Inspiring Conversations with Tiffany Flowers-Scales of Bella Te Couture

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Flowers-Scales

Hi Tiffany, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from North Carolina Central University, where I learned I had the love for fashion and styling. I motivated myself to begin the journey of being an entrepreneur in 2008 with finding a name. I was discouraged but the urge to be successful never left. In 2012 I was a Co Manager for a fashion brand and was laid off in 2013. I took the severance pay and started my business, Bella Te Couture, March 2, 2014. I never thought I’d be where I am. Just wanted to do something fun. The goal for the business has always been to give women and men the opportunity to feel and look amazing. Bella Te Couture began as an online store and having custom garments was introduced in 2016, which brought fun, original and stylish looks to the customers. I went through a moment of depression and feeling empty but learning to create opened my mind to more, so I learned to sew. Sewing taught patience and I found there was fun in creating. Sewing was and still is joy. It almost felt like therapy. I began to learn to sew to give the customers more than looks you see from the patterns in the stores. Between reading books, watching other seamstress, watching YouTube videos and a lot of trial and error, the love for sewing and mastering it became a goal. In 2019 alterations joined as an added service. As of today, the love and passion still reigns. During COVID my shop moved to Winston Salem,NC from Greensboro and has serviced over 5000 men and women with alterations and custom needs, servicing states from Oregon, NC,SC, GA and more. I’ve worked with JuJu from “Love and Hip Hop” and I have been apart of Goodwills Rock the Runway. Between my sewing classes, community service events and sewing for clients I still find time for my spouse. We were just recently married on New Years Eve 2022 where I created my gown and garments for everyone in the party. I felt the journey of creating the wedding looks would be enjoyable and it was. I find everything fashion exciting but my design esthetic is classic elegance in everything I do. I strive to continue to bring quality to everyone no matter the occasion or amount of money spent with great customer service. It’s about the experience. Showcasing the Bella Te Couture experience to the local and surrounding areas is my ultimate goal. My dream is to soon open my custom showroom. I will forever aim for greatness in every aspect through fashion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been smooth or cookie cutter per se. It’s been a lot of trial and error. With growing in business and getting more customers, learning my structure in business can’t stay the same. One struggle I had was saying no and allowing customers to not stick by policies set in place. I didn’t want to offend or deter them but I learned it’s more respected when you stick by your brand and policies.

As you know, we’re big fans of Bella Te Couture . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in formal wear for any and all occasions for men, women and kids. I’m mostly known for my elegant gowns for prom and weddings. I’m the most proud that when my client wears their garment, most of the people attending their events know automatically that it’s a Bella Te Couture custom piece without saying. I am able to create many looks but I love creating elegant looks that you can keep for a lifetime. I also offer alteration services, customization services and on-site day of seamstress services for wedding parties. One event I love to do each year is create a free custom prom dress/suit for a deserving senior. It truly warms my heart to be able to give back.

Pricing:

• Wedding gowns begin at $1000
• Tuxedos/Suits begin at $450
• Prom gowns $600
• Jumpsuits $300

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellatecouture
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellatecouture
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bella-te-couture-formal-and-alterations-shop-winston-salem