Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawne and Steven Jacobs.
Shawne and Steven, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started working at Anne Barge in 2002, right after I graduated from American Intercontinental University with a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing with a focus on evening wear. I have worked in every department, from design and fabric sourcing to sales and production. I learned so much from Anne who was a wonderful mentor – the company became a part of my DNA.
Steven started a commercial swimming pool management and construction company, ProGuard Pool Management, Inc., while he was an undergraduate in Finance at The University of Georgia. He then received his MBA from Georgia State University while continuing to run the pool company.
Steven and I met in 2008, were married in 2010 and purchased Anne Barge together in 2014. Steven remains President of ProGuard and has a great team in place that allows him to split time between his responsibilities there and as CFO of Anne Barge. I am the President of Anne Barge and manage the operations of the business as well as work on the design of our gowns. Together we work on the long term strategic planning for our company and its brands.
Our expansion into evening wear began with special requests for red carpet events and for mothers of the bride. We now design an evening wear line — Black Label by Anne Barge that is in its third season. I am excited for this new direction for the company since it brings me back to where I started as an undergraduate student at AIU.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been an incredibly smooth, seamless transition at Anne Barge. Steven likes to joke that it was the closest thing to a family transaction without us actually being related. We attribute this to having essentially the same operational staff and a strong relationship both personal and professional with the previous owner, Anne Barge Clegg.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Anne Barge – what should we know?
Anne Barge was founded in 1999. We design and manufacture luxe wedding gowns and eveningwear. We are based in Atlanta and sell to retailers around the country and the world. Our signature is feminine, sophisticated designs that meld classic tradition with contemporary chic. Each year we travel to New York and London to debut our new collections for buyers and press. We have a deep, enduring relationship with our loyal retailers who are an integral part of our success.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
A passion for design, a love and appreciation of old world tradition and superb craftsmanship and a strong bond with our retailers. We have an amazing team at Anne Barge. Our employees enable us to consistently execute from design conception through the delivery of each gown to our retail stores.
Pricing:
- ANNE BARGE COLLECTION $3200 – $8500 MSRP: Anne Barge Collection combines classic elegance with modern sophistication, embracing old world craftsmanship, luxury fabrics — gossamer chiffon to metallic lace — and exquisite detailing, down to the tiniest seed pearl.
- BLUE WILLOW BRIDE BY ANNE BARGE $1700 – $3000 MSRP: Blue Willow represents a couture aesthetic with the same attention to detail that is the house’s signature.
- Black Label (Evening) $1700 – $8500 MSRP: Stunning red carpet looks for black tie galas and cocktail events that are chic, classic and impeccably crafted.
Contact Info:
- Address: 120 Interstate N Parkway SE Suite 404 Atlanta, GA 30339
- Website: www.annebarge.com
- Phone: 404.873.8070
- Email: info@annebarge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annebarge/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneBargeBride
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/annebargebride/
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