‘I took the plunge and opened my own wedding shop’
Some people wait for that perfect moment to follow their dreams, but what if that moment never comes? Don’t be left with that ‘what if ’ feeling – take the plunge and put yourself first. Which is the exact advice Andrea Dargon followed.
This time last year, Andrea, mother to James, three, was furloughed then made redundant from a law firm where she had worked for three years, all while she was also going through a divorce.
Today, Andrea, who lives at Titchfield, has finally watched her dream come true, because on August 3, Margaux Mae, Andrea’s luxury bridal boutique, opened at Wickham.
Andrea, 38, said: ‘My love for wedding dresses started from a young age and I have known for a long time this would be my dream job.
‘I have had other jobs within the industry, such as my own cakemaking business and the wedding industry has always been an area that I have been drawn to.’
She continues: ‘I remember when I was at secondary school that my nickname was Muriel – named after the film Muriel Weddings – because I was just absolutely obsessed with weddings!
‘I have always said that if I won the lottery I would use that money to open my own bridal boutique, but I never actually thought it would be within my reach to do so.
‘I am beyond thrilled because it really is like a dream coming true.’
Have her recent profound life experiences played their part in help Andrea launch her business?
‘I think being made redundant and going through a divorce did impact me, because they taught me life is too short.
‘It has given me the confidence to trust my abilities with what I can cope with and come out the other side.
‘All my friends and family have been extremely supportive and wonderful. The general reaction has been “if anyone can do this, you can. This is you all over and we can’t imagine you doing anything else”.’
That was especially true when it came to finding a home in a business unit for Margaux Mae.
‘My dad has been wonderful helping me do all the DIY, because I was following the mantra “no, I am an independent woman, newly divorced; I want to say that I’ve done this all myself ”.
‘Then my dad came round and started to help me do certain bits. He was keen to help with anything which needed improving or changing in the shop.’
Andrea is delighted with her boutique’s location.
It’s rural – nestling in a hillside – and offers peace and tranquility, vital ingredients when a bride-to-be is preparing for one of the most important days of her life.
Margaux Mae welcomes customers on an appointment-only basis during which brides-to-be receive a one-to-one service in finding their perfect gown. Appointments on weekdays last an hour and on Saturdays it is 90 minutes.
Andrea’s collection of high end timeless gowns range in price from £1,000 to £5,000 and upwards.
Finding a wedding dress is as much about the experience as it is about finding the perfect dress. It’s a milestone with lots of emotion involved.
This is why Andrea wants her shop to replicate the feeling of walking into a friend’s home where you can feel completely comfortable and safe.
She says: ‘Your wedding gown is such an important garment, probably the most important you will ever buy, so my boutique follows the idea of it being timeless. ‘Our dresses won’t be something you’ll have to explain to your children in 20 years’ time because “that was the fashion back then”. ‘I always have dresses that are suitable for a range of different sizes because I am a curvy size 16.
‘I know what it feels like to go into a shop and not find anything in your size. I would never allow this to happen.
‘Alongside a variety of wedding dresses, we also stock wedding accessories, flower girl dresses, shoes and veils, which are all sourced either from local or UK-based suppliers where possible.
“The shoes I sell are from Rainbow Club UK, which is a supplier exclusively for bridal shoes or shoes for the mother of the bride or groom. They are the most comfortable, padded but yet beautiful, shoes out there.
‘I tried a pair on during lockdown for an hour or so, bearing in mind I hadn’t worn a pair of heels the entire lockdown, and they were so comfortable!
‘With being a bride, you’re going
I am beyond thrilled because it really is like a dream coming true
to be on your feet all day, whether that’s dancing or posing for photographs – so you’re going to need a comfortable pair of shoes.
‘Some of my accessories are from a company called White Designs, which is in Southampton, as well as my flower girl dresses I sell, which are by Hailey Blush - they are so cute and adorable and aren’t like anything I have seen on the high street.’
Andrea also recently attended a wedding fair at the Hilton Ageas Bowl, to meet couples who were forced to postpone their weddings or who had stopped planning completely until all wedding restrictions were lifted on July 19.
In preparation for the opening of Margaux Mae, Andrea felt she had to perfect her presence across social media platforms as a form of networking. These included Instagram and Tik Tok.
However, Andrea admits this would not have been possible without the help of her 16-year-old niece throughout lockdown.
Alongside Andrea’s impressive social media presence, she is also a brand ambassador for Hampshire at the Wedding Industry Supplier Network, which was helpful with Margaux Mae’s opening.
Andrea, said: ‘My plans for the future would be to firstly expand and have a bigger premises where I could take on more designs and dresses.
‘I’d also like to take on some more staff, as my boutique is currently a one-woman show!
‘My advice to anyone who is also considering taking the plunge and opening a business, is to go for it and follow their heart.
‘I would advise starting off small, such as by being self-employed or part-time alongside your full-time job so you can develop insider knowledge.
‘At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what anyone else says to you, you just have to go for it, because you will never know unless you try.’
Margaux Mae, in the Business Life Centre, Titchfield Lane, Wickham, is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 2.30pm, to fit around school runs, and Saturday from 9am until 5.30pm.