Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Pembaur.
Hi Anne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story has always been a blend of creativity, resilience, and heart. I spent over 20 years in the fashion industry as a technical designer and pattern maker, working for companies like Hanesbrands and Kontoor Brands. I loved the precision of fit and the craftsmanship behind every garment, but deep down, I dreamed of building something more personal — a space where design met emotion.
That dream became Anne Marie Bridal Designs, a boutique I opened in downtown Winston-Salem. It’s a place where every bride is celebrated, every gown is created with intention, and every “yes moment” feels magical. I design my own private-label collection, offering brides a balance of timeless craftsmanship and modern details — something truly unique to them.
Alongside my design career, I’m also the Executive Director of The Haley Graves Foundation, a foster-based dog rescue that saves, rehabilitates, and rehomes hundreds of dogs each year. People are always surprised by how fashion and rescue connect, but to me, both are about transformation, care, and giving second chances — whether it’s a gown or a life.
The journey hasn’t been easy — opening a business during challenging economic times and balancing two full-time passions is a lot — but it’s incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud of the community we’re building and the lives we’re changing, one dress and one dog at a time.
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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but I think that’s what makes it meaningful. Opening a bridal boutique was something I dreamed about for years, but turning that dream into reality came with a lot of challenges. Starting a business from the ground up — especially during a time of economic uncertainty, rising tariffs, and inflation — has tested me in every possible way.
Because I design my own private-label gowns and work directly with my factories, I’m constantly balancing creativity with logistics, pricing, and quality control. Tariffs and shipping costs can fluctuate overnight, and as a small business, that hits hard. But I’m proud that I’ve been able to keep my gowns accessible for brides without sacrificing quality or design integrity.
On top of that, I juggle running The Haley Graves Foundation, our foster-based dog rescue, which comes with its own set of emotional and financial challenges. Rescue work doesn’t stop at 5 p.m. — it’s constant, and it can be heartbreaking. But it also keeps me grounded.
There have been moments where I’ve questioned if I could keep doing it all — but every time I see a bride say “yes” with happy tears in her eyes, or a dog find their forever family, it reminds me exactly why I started. The road may not be smooth, but it’s full of purpose — and that makes every bump along the way worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Anne Marie Bridal Designs, I specialize in creating a bridal experience that is deeply personal and beautifully intentional. My boutique features a private-label collection of gowns designed in-house and crafted with a focus on timeless silhouettes, impeccable fit, and thoughtful detail. Brides can also work with me to customize or design their own gown, choosing fabrics, embellishments, and finishing touches that reflect their individual style and story.
What truly sets my brand apart is the balance of expert craftsmanship and heartfelt connection. With over 20 years of experience as a pattern maker and technical designer, I bring an expert understanding of how gowns should fit and move — but I also believe that the experience of finding your dress should feel joyful, relaxed, and empowering. My goal is for every bride who walks through my doors to feel celebrated, confident, and seen.
The boutique itself was designed to feel warm and welcoming — an elegant space where each appointment feels like a moment to breathe, dream, and say “yes” with intention. Brides often tell me that the personal attention and calm atmosphere made their experience unlike anywhere else, and that’s the greatest compliment I could receive.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Anne Marie Bridal Designs reflects not just beauty, but heart. It’s a brand built on authenticity, craftsmanship, and compassion — where every gown tells a story and every “yes” feels unforgettable.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Winston-Salem is its creative heartbeat — it’s a city filled with artists, dreamers, and small business owners who truly lift each other up. There’s a genuine sense of community here that inspires me every day. If I had to choose a downside, it’s that sometimes it takes a little time for people to discover new local businesses — but that just makes it even more rewarding when they do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annemariebridaldesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariebridaldesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/123960674943013
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anne-marie-bridal-designs-winston-salem
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/annemariebridaldesigns
