NOMINATIONS FOR 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Any Chamber member may submit his/her name or the name of any other member in good standing for consideration by the Nominating Committee as a candidate for membership on the Board of Directors.
A current list of Board members can be found here.
Applications so submitted shall be in writing stating qualifications to serve as a Board member and shall be forwarded to the Chamber office or any member of the Nominating Committee prior to 5pm on Thursday, September 30th.
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for 2021 Business & Non-Profit Partner Awards
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 2021 Business & Non-Profit Partner Awards. Nominate your business, or another deserving business, today. The deadline for submitting nominations is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 22nd.
Each month we'll be featuring a chamber member woman-owned business for their impact in our community. For September, we have chosen The Bridal Cottage, owned by Lindy Lanford. CONGRATULATIONS!
How long have you been in business?
Lindy: The Bridal Cottage opened in 1976 right here in the historic Park Hill district of North Little Rock. I have owned the business since December of 2011, so I'm actually going on my 10th year!
What is your favorite part of having your business?
Lindy: Oh goodness I have so many favorites! From carrying on the many traditions passed down from the original owner, to creating a warm and memorable atmosphere for our brides and their families, to knowing my team can call this place home. What is also so special, and what is such a beautiful sight, is to see moms who bought their wedding dress here years before come back with their daughters to find their own gown!
But aside from that, it’s also about creating and building a team of strong women! Women who want to empower, support and motivate each other--not only as a team, but also have the same passion when working with brides. We are creating wonderful memories and want to embrace this life moment with them!
Plus I adore this city. My husband and I both grew up here and we so enjoy being a part of this amazing community.
How did you get started?
Lindy: I had no idea buying my wedding dress from The Bridal Cottage would change my life.
Growing up in North Little Rock, I knew when I got engaged the first place I was going was The Bridal Cottage. But at 37 years old, and getting married for the first time, I had never really thought about what I would wear on my wedding day. I knew what day-wear I was comfortable in, and I feel like I had a good sense of style…I just had to trust myself that I would find my dress!
And during my appointment at The Bridal Cottage, I had the pleasure of having the owner at the time as my bridal consultant. And that day, surrounded by my close family and friends, I had that special moment that every bride dreams about. I felt just absolutely beautiful, the dress was perfect with my mother’s veil, and I knew I would take my fiancé breath away…it was that moment, I finally felt like a bride.
Friends tease me that I enjoyed the wedding experience so much that I just went out and bought the store! Well, it basically happened like that.
A few months after purchasing my gown, a truck ran a red light and ran into the front of The Bridal Cottage and landed in the building next door.
Thankfully, the store was not open at the time. It was such a sight, it even made the national news!
After my wedding, I went to visit her and she told me she was closing. I just couldn’t imagine that happening! I couldn’t believe that future brides would not be able to have the experience like I did at The Bridal Cottage. So, after much discussion with my husband, we decided to purchase this historical bridal boutique. And other than marrying the love of my life, it was the best decision I have every made.
I want every bride to have that moment, just like I did.
What are my biggest challenges as a business owner or as a woman business owner?
Lindy: My first big challenge as a business owner was that I'd never had any experience owning a business! But with the support of my husband, family and friends, the incredible advice I received from other business owners and also believing in myself and what The Bridal Cottage stands for, I have built a business that I love!
I believe our biggest challenge right now is keeping up and staying relevant on social media! Socials are constantly changing and my team and I are always coming up with new ideas and new ways to post on social media. We know that socials are where our brides begin their shopping experience. It’s where our relationship with our brides starts to form. We have to continue to educate ourselves on where social media is and where it is going to be able to cultivate those relationships, where hopefully when brides are ready to start shopping, they choose us.
As a woman business owner, I have found that there are some old school bridal designers and sales reps that sometimes don't take me seriously or give me unwanted advice. So I made a decision a long time ago that I align myself and my store with designers who treat us like a partner and not just a business transaction.
If I could change one thing, what would it be?
Lindy: I cannot pin point one change, necessarily. But I can say, I am always open to change! And especially after this last year, we had to implement many changes. We adapted and it all worked out! And if my team feels strongly about a certain idea on change, I listen, keep an open mind and positive attitude!
Do you have any important advice you could share to another person or woman who wants to start their own business?
Lindy: My advice to anyone who wants to start their own business is to believe in yourself and go with your gut! My team laughs at me because they know that my gut speaks the truth! Lean on those close to you, seek advice from local business owners and most importantly, remember to self-love!
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s “A Night at the Argenta Community Theater”, scheduled for September 15, 2021, has been postponed until Spring 2022. More information to follow soon!
