first time I told a bride's father that I was the owner. He owned his own business and he was blown away because he understood how much it takes to run a business. It is hard work but so rewarding!
{Are there any resources you used to open your business that you would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs? }
The internet is your best friend. There are so many wonderful resources for aspiring entrepreneurs no matter what industry you want to be in. After opening my own business, I discovered a ton of wonderful books, podcasts, and online communities that are extremely help as well. A few of my favorites include:
- The Rising Tide Society: This is a group of entrepreneurs that believe in "community over competition". It is wonderful to have a group you can reach out to for industry questions, opinions, or the fun business stuff like accounting and taxes. The Rising Tide Society also hosts an event called Tuesdays Together all around the country. We have a Tuesdays Together group in the Jackson area that meets up on the second Tuesday of every month. The Rising Tide Society provides us with a topic and worksheets to go over each meeting to help educate us on a specific topic. It is also a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners.
- The Goal Digger Podcast: Jenna Kutcher, a wedding photographer, created this podcast to share her wealth of knowledge on being a small business owner. She also invites other successful business owners as guests each week to share their expertise. The Goal Digger Podcast has a Facebook group you can join to further discussions on the topics of her podcast or other personal or business questions you may have as a small business owner. It's a great community! Jenna also offers workshops about photography, growing your Instagram and Pinterest, email lists, and so much more! There are also great freebies on her website JennaKutcher.com that give you a taste of the abundance of knowledge her workshops will give you.
- "You are a Bada**" by Jenn Sincero - if you're struggling to make the move into entrepreneurial life, this book will help push you to take the plunge! It is not just for entrepreneurs though - it's a fabulous read for everyone!!
Being a female business owner in Mississippi has been incredible! I do think it is probably easier for me compared to other female business owners because I am in a female dominated industry. I wouldn't say I've run in to any disadvantages. It is interesting to hear people's responses when I tell them what I do though. When I say I own a bridal shop to someone who does not own their own business, they immediately comment on how fun it must be. I will never forget the first time I told a bride's father that I was the owner. He owned his own business and he was blown away because he understood how much it takes to run a business. It is hard work but so rewarding!
{Are there any resources you used to open your business that you would recommend to other aspiring entrepreneurs? }
The internet is your best friend. There are so many wonderful resources for aspiring entrepreneurs no matter what industry you want to be in. After opening my own business, I discovered a ton of wonderful books, podcasts, and online communities that are extremely help as well. A few of my favorites include:
- The Rising Tide Society: This is a group of entrepreneurs that believe in "community over competition". It is wonderful to have a group you can reach out to for industry questions, opinions, or the fun business stuff like accounting and taxes. The Rising Tide Society also hosts an event called Tuesdays Together all around the country. We have a Tuesdays Together group in the Jackson area that meets up on the second Tuesday of every month. The Rising Tide Society provides us with a topic and worksheets to go over each meeting to help educate us on a specific topic. It is also a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners.
- The Goal Digger Podcast: Jenna Kutcher, a wedding photographer, created this podcast to share her wealth of knowledge on being a small business owner. She also invites other successful business owners as guests each week to share their expertise. The Goal Digger Podcast has a Facebook group you can join to further discussions on the topics of her podcast or other personal or business questions you may have as a small business owner. It's a great community! Jenna also offers workshops about photography, growing your Instagram and Pinterest, email lists, and so much more! There are also great freebies on her website JennaKutcher.com that give you a taste of the abundance of knowledge her workshops will give you.
- "You are a Bada**" by Jenn Sincero - if you're struggling to make the move into entrepreneurial life, this book will help push you to take the plunge! It is not just for entrepreneurs though - it's a fabulous read for everyone!!
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{Do you have any advice to offer any aspiring female entrepreneurs?}
Photography by Ashley Upchurch
To make an appointment at Elle James Bridal, please give Kristin a call at 769.300.4286, email any questions to [email protected], or visit their website.
Give Elle James a follow on Instagram @ellejamesbridal and make sure to like their Facebook page!
- You are just as able as anyone else - never let your gender, age, race, etc hold you back.
- Do your research.
- Ask questions.
- Don't be afraid to reach out to others for advice and/or help, especially people in the industry your aspire to be in. People are surprisingly very open and helpful.
- Crunch the numbers - this is the hard and not fun part. But unfortunately, to be successful and sustain your dream, your business has to be profitable!
- Find a good accountant.
- The saying is true.. "when you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life." (except when taxes are due haha)
- You hold the key to your success. If something isn't working, it's your job to figure it out.
- Define your business and brand and commit to it - everything you do should be consistant with your brand. You cannot be all things to all people.
- Don't let the unknown scare you. Elle James has been open for 2 years and I still learn something new every day!
- You got this girlfriend!!
Photography by Ashley Upchurch
To make an appointment at Elle James Bridal, please give Kristin a call at 769.300.4286, email any questions to [email protected], or visit their website.
Give Elle James a follow on Instagram @ellejamesbridal and make sure to like their Facebook page!
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