Tag: eco bridal gowns

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New Ownership!

UpLove Bridal, Hazelwood’s beloved eco-conscious bridal boutique, is beginning a new chapter. Founded by Mandy Wildman in 2019, the boutique has become a cherished destination for one-of-a-kind, sustainable bridal and formalwear. Now, in August 2025, UpLove Bridal proudly announces its transition of ownership to Gracie Yeargin and Lauri Sojourner, a mother-daughter team poised to carry on its unique legacy while bringing a fresh energy to the boutique.

Yeargin, an experienced alterations specialist and graduate in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University, has been a vital part of UpLove since 2021, working closely alongside Wildman. She now joins forces with SoJourner, a seasoned professional in marketing and community development. They were able to purchase the business with the help of Mountain BizWorks. The duo is committed to honoring the boutique’s strong foundation—eco-friendly practices, inclusive services, and personalized bridal experiences—while building on its strengths to reach a broader community.

Yeargin said, “I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to do what I love while serving a community that means so much to me. UpLove has been an integral part of my life for over four years, and I’ve poured my heart into it. I’m beyond excited to continue this journey– honoring Mandy’s legacy of sustainability and inclusivity– while expanding opportunities for learning, growth, and empowerment.” 

Building on a Strong Foundation
UpLove Bridal has long stood out for its studio-style atmosphere, pre-loved and vintage offerings, and authentic client collaboration. As the boutique enters this new chapter, it will expand product lines to include a wider variety of consigned gowns and formalwear, enhanced tailoring services, and curated accessories for bridal parties and special events.

A Vision for Growth
SoJourner brings a sharp focus to strengthening the brand’s presence across Haywood, Jackson, and Buncombe Counties. “UpLove Bridal has a powerful story and a strong future,” she said. “We’ll be investing in digital marketing, an updated website, and community partnerships to grow our client base while staying true to our values of sustainability, inclusivity, and community. And to be able to go on this adventure with my daughter is a dream come true.”

A Boutique Like No Other
With its inclusive sizing, LGBTQ+ friendly ethos, and intimate shopping experience, UpLove Bridal continues to redefine what a bridal boutique can be. Whether you’re a first-time bride, a mature bride, a mother-of-the-bride or -groom, a prom attendee, or simply someone searching for that perfect dress with heart and history, UpLove Bridal remains the destination for fashion with purpose.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.uplovebridal.com and follow @UpLoveBridal on social media.

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Bridal Boutique Offers Internships

Classic brocade wedding gown

UpLove Bridal & More is a boutique and design studio in Waynesville NC focused on creating sustainable garments for brides and other whimsical women. We are offering internships for the following positions:

1) Refashion Designer – applicant needs basic sewing skills and a PASSION for chopping up pre-loved clothing and turning it into something whimsical and fun. You will learn how to design and create a collection using reclaimed materials, identify your ideal customer, and create a brand label. (2 positions available)

2) Social Media Marketing Specialist for Bridal Boutique and Custom Clothing Studio. You will learn how to create eye-catching graphics for Facebook and other social media platforms. You’ll also learn how to plan and execute marketing campaigns targeted to specific audiences. There will also be an opportunity to shoot promo videos.

3) Shop Interior Designer – applicant will need a strong eye for color and design that appeals to two specific markets (brides and women 40+). We will collaborate on how to merchandise gowns and accessories using original reclaimed display units, as well as creating progressive shop window displays.

There is no pay for these positions as yet, but there will be opportunities to collaborate on paying gigs in the future. We will also set up before and after pics of you working on your creations for your future portfolio.

To apply please email us or text 828.283.0548. You can also reach out through our Facebook page. Thank you.

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Opening a Bridal Boutique – Part One

custom wedding gowns

Earlier this year a light bulb went off in my head. After some years of sewing a line of fun women’s clothing using almost exclusively reclaimed materials, I had a realization. 

custom pixie coat
Custom Pixie Coat

I LOVE working with pretty, sparkly materials. I LOVE making stylish, romantic gowns using lace, pearls, satin, chiffon, silks are more. 

I needed to focus on making eco-friendly wedding wear! The idea immediately took off, and with very little marketing I soon had a sweet little custom bridal business.

UpLove Bridal and More - Created Just For You!

But after working out of my tiny sewing space at home for several months it because clear to me that I needed a shop/studio location. 

I tucked that idea in the back of my head and kept an eye out in my home town of Waynesville, NC for an affordable place in a good location. I looked at a few places but none of them spoke to me. Well – their rents did, and not in a good way.

Did I mention that I didn’t actually have the money to open an eco bridal boutique? But that hasn’t stopped me before, so I asked the Universe – nicely – for what I wanted and kept looking. 

I was sitting having a meal with my family at a local restaurant in a tiny quaint area of Haywood County called Hazelwood. I looked out of the window and my eyes fell on a FOR RENT sign in a shop window across from the (very busy) restaurant. 

You know when you just know? I knew. I just knew. 

I convinced my family to take a look in the window. It was a total mess inside. I fell madly in love and immediately called the faded phone number on the sign. 

UpLove Bridal and More, creations and alterations.
UpLove Bridal & More (before)

Two days later I met with my new landlord, a check for $725 in my hand for the first month’s rent. He didn’t make me pay a deposit and he gave me a month’s rent for free. Why?

Because, unlike me, HE was aware of exactly how much work needed to be done in order to transform this dark, dirty space into a sparkly custom wedding dress shop.  

I jumped right in with both feet. No matter that I had scraped up that $725 from various hiding places, and that I didn’t actually have any other “spare” money to renovate the shop. 

Then – amazingly –  a couple of days later I was on Instagram and I saw an ad for a website called I Fund Women. I rushed over to the site, inhaled it, and spent the next few days creating a crowdfunding project to raise the money I needed to renovate the shop. 

Fundraiser to open a custom bridal boutique

Here’s the fundraising project I created to raise the money to open my custom bridal shop. See how I’m surviving the journey from disaster zone to grand opening.

Have you ever just jumped right into something not knowing how it will turn out? Feel free to share your experience in the comments below.

Hugs, 

Mandy Wildman
Owner/Designer UpLove Bridal & More, Waynesville NC.
P.S. Please don’t hesitate to ask about ordering a custom wedding gown.