A BRIDAL boutique, which started as a dream of two friends, has finally become a reality after its opening at a Hampshire chapel.
House of Boêmia opened its doors at the Old Chapel in Alresford to fellow businesses and the deputy mayor of Winchester with its Valentine’s Day launch.
Friends and co-business owners Bethany Sharp, from Fair Oak, and Lauren Fletcher, from Kings Worthy, have designed six of the 19 dresses they stock which were made by local dress maker Liz Van-Stone.
Bethany, 24, said: “We’re very much focused on the more free-spirited, bohemian and non-traditional bride. We wanted to create refreshing, minimalistic looks for our customers.”
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Ahead of the launch, the new business received its first bookings with the soonest available slot being taken up. Lauren, 31, said: “It’s really exciting but very scary. It’s like a dream and now it’s actually happening. To get that first booking was like oh my gosh people actually believe in us.
“The result is better than what we envisaged. For a chapel to become available when we were looking for a place to open was ideal. Everything sort of fell at our feet.”
Deputy mayor, Cllr Angela Clear, attended in place of the mayor, Cllr Derek Green, and raised a glass to the business start-up owners before cutting the ribbon.
Cllr Clear said: “It was a delight to be here and help open this lovely boutique. I know it’s Bethany and Lauren’s dream and I hope it goes from strength to strength.”
Other local businesses were also pleased to be invited. Vicky Othen, of New Era Travel, was imagining her customers, with many turning to the travel agents for weddings abroad or honeymoons, in the dresses on the display.
Ms Othen said: “I feel delighted that we were included. It’s such a lovely event in a beautiful building. It’s vital that us small independent businesses work together, particularly here in Alresford. I will definitely be recommending the House of Boêmia to my customers.”
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Bethany and Lauren met as former bridal boutique employees and have had the dream to set up their own ambition ever since. The pair got more of a taste for working together in the bridal world when Lauren was Bethany’s maid of honour.
House of Boêmia is open for appointments at The Old Chapel in The Dean 10am-2.30pm from Tuesday to Friday, 9am-6.30pm on Saturdays and some Sundays 9am-11am.
A trunk show of an additional 12 dresses, from designers Carta Branca, Rembo Styling and Marylise Bridal, is available from February 16 to 19.
For more go to houseofboemia.co.uk/.
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