Interview with Deedee Vicory, owner/designer/head seamstress
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I have loved wedding dresses ever since I was a child. There is something magical about a woman being a princess for a day and uniting for life with her prince charming. I started sewing when I was 8 years old with my grandmother and have been in the bridal industry since 1993. I have made dresses regularly through high school and opened my first bridal store in my early 20s. One of my favorite pictures is of my oldest son holding my tape measure in his mouth as a toddler. He just turned 21 years old last month.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: The Wedding Seamstress is one of the largest independent bridal tailoring facilities in the United States. On average, we see about 1,000 brides a year. On top of the bridal alteration services, we also carry our own line of wedding dresses, D’Lola Couture, that are designed and manufactured right here in Olde Town Arvada. Finally, we have a “create your own dress” line of wedding dresses, where the bride can literally pick between different tops, bottoms and sashes or belts to create the wedding dress she wants. We offer a truly unique experience.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: To be successful in the wedding industry, you have to love working with brides. Personally, I love working with brides and their wedding gowns, whether we make it in house or they bring it in for alterations. I always feel so lucky that each woman allows me to be a part of such a magical day in their lives. It is truly an honor to work with each bride, and I try my hardest to show them how much I appreciate it.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: The lack of repeat customers is our biggest challenge as a company. I am happy this is the case, of course, but that means every client we get is a new one and that can be challenging. On the creation and manufacture of the D’Lola Couture bridal line, the most challenging thing is to get quality fabric. Unlike designers in New York or Los Angelos, I cannot just walk down the street and get fabrics — I actually have to fly out to these locations. While fun, it is not always so convenient.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I get phone calls from around the country from other seamstresses asking for advice on how to run their alterations business more effectively. This is such a tremendous honor, and I set aside time every week to help these ladies out. In October 2013, we showed the D’Lola Couture bridal line at New York Bridal Couture Week, which was a huge honor and a great way to gain additional national exposure. Our bridal line has also been shown in British Vogue, Instyle and Marie Clair magazines in 2013. Additionally, we are a family-owned business with both my oldest son and my husband working with me. Working with my family is something I treasure deeply and am thankful that the community has helped support our business and allowed it to thrive.
Profile
Business: The Wedding Seamstress
Address: 7550 Grant Place, Arvada
Hours: By appointment
Founded: 2008
Contact: 720-435-1004,
Employees: 12
