Delaware County health care executive turns passion for wedding dresses into growing bridal shop
MEDIA, Pa. (CBS) — A Delaware County health care executive with a passion for wedding dresses has launched a successful career as a bridal shop owner.
Debbie Collins is the owner of The Dress Matters, a bridal boutique on North Providence Road in Media. While helping brides find their dream wedding dress, she makes her own dream come true.
"I love brides, I love dresses," Collins said. "I love everything about the wedding industry."
She's been in business for 10 years, but her journey wasn't easy. Collins took money from her 401(k) plan to get the bridal shop going.
"Traditionally Black business owners have a difficult time getting loans, so I didn't even go that route," Collins said. "I didn't even try for a business loan."
She said she didn't make any money in the first four years in business and only started turning a profit in her fifth year.
"A couple customers didn't want to buy from a Black business," Collins said. "So, I had one customer walk in, ask who the owner was, one of my staff pointed to me and the customer walked right back out the door. And I think that was the first time I ever experienced racism."
Despite discrimination, Collins never lost sight of her dream. She said for the most part, owning her shop has been a great experience.
"Any kind of small business, I'm willing to support, and being a Black-owned business, that makes it even more special," said Alexis Flores from Ardmore, who came to The Dress Matters on June 13 to try on wedding dresses.
Collins still works full-time as an account executive at Keystone First. But she loves seeing her side hustle, the bridal shop, grow.
"It's been exciting going from like, a one-woman show, doing everything myself, to having seven to eight staff members now," Collins said.
Customers have been supportive.
"Debbie's been great," said Holly Blair from Wallingford, who bought a dress from Collins and moved to Japan after her wedding. "She's so positive, so kind every time I walk in here. Always has an encouraging word."
Collins shares this advice for Black entrepreneurs: "Follow your passion and don't ever give up."