Meet Liza, owner of our San Diego location! A native of Alabama, Liza was looking for a new and exciting career path and soon developed a passion for the wedding industry while helping out a friend at a local bridal shop. When the opportunity to own her own Bella Bridesmaid boutique arose, she jumped at the chance! We were lucky enough to chat with our new friend about the personal and professional inspirations behind owning her own boutique!

Liza, (left) with franchise owners Kathleen Casey and Erin Casey Wolf

 

BB: What was your career before becoming a Bella Bridesmaid owner, and what attracted you to the franchise? I started the process of buying the franchise in January 2012 and finally took over in April. I began my career as a criminal investigator for the County of San Diego.  I loved my clients, but wasn't crazy about working for the government, so I started thinking about other areas of interest.  My husband is one of the lucky few who was able to turn a hobby/interest into a career....he literally leaps out of bed in the mornings to go to work.  I was jealous and wanted that too!  I have always liked fashion, but am definitely not a designer, so I went back to school to figure out where I could fit in within the industry. While in school, I took a lot of odd jobs, trying to figure out what I liked, one of which included helping a friend who owns a bridal dress shop.  I absolutely loved it!  I found out about Bella Bridesmaid from a job posting and things progressed from there.  I looked at purchasing the store a few years ago, but the timing wasn't right. Fortunately, the store was still for sale in January and the timing was perfect, so I figured it was meant to be! BB: What is the most memorable moment so far in owning your boutique? I got a really sweet note from a bride after I sold her one of my Amsale sample dresses in Aubergine.  One of her bridesmaids went rogue and bought a cheaper dress online somewhere, which ended up disastrously, so the bride was desperately searching for a replacement.   The note is somewhat dramatic, albeit very sweet, but I keep it on my bulletin board next to my desk as a reminder of how the smallest things can sometimes make the biggest difference.   BB: What is your idea of a perfect night out on the town? Which one of our dresses would you wear, and how would you style it?

My favorite dress is Monique Lhuillier's Style #450029.  It reminds me of Julia Roberts' dress in Pretty Woman.  I would definitely plan a night around that dress....dinner, the opera, travel by private plane.....I'm okay if Richard Gere wants to come along too. I think the dress is so classically beautiful, not much else is needed besides some diamond stud earrings and strappy heels.    BB: Fave celebrity wedding dresses? I love a full skirt and tulle so my favorite is Portia di Rossi's pink tulle skirt with open back halter top. So pretty!  BB: How would you describe your own personal style? I don't think there's necessarily a word for my style!   From going to fashion school, I've read a lot of books about defining one's style and the best advice I ever read was to only buy what you love, regardless of trend.   This advice hasn't necessarily saved me money, but it has helped me define what I love, feel comfortable and confident in what I wear, know how to shop and have a VERY organized closet! BB: Favorite place traveled? Paris!  I've been twice and hope one day to get the chance to live there.   Let me know if we're going to expand abroad.... BB: Beauty product you cant live without? Dior Show mascara and Thierry Mugler Angel perfume. I really worry if the house were on fire, I'd grab only these two things and let the pets fend for themselves!!   BB: Favorite real housewife? I am originally from Alabama, so I love the Atlanta housewives.  All of women on the show are outrageous, but I have an appreciation for the Southern flair that the Altanta girls bring to all of the drama, backstabbing and idiotic spending.   BB: Favorite quote or expression? "This too shall pass and tomorrow is another day,"  said by my mom.  Words she used to tell me as a little girl, when I was worked up over something trivial, and words to live by now, when the problems are bigger and more serious.  As bad as something seems today, things are always a little bit better, a little bit clearer, in the morning.   Truly the wisest woman I know! BB: Everyday wear item? ie: pair of earrings, fave cardigan, scarf? See #8.....never a day without these two!