In this episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress, we’re flipping the script to “secrets of a bridal shop owner.” I sit down with Courtney Foreman, owner of Weddings With Joy in Olympia, WA, who just hit 10 years in business and is leveling up by buying a building.

Courtney shares how she went from banking to bridal, what she wishes she’d known before her first market buy, why appointments over walk-ins changed everything, and how COVID became the unexpected catalyst that led to profitability, coaching, team growth, and a healthier owner role. We also get into hiring, training, culture, consistency, and delegation—plus the real talk on financing and finding the right property for expansion.

In this episode:

• The messy truth of an accidental acquisition: buying a bridal shop with no industry experience

• Market buying 101: knowing your customer, sizes, colors, and how not to overbuy

• Why appointment-only improves client experience and owner sanity

• How coaching and community shortened the learning curve

• Building a team and culture (and why experience isn’t always an advantage)

• Systems, automation, handbooks, and consistent client messaging

• The building buy: appraisals, banks, deal breakers, and finding a space that supports growth (hello, separate menswear entrance!)

• Mindset for the long game: staying even-keeled through highs and lows

Connect with Courtney:

Website: https://weddingswithjoy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingswithjoy/

Connect with me:

Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/

Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Feeling overwhelmed by all the ways clients reach out… DMs, emails, texts, contact forms, and more? You’re not alone! In this Six Figure Friday episode, I am sharing simple, free strategies to organize your bridal alteration inquiries without needing a fancy CRM or paid system.

Whether you’re just starting out or not quite ready to invest in automation, these tips will help you regain control, reduce stress, and set up a smooth, professional process that keeps you from missing potential clients.

In this episode:

• Why having one point of contact is key to staying organized

• How to set up a free, easy system for managing inquiries

• What to say when clients message you on social media

• The difference between being “available” and setting boundaries

• How small steps now prepare you for future systems like Dubsado

Check out Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com

Connect with me:

Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/

Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page

Do you ever feel like you’re posting on Instagram and nobody’s listening? You’re not alone. Most of us post a few times here and there on scattered topics, and then wonder why nothing sells.

In this week’s Six Figure Friday tip, I’m sharing the results of a simple experiment I ran on my Sweet Francis account. I picked ONE topic, my spring cleaning sale, and posted about it all month long. No reinventing the wheel, no stressing over what to say. Just one message, in different formats, over and over again.

This episode breaks down exactly what happened, and spoiler alert - it was profitable and successful! I want you to try it too, and this episode outlines how.

And don’t forget, the SBS Membership is OPEN until the first week of October. This is the place where we dive deeper into strategies like this and cheer each other on as we grow. Come join us!

Connect with me:

Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/

Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page