Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Jacoby.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
2018 was a life changing year for me personally. At the time I was enrolled in graduate school, had just recently been married, and this coupled with my father’s cancer journey really made me consider the fact that life was fleeting and that we truly have a finite period of time to pursue our passions. I am the granddaughter of a couture level Cuban seamstress consequently clothes, fine fabrics, and sewing are and always have been very much a part of my family’s culture. After deciding to no longer pursue graduate school I reflected for an extended period of time where my natural strengths were. I have always love to draw clothes and have always been talented in the area of design. I took this talent coupled with my desire to bring Polk county a true boutique experience that did not require that Lakelanders have to drive to their communities to find arguably the most important garment they would ever wear.
Thus, The Southern Swan was born. The swan is the signature icon of the city of Lakeland but it was chosen mainly because Swan’s are some of the only animals in nature that mate for life. After the name was decided I went on to determine what I wanted the central motto of the store to be “Where The Girl Comes Before The Gown” it was something that i wanted to center myself and my staff and a motto that would always guide us when it came to customer service an element that I am very passionate about. Buying a wedding gown is an expensive purchase and should be purchased by the heart and not the mind. At The Southern Swan my staff is trained for 9 months on fabrics, fit, customer service etc. before they are ever able to deal with a bride alone. I always say that a bride looking her absolute best on her wedding day is my best form of advertising. We are a one on one boutique that truly caters to our customer and love brides that want and value expertise.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I opened three months before the pandemic but my customers are what allowed me to survive. They are the soul reason why I did not have to close my doors. This is why the customer is the central key to a surviving business if you treat people with kindness and respect and view your business as a ministry before a business your customer will ensure your survival.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are an atelier of sorts myself as the owner curates collections specifically for our brides beyond that I draw and design myself and offer the bride the ability to create custom pieces should she want to create a one of a kind pieces for her wedding.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
1. Keep the customer at the center of your business when you make a customer feel as though you genuinely have their best interest they will ensure your survival! 2. Advertise your business in a way that educates the customer on how your service solves an issue for them. 3. Value your staffs input many a time they will see something you don’t see. If you pay them well, give them a means to move up, and frequently ask for input they will be undeniable supporters of your business. 4. View your business as a ministry. 5. Stay abreast of trends and purchasing patterns customers want to buy from someone who understands them and the world they live in.
Pricing:
- Gowns usually run $1800-$5000
- Custom gowns are $5000 and up depending on fabric and detail.
Contact Info:
- Email: Thesouthernswanbridal@gmail.com
- Website: Www.thesouthernswanbridal.com
- Instagram: @southernswanbridal
Image Credits
Emily Plank Photography Terrie Images
