Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicky Quach
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?
Growing up with immigrant parents and as a first generation in America, I wasn’t sure what my future career would look like or what my future would look like in general. My parents’ and my own upbringing were very different from my friends’ and other people I knew. My parents both individually came to America alone at a very young age, spoke no English, and came with basically nothing. Both of them had to face the reality that they would be leaving their families to begin a new life in a foreign country – while only knowing that they were coming to a country for “opportunities.”
Seeing my parents work extremely hard and for long hours day and night, their work ethic and drive has hugely impacted my life. They have instilled in me that you can accomplish anything with hard work and most importantly, to grasp any and every opportunity you can.
At the age of 14, my mom came to America and had very minimal sewing skills. Later, she grew her sewing skills and made an opportunity for herself at Macy’s, first starting as a sales associate then managing the alterations department. When I was born, her and my father were unable to have someone help take care of me. This resulted in my mom having a strong desire to open up her own business so she can bring her baby to work. From there, the idea of taking her sewing skills and opening up a bridal store with an alterations and customizations department was born. With no previous bridal experience, she was eager to learn so she temporarily assisted a bridal store for less than two weeks. Shortly after, she was ready to open a bridal store of her own at just the age of 21.
With over 25+ years of bridal industry experience, my mom, Ellie Shackleton-Jones, has become a well-known and powerful force in the bridal industry. After a few years from opening her first shop, she expanded it to a bigger location, later sold it, and came back a few years later opening up a bigger and better store than ever. She has also collaborated with heavily sought out designers, brands, created her own bridal and accessory line, and has been featured on news channels and other platforms.
After I graduated university, I worked in corporate for a few years, but felt that I needed to be in a role that demonstrated my creative capabilities and carry out my passion for helping and uplifting others. I had always teetered with the thought of being like my mom and working in bridal, but first wanted to try something new. Growing up, my parents were always working so I was always somewhat hesitant because I saw how much my parents worked and sacrificed for me. From there, I took a leap of faith and finally decided to join my mom at the most recent bridal company she’s opened, Bridal Gallery of Orlando.
Together we are able to make so many dreams come true, make people feel so beautiful and special, and positively impact our community. By bringing new ideas to the table, creating new roles and processes for myself and for the business, my mom and I have been able to join our ideas and tremendously grow the business along with our team.
Each and every person on our team at Bridal Gallery truly goes above and beyond to give every bride and person coming into the store the best experience possible. Having the opportunity to help others during such a special time is such a rewarding feeling.
As part-owner, my mom and I work closely together while I oversee business operations, conduct the buying and marketing for our store, design custom accessories, and manage the gallery departments along with many other responsibilities as small business owners do. Although running a business and being in the bridal industry is not for the weak, I know this is where I am meant to be. Taking that leap of faith was the best thing I have ever done!
Being born in America, we are all so fortunate for so many things that we often overlook and take for granted. To have the freedom we have, ability to open up your own business, get an education, and access to advanced resources that other countries don’t have, are just a few things that make this country so great. I am so fortunate that my parents have taught me that no dream is too small and no matter your background or where you come from, you can accomplish anything with hard work and by creating opportunities for yourself. I hope that my story will inspire others to take any opportunity presented in front of them and to run towards it as fast as you can. The opportunities that are awaiting for you are endless.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road, but the bumps and obstacles along the way are necessary to success. Some struggles include lack of time and finding a work life balance. Small business owners are required to wear many hats in a business. With that, time is very limited since we may not have as many people to help as a large corporation would. Having lack of time can lead to time management issues with work life balance. But, that is something a lot of owners struggle with and finding the right qualified team can help relieve those obstacles. Although these are common challenges many business owners face, I feel empowered knowing I am making a difference in the community and I will continue to strive to improve working on a healthy work life balance. Every business has struggles along the way, but how we overcome them is what we focus on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bridal Gallery of Orlando is a premier full-service bridal & formal wear gallery that specializes in alterations and customizations. Known as the bridal & formal wear destination store in Central Florida, Bridal Gallery has had the honor to service thousands of brides and clients from all over the world. Our 25+ years of industry experience is what truly sets us apart in the bridal world.
Catering to every bride in mind, our bridal gown selection is thoughtfully selected. We have the largest bridal & formal gown selection in Florida, so our clients have plenty of styles and options to choose from. Our bridal gowns start at $1,500-$9,000, formal gowns start at $400-$2,500, and we have a sample section for bridal and formal that starts at $199 & up. Not only do we have a wide variety of styles to choose from, but with our specialized alterations and customizations department, there is almost no way a bride can’t find their dream gown here.
We are best-known for our alterations department & the Bridal Gallery experience. We are known for staying on top of the newest trends, adapting to industry changes, and carefully consider what our brides are looking for. With our in-house alterations studio which consists of a team of 5 seamstresses and 2 designers, we have the ability to make creative visions come to life. On top of that, we are able to make dreams happen quickly for any clients that may require a quick turn-around time or are in a pinch. When other facilities have told brides they can’t do something, we try even harder to make it happen!
The experience at Bridal Gallery is what truly sets us apart. From our highly-trained stylists, knowledgable team, and combined years of industry-experience, our clients know they can trust us during one of the most important moments of their lives. Our team consists of people who are passionate about the industry and we are all so grateful to be apart of such a special day.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those who are just starting out, I recommend to not overthink and just go for it! The best outcomes in life sometimes come unplanned. Don’t overthink about “what if this” or “what if that”… you just never know until you try. Even if the answer you get is a “no”, it is still an answer and it’s better than always wondering. I believe things work out the way they’re supposed to. If it is meant for you, then it won’t pass you. You never know what your true calling is if you don’t take a leap of faith. Sometimes that leap of faith might turn into a different idea, land you a different job, or create new opportunities for you.
Pricing:
- Wedding Gowns start at $1,500-9,000
- Formal Gowns start at $400-2,500
- Wedding Sample Sale starts at $399-2,000
- Formal Sample Sale starts at $199-599
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridalgalleryoforlando.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridalgalleryoforlando/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridalgalleryoforlando/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bridalgalleryoforlando?lang=en
Image Credits
Romero Photoworks
