Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Batal
Hi Kristina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story got started almost 5 years ago…. I moved to SLC Aug 30th 2020, and opened Lovers Bridal November 4th 2020. I studied fashion merchandising at Virginia Commonwealth University & always felt passionate about bringing more awareness to sustainability in the fashion space.
I grew up vintage shopping with my mom and grandmother and always thought, “If I were to be married one day… I would want to be dressed in something no one else had, something one of a kind and unique”. And that’s where the inspiration for lovers came from. There are so many beautiful dresses just sitting in the back of the closet; they just need another chance to be loved!
I have worked in retail in the past, but there’s a bit of a difference between finding someone a pair of jeans and finding someone their wedding dress; I love being a part of the process and making someone feel as beautiful and confident on one of the most important days of your life. It’s truly what I think I was put on the earth for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Openeing a bridal studio in the smack middle of COVID was probably not my smartest decision! Haha. No one knew when their weddings would be, everything was postponed, so no one was really out wedding dress shopping… After just a few months of being open, I thought Id had to close my doors already. I remember I even emailed my landlord asking for them to decrease the rent….they said no, and I just got to work. Even more than I had been. There were plenty of times people told me I was crazy for doing this, that being an entrepreneur is not worth it, its not stable, its too difficult. But to put it in my perspective….. My entire life I have done what I wanted, what I thought was best, wore what I liked, and really have a hard time with the word no. Never in an arrogant way, but I kind of live by the mantra that life is short, but it’s also long, so I’ll do anything I can to enjoy it to its entirety. I know I was put on this earth to make other women feel beautiful, feel confident, and inspire them to accomplish whatever it is that they want in life. If someone is going to discredit that, or be a roadblock for me, I will always find a way around them. Although not always easy, that’s what creates change – that’s always come pretty naturally to me, and if it comes naturally it’d be a shame to not make the most of it. Now is such an encouraging time for us women, a time for voices to be heard and influence to be made – so I plan to make the most of that.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lovers Bridal Co ?
Lovers Bridal is women-owned and operated and Salt Lake City’s first & only Vintage Bridal Studio. Made for the one-of-a-kind. We value sustainability, & Lovers Bridal was created to help brides find a breathtaking and unique wedding dress that also happens to help the environment.
Although we specialize in bridal, we also sell vintage formal / evening wear – perfect for any black-tie event, holidays, or any fabulous party. All of our dresses are “off the rack” meaning you can take them home with you the same day.
One thing (among many) that makes Lovers Bridal so special is the uniqueness of every single gown. All dresses at Lovers are hand-picked & range from the 1910s-1990s. We want choosing your wedding dress to be a memory you will always cherish, and lovers is here to help you with that! Sustainable, timeless, & classic.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We love collaborating at Lovers! Photographers are always welcome to rent dresses for photo shoots; we have a model call monthly so local models can come in and expand their portfolio by helping us model dresses for social media. Word of mouth is the best way to support us – if you know of a bride who is recently engaged and has a particularly keen sense of fashion that is unique and vintage-like, send them our way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loversbridalco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loversbridal/?hl=en
