Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Underberg.
Hi Autumn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I bought Goddess Gowns December 23, 2020. The day before Christmas Eve and in the middle of a pandemic that was shutting down businesses. Brides want their dress and I was counting on that. So with no experience at all, I bought the store, turn-key and had a lot of learning to do. I fell in love with empowering women to feel beautiful. I live in a two-lane town so I wanted my store to be beautiful and affordable, afterall, my community wears boots and works for a living. I have achieved that goal for the past )almost) five years now and I am very proud of what we have become. A premium bridal retailer providing an elevated experience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a LOT to learn. Incredible employees and the sweetest brides and grooms have made it a success. Like I mentioned, opening in the middle of a pandemic was a little scary but the wedding industry experienced it’s largest retail boom in history. The brides had not stopped wanting their perfect day. So we wore masks, socially distanced and grew from there.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I invented bridesmaid parties. After-hour private parties with food and drink to help the bride gather her friends and family and turn an exhausting experience into an easy one. One night, everyone tries on, everyone gets measured, everyone gets ordered. It is a major convenience for the bride and her wedding party.
I have said it a few thousand times, our community wears boots and works for a living. Weddings are expensive and not everyone wants to spend 10k on their big day. I have customizable gowns, italian gowns etc and I am selling them at reasonable prices. That makes me happy.
I believe that customer service and product knowlege is what makes a business great. Those values are found in small towns, and small businesses. My customers appreciate my values and continue to recommend me to others. That makes me proud.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The Union Area Chamber of Commerce Director, Kathryn Gaither has helped me and many other local businesses cross market and grow.
My advice is, do not be quiet. Longevity doesn’t happen by accident in business. Reach out and cross-market with other local businesses. Support the local sports teams and schools and they will support you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Goddessgowns.net
- Instagram: @goddessgowns.union
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoddessGownsUnionMo
