It’s so nice to meet you! My name is Sarah and I’m the founder, owner, and curator of Bustle - my personal favorite bridal store.
To be honest, I’m much more comfortable working behind the scenes, and behind the camera. I’ve never been one to put my face front and center - I’ve always wanted the business to speak for itself. And it clearly does - through our social media, word of mouth referrals, and our growth year over year. However - I’d like you all to know more about me, and just how much cultivating this business means to me.
I’m a mom to two incredible girls, a wife to an unbelievable husband (Golden Retriever vibes), a Swiftie (Reputation and Folklore changed my life), an Aries, an ENTP, an avid traveler, an LSU fan, a live music fan, and a devoted entrepreneur.
In 2006, my husband, Eric, and I got married. I couldn’t wait to have the classic Baton Rouge wedding! I watched as all the pieces fell together during our engagement. An absolute whirlwind of happy times and beautiful things.
Shopping for my wedding gown was a one-day event. Before the days of “Say Yes to the Dress,” my only inspiration was bridal magazines (Martha Stewart Weddings, anyone?). Picture Baton Rouge at the time: you’ve got 2 locally owned bridal stores, and one big-box national retailer devoid of any character. A luxurious, personalized experience where you felt pampered and spoiled was nowhere to be found. I ordered my wedding gown from one of the local stores and blissfully continued wedding planning.
Until, that is, my wedding gown arrived a month before the wedding, and 3 sizes too small because of a paperwork error. No, it could not be fixed. No, I could not wear it. Did the store do everything they could to try and make it right? Absolutely. I left with another gown from their inventory that I liked, not loved, and their most sincere apology. I left this experience with the thought - “I think I could do this better.”
“ I left this experience with the thought - “I think I could do this better.””
I quickly got to work on a business plan, and on getting my husband to be on board with the idea. The latter took no time at all (Thank you, Eric!). The former, an exercise in patience and precision. My terrified Dad took over as lead construction supervisor for a building in which I worked daily to show him had potential. I realize now, looking back, it only reached that potential through his expertise and his intense desire for me to not fail. Thanks, Dad! My mom - recently retired, became my first employee. Although, can you call them that when they’re unpaid? Thank you, Mom!
Yes, I try on the gowns!
Our business has blossomed through the years - moving from a small space with room for 2 brides at a time, to our current space where we can serve 4 at a time. We have seen trends come, go, and come back again. I have always strived to have my finger on the pulse of bridal trends - what brides are wanting now, and what they will be wanting, so we can have it ready.
I am proud of the inventory we have. We were the first store to embrace having a selection of size-inclusive gowns that goes past 2 or 3 per silhouette. We have a collection of plus size gowns that could rival the largest stores in the largest cities. We have a dress for you - I promise.
“We were the first store to embrace having a selection of size-inclusive gowns that goes past 2 or 3 per silhouette.”
I’m so ridiculously proud of my incredible staff. I mean, have you met these girls? I am honored to be surrounded by employees who embrace my vision so wholeheartedly. They are funny, smart, inclusive, and ready to joyfully answer the call when you need something. Yes, they’re naturals on TikTok - but they’re also welcoming and kind, and have fostered the kind of environment for our customers that make me sleep well at night. No one treats brides better than Bustle employees and that is one massive feather in my hat!
I am most proud of how we embrace our customers. If you’ve purchased a gown from Bustle, you already know we treat you like family and friends. We are humbled by the opportunity to be part of this time in your life. We don’t shy away from being supportive in any way that we can. There’s space at Bustle for everyone - all walks of life, all personalities. We are girl’s girls and we take it seriously.
The only reason this business works and has been successful for this long, is because of the trust our customers have put in us. My dream only continues for as long as the community is supportive. It is not lost on me that I’ve had the absolute privilege of having this job for 17 years because of all of you - my past, current, and future brides. Thank you for including us in your journey!