Interview with Heather Struna, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Planning my own wedding was a task in itself, but when it came to the gown I did not feel like I had the help I needed to make an educated decision. I chose a dress that was completely wrong for my wedding because the sales lady told me my time was up and it was time to make my purchase. I was never given the option to sleep on it or send pictures to a friend; I was a long way from home and with no family to help me, so I just went with that dress. Every day, as I leave home to head to work, I look at my wedding pictures on my wall and I am reminded why I still love my job. I refuse to pressure a bride just to get a sale. Our brides always say that they knew it was the dress and they still feel that way years later. We even have an iPad just so brides can Skype with family so we can include our out-of-town people in the dress purchase.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: All of our bridal consultants have been fully trained directly by the designers to understand the fit and structural integrity of the gowns. Two times a year we travel to see, touch, and feel each and every gown we bring into our store to showcase for our brides. We take the process of selecting our gowns very seriously — we pay for each and every one of our gowns (none of our gowns are samples) so we also will offer brides to purchase our gowns directly off the rack if their wedding timeline does not allow us time to place an order for them. Our motto is “We never tell a bride no.”
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love to see the families grow. I just had a bride who no longer lives here but was visiting family in Colorado and she took time out of her vacation to stop by and introduce me to her 2-month-old son. I am currently working on a wedding this weekend for a bride that was a junior bridesmaid in a wedding I did years ago and she is now a bride of mine. Made me feel a bit old, but I love it.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is knowing what styles and sizes to order for our future brides. We are always shopping a season or two ahead in order to remain fashion forward and provide the best the season can offer.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Our bridal consultations require an appointment because we offer a private setting with a consultant who will assist you in choosing gowns that are a good fit for both your body type, venue and personality. We provide the dressing and education you need in order to choose the gown for your perfect wedding day.
Profile
Business: Wedding Treasures Bridal & Tuxedo
Address: 333 Perry St., Castle Rock
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Founded: 2002
Contact: 303-660-0200,
Employees: 5
