Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Lara Knight, Custom Wedding and Evening Dresses!
Four questions with Lara Knight
Why did you start your business?
I’ve been in love with gowns since childhood. Barbies always took over my playroom as a young girl. After attending the Fashion Institute of Technology, I soon began working with Peter Soronen. He not only taught me so much about luxury design but allowed me to make gowns for so many celebrities (including Michele Obama and Sarah Jessica Parker).
After 20 years of designing and creating gowns, I finally decided to make my business official in July 2018. I have always loved the feelings that come with dressing up. There’s something about the way a gown can turn a regular night into the magic that’s just so moving.
What is your best-selling product/service?
I pretty much design and produce one product: wedding dresses and evening gowns. Between all of the different kinds of shifts I create (mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, and evening), I would say my bridal gowns stand out.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
This is a tough one because my business is so different from others in that the vendors I require are often located in New York City as well as internationally (specialized fabric shops, dress form companies, etc.), as those products are very unique and are often in more metropolitan places). However, all of our operational maintenance is done locally: we work with Shear Wizardry to sharpen our scissors for the best possible cut, and A Stitch in Time who we rely on to service our sewing machines and for our notions (zippers, buttons, etc.).
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
My business is about to expand big time! In 2023 I will start a new collection to sell nationwide. I am also looking to expand production here in CT, and hopefully will have an exciting production house for not only my gowns but local designers like myself. I dream really big!
Lara would like to nominate Heather Streaman Amaral with Compass Rose in downtown Bethel to be featured next - "She has wonderful home décor and accessories and is such an awesome presence in the community!"
Visit Lara Knight- Custom Wedding And Evening Dresses online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook, and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!