In this episode of Secrets of a Bridal Seamstress, we’re flipping the script to “secrets of a bridal shop owner.” I sit down with Courtney Foreman, owner of Weddings With Joy in Olympia, WA, who just hit 10 years in business and is leveling up by buying a building.

Courtney shares how she went from banking to bridal, what she wishes she’d known before her first market buy, why appointments over walk-ins changed everything, and how COVID became the unexpected catalyst that led to profitability, coaching, team growth, and a healthier owner role. We also get into hiring, training, culture, consistency, and delegation—plus the real talk on financing and finding the right property for expansion.

In this episode:

• The messy truth of an accidental acquisition: buying a bridal shop with no industry experience

• Market buying 101: knowing your customer, sizes, colors, and how not to overbuy

• Why appointment-only improves client experience and owner sanity

• How coaching and community shortened the learning curve

• Building a team and culture (and why experience isn’t always an advantage)

• Systems, automation, handbooks, and consistent client messaging

• The building buy: appraisals, banks, deal breakers, and finding a space that supports growth (hello, separate menswear entrance!)

• Mindset for the long game: staying even-keeled through highs and lows

Connect with Courtney:

Website: https://weddingswithjoy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingswithjoy/

Connect with me:

Join the membership here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.com/

Learn more about the retreats here: https://secretsofabridalseamstress.squarespace.com/new-page