Gloria Prescod, a plus size lady herself, understands the frustration of plus size brides trying on beautiful gowns in a shop only to be disappointed that there are never any plus sizes that actually fit. So she decided to do something about it and started an in-house bridal boutique L'amour Curves that specialises in stunning and affordable plus-size wedding dresses for the more curvaceous bride.
This Black History Month, the Barking Enterprise Centre shares the spotlight with Gloria through a Q&A format as we get access to her work and challenges as both a black woman entrepreneur and a wedding gown designer.
Tell us more about L'amour Curves
L'amour Curves is an in-house bridal boutique based in London, specialising in stunning and affordable plus-size wedding dresses for the more curvaceous bride. With timeless, modern designs, paying attention to detail and not wavering on quality, we strive to ensure our brides have the most memorable day ever.
Being a plus-size lady myself, I understand the frustration of walking into a shop and trying on beautiful clothes but being disappointed that there are never plus-sizes that actually fit. We specialize in plus size bridalwear, veils, jewellery and accessories from British designers made to the highest quality. Our tagline is: “Helping you look your best and feel even better”. We have a body-positive ethos and believe that all shapes and sizes are beautiful! If you are looking for a plus-size wedding dress that fits, then L’amour Curves Bridal Boutique is the plus-size bridal shop for you.
What inspired you to start your own business?
What started my journey down this route was the frustration of trailing around bridal shops, looking for a dress for my daughter who was also a plus-size bride and not being able to find anything suitable. We both felt frustrated by the fact that 99% of the shops we visited only went up to size14/16 and did not have dresses to fit curvy ladies. My daughter was actually told to hold the dress up against her and imagine what she would look like in it.
The one shop we were able to find a couple of dresses to fit cost more than a month’s salary, and we were not willing to pay so much for a dress that she would be wearing for only a short period of time despite wanting a beautiful dress for her special day. We ended up buying her dress from an online website which needed quite a lot of alterations to fit and this gave me my light bulb moment.
"There is a gap in the market for reasonably priced plus size wedding dresses that can actually be tried on and fit comfortably" was the thought buzzing around in my head, and that is how L'amour Curves Bridal Boutique was born.
With a lot of research, I took some courses in wedding planning and small business setups, sourced suppliers here in the UK and decided to open my in-house boutique focusing on curvy brides. We choose to give our brides a private appointment (only one bride in the boutique at any one time) which they find very relaxing and comfortable and makes them feel special. L'amour Curves Plus Size Bridal is affordable with dresses starting from £499 with a luxury boutique experience and very high-quality customer service.
How has your business changed or evolved since you first started it?
My business is a fairly new one. I was about to launch the business in April 2020 and as we all know that is when the pandemic started. I had to close down and throughout the lockdowns, was unable to open as my business involves person-to-person contact.
I actually reopened about September 2021, but business was very slow, so, I decided to focus on marketing and using my social media (which my daughter helps me with) to increase my client footfall. I also started attending wedding fairs and joining a few networking groups. I attended the Harrogate Bridal Show in September 2021 and the London Bridal show in March 2022. My website has been updated and I am now being found on Google, Facebook and Instagram.
Give me a year and I am sure I will be able to give you the great changes that I am expectant and looking forward to for my business.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Black entrepreneurs today?
Black Entrepreneurs have been affected by the recent pandemic as their businesses tend to operate within the sectors heavily impacted by the virus such as health and social care, hospitality and retail. The lockdowns have been instrumental in the closures of lots of small businesses.
Another challenge facing the black entrepreneur is the lack of available funding and resources required from the government, high street banks and investors. The lack of support is evident when you find that most black entrepreneurs tend to turn to family and friends for investments because they are unable to get start-up loans, business bank accounts and even overdraft facilities.
A lot of black-owned businesses tend to be run by sole traders as lack of funds to pay staff results in the owner having to perform every function of the business by themselves. Lack of funding also makes it difficult to scale their businesses and expand.
Even though it is a difficult subject for some, discrimination and racial equality are challenges black-owned businesses have to face when it comes to achieving a successful business.
How do you balance running a business with other priorities in your life?
I believe that achieving a work-life balance should be an entrepreneur’s ultimate goal. Working hard to grow your business and succeed is important, but overdoing it can have negative effects. The point of achieving success is to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
I use to-do lists, try to work reasonable hours, learn to delegate and say no when I need to. I take breaks during work hours and when I leave the office, I leave work there. I make sure I schedule time for myself, family and friends because I think it helps my physical and mental health. I take time to relax spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren.
What advice would you give to people in the Black community who are thinking about starting their own business?
Do a lot of research, and identify the needs of the communities where you would like to operate the business. Educate yourself and find out as much as you can about your chosen industry.
Remember your goals and what you would like to achieve, be prepared to work hard, be resilient, focused and persevere, with a mindset of understanding that you can do whatever you put your mind to.
Try saving some money towards starting the business so when you approach investors/family/friends for help with funding, they know you are serious and are more willing to help. Start small, making the most of whatever capital you can get and build on it to grow the business. Use social media to your advantage.
Choose a niche, target your audience and be specific, understand your value and don’t feel you have to compromise. Take chances by reaching out to mentors and people you would like to work with through networking in the community.
How can people reach your business?
Website: www.lamourcurves.com
Instagram & Facebook: @lamourcurves
Email: info@lamourcurves.com
Telephone: 07726222577
