One of the most monumental milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day; it’s a time for her to stand out as she celebrates her love for that special someone.
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a key ingredient for a happy bride, and business owner Cleo Estrada has the knowledge and passion to help brides find the dress of their dreams.
Sassy and Classy Bridal Boutique is a one-stop shop for local brides and grooms preparing to tie the knot. The boutique is spacious, well organized, and offers a touch of class with comfort in mind.
Estrada opened the boutique in June and is pleased with business so far. Formerly a dental assistant for the county, Estrada decided to open a bridal boutique in Atascadero. Unfortunately, it struggled, and Estrada knew it was time to make a move.
“My sister eventually talked me into moving the store [to Santa Maria],” Estrada said.
With numerous other dress and tuxedo shops on the Central Coast, Estrada said it’s her aim to provide quality service that separates her from other boutiques and chain stores.
“We like to have fun, and we go above and beyond,” Estrada said.
When brides walk through the door, Estrada wants them to feel comfortable and at home. Estrada also encourages potential guests to make an appointment so that all the attention can be given to one bride at a time.
Estrada seeks to offer privacy for customers and their companions with a large bridal dressing room. Complete with inviting couches, and a platform facing a mirrored wall, brides will be able to tell how great their dress looks at any angle.
Estrada has a large selection of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, and accessories. She meets with representatives from various designers, including David Tutera and Allure. Estrada said she wants to make her boutique convenient for both brides and grooms.
“The first visit, they come in find a dress or tuxedo and I fit them that day so they know how they will look,” Estrada said.
But sometimes, Estrada said satisfying the bride isn’t always easy.
“Some brides have a vision in their head of what they want their dress to be, but it’s my job to be honest with them,” Estrada said.
In order for brides to have a good experience and find the perfect dress, Estrada recommends only the maid of honor, the mother, and the grandmother join the bride in her search.
Sassy and Classy Bridal Boutique also caters to high school students in search of their prom dresses or tuxedos, and can help any couple with last minute wedding plans. In the future, Estrada would like to transform the back area of the boutique into a shop for various bridal accessories.
“Witnessing the joy of the bride when she finds her dress is very satisfying,” Estrada said. “We want brides to feel special and cared about.”
Sassy and Classy is located at 2125 S. Broadway. For more information, call 934-9818.
Highlights
• The July numbers from the state’s Economic Development Department show the unemployment rate in the Santa Barbara County is unchanged from the previous month, remaining at 7.9 percent.
The numbers are below the year-ago estimate of 8.7 percent.
County unemployment stayed highest in the city of Lompoc, at 13.9 percent, followed by Guadalupe at 13.4 percent. The lowest rate among cities was Solvang at 3 percent.
California’s overall unemployment rate was 10.9 percent, higher than the 8.6 percent estimated for the nation during the same period.
For more information, visit edd.ca.gov.
Staff Writer Kristina Sewell wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Highlights are written and compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Aug 23-30, 2012.