Mentor new efforts as mutually beneficial attempt

Mothers who’ve shelled out big bucks to buy the gown of their daughters’ dreams might be heard shouting “Yes!” when learning of a new shop aptly named “Say Yes to Her Dress.”

The consignment store, which sells gently worn formal dresses at a fraction of their original cost, is set to open Aug. 15 at 7488 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. 

Concept originated from a year ago when the owner of the concept of Martin and her daughter Karen Jordan buy formal dress, then 16, and found a perfect little tag number and imperfect price is $330.

The duo left the dress behind and eventually purchased a suitable substitute at a much lower cost.

After the experience, Karen and Jordan discussed the need for an alternative to the dilemma so many girls face while searching for homecoming and prom apparel that often is worn just once and busts budgets as well.

Intent on their mission, they attended a seminar at Burton Public Library on how to start a business and met a representative from SCORE, a nonprofit association that helps small businesses through education and mentorship.

“They were really able to get us grounded as far as the business aspect,” Karen said.

The duo left the dress behind and eventually purchased a suitable substitute at a much lower cost.

After the experience, Karen and Jordan discussed the need for an alternative to the dilemma so many girls face while searching for homecoming and dresses that often is worn just once and busts budgets as well.

Intent on their mission, they attended a seminar at Burton Public Library on how to start a business and met a representative from SCORE, a nonprofit association that helps small businesses through education and mentorship.

Image from one shoulder formal dresses online

“They were really able to get us grounded as far as the business aspect,” Karen said. Consignment agreements deliver 45 percent of the dress’ price to the original owner once the item is sold, or 55 percent credit if chosen to be used to purchase a dress from the store. 

Criteria for the formal dresses to be accepted are that it be clean, undamaged and in current style.

Intent on providing a salon, rather than typical thrift store atmosphere, much care was put into the store’s design. 

“You don’t want (customers) to think they’re walking in and going to find a $5 dress with snags,” Karen said.

Racks of gowns neatly arranged by color and style fill the freshly painted space. Attractive dressing rooms are large enough to accommodate the shopper as well as an accompanying entourage. 

Additionally, seamstress services for those requiring alterations are available.

To fill the additional attire needs of those planning to attend a formal event, inventory also includes jewelry, purses and hair accessories.

Thus far, a call for dresses via social media and other means of communication have brought in hundreds.

People wanting to offer wedding dresses for consignment have contacted the business owners as well. Though not being accepted at this time, the idea is being considered.

Both Karen and Jordan are not unfamiliar with business enterprises.

Jordan belongs to the Entrepreneurs’s Club at Beaumont School in Cleveland Heights where she will soon begin her senior year. She also initiated Jordan’s Wishing Well, an organization helping with the need for clean water in Africa.

Karen volunteers at the Resale Shoppe in Chester Township which benefits WomenSafe, an emergency shelter and support service for survivors of domestic violence throughout Northeast Ohio. 

Now that the mission of the motivated pair is almost complete, Jordan said her future hope is that the store will be so successful that she can open another wherever she decides to attend college next year.

If that aspiration is met, more girls may be assisted in their quest for the “perfect” yellow formal dresses australia at an acceptable price.

Hours of the store will be 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Appointments are available on Sundays.