Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Allen.
Hi Lori, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got my start in the bridal industry thanks to my late Aunt June, who owned a successful bridal business in Birmingham, Alabama. I grew up around beautiful gowns and, from a young age, I just knew this was the career for me.
To prepare, I studied business and fashion merchandising in college. While I was there, I worked at a bridal salon and even modeled bridal gowns to get hands-on experience. Soon after graduating, with support from my parents and uncle, I opened Bridals by Lori, in Sandy Springs, Georgia, back in 1980. I started with just 25 gowns, but through a lot of hard work and determination, I built the business into what it is today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Owning a business and raising a family is challenging. Bridals by Lori has been in business for over 45-years, so we’ve seen many recessions, the pandemic, and other bridal salons come and go. The biggest shift came when Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta became a reality. It was a huge blessing, but it was also a massive adjustment. We had to learn how to run a thriving business while a production crew was filming every single day. The pressure was immense. My main focus was always to ensure the cameras never compromised the authentic experience for our brides. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bridals by Lori. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Bridals by Lori is so much more than just a store; it’s a place where we get to help a bride’s dream day begin. Our store is a beautiful three-story 25,000 s/f destination, offering an incredible selection of gowns from designers all over the world. We carry everything from high-fashion couture gowns to elegant and timeless styles, ensuring every bride can find her perfect dress. I’m so proud of our team of talented consultants who are truly dedicated to making every single appointment special. We believe that finding the perfect gown should be an unforgettable and fun experience for everyone involved. Ultimately, our goal is to create a magical moment where a bride can say “yes” and feel absolutely beautiful.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I truly believe that success is not something you achieve alone; it’s a journey you take with the help of others. First, having a mentor is absolutely critical. I was so blessed to have my Aunt June, who owned a bridal business herself, as an early influence in my life. A great mentor is someone who has been where you want to go. They can see things you can’t, give you honest advice when you need it most, and help you avoid making the same mistakes they did. They provide invaluable guidance and are your biggest cheerleaders, pushing you to be better than you ever thought you could be. You can’t put a price on that kind of wisdom and support. On the flip side, mentoring others is just as important—maybe even more so. Once you’ve found your footing and achieved some level of success, I believe you have a responsibility to pull young women up with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridalsbylori.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridalsbylori/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridalsbylori
Image Credits
Andy Baxter Photography
