Today we’d like to introduce you to Manal Chamseddine.
Hi Manal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with the concept of Brides & Tailor began out of a very personal experience and it dates back to 2011. When I was preparing for my own wedding, I spent countless hours searching for a gown that truly reflected my personality and vision, but I struggled to find anything that felt unique, inclusive of my ideas, or tailored to me. That frustration sparked a realization: so many brides must be feeling the same way. Through it all, my husband was my very first supporter, encouraging me to transform this frustration into something bigger.
With my background in both business and education and a love for bridal design, I decided to turn that gap in the market into an opportunity. In October 2017, I officially launched Brides & Tailor. I wanted this to be an E-commerce business so I can have the ability to work with brides regardless of where they live. From the start, my mission was clear—to create custom, size-inclusive wedding gowns that celebrate each bride’s individuality while delivering exceptional craftsmanship and value.
Over the years, Brides & Tailor has become known for designing non-traditional gowns—whether that means a black gothic-inspired dress, a fairytale-themed gown, or a two-in-one overlay piece. What began as a mere concept has now grown into national E-commerce business concept serving brides across the U.S. and beyond.
The most rewarding part of this journey has been hearing from brides who felt like they finally had a voice in the design of their dress—something that reflects not just their style but also their story. Looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited for the brides we’ve yet to serve! Our vision for the future is to continue expanding our reach, championing inclusivity, and redefining what it means to find “the one” in a wedding dress.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe the challenges are what shaped Brides & Tailor into what it is today. At the beginning, the biggest struggle was building trust—brides are handing over one of the most meaningful parts of their wedding day, and proving that a small, independent business could deliver on such a promise required persistence, hard-work, and consistency. Competing for recognition in the bridal industry also meant I had to carve out a clear identity for Brides & Tailor, focusing on what makes us unique: fully custom gowns, inclusivity, and a deeply personal approach from A-Z.
On a personal level, being both a mother and an entrepreneur often meant wearing many hats at once. There were long and stressful days and nights, endless to-do lists, and the constant day-to-day juggling of responsibilities. As female entrepreneurs and mompreneurs, we balance the weight of both family and business. Rather than letting stress define us, we strive to transform it into resilience and purpose. Over time, I’ve learned to let challenges shape me into someone more organized, empathetic, and determined to create meaningful impact.
What I’ve realized is that struggles don’t have to hold you back—they can become the very fuel that drives you forward. Every obstacle taught me resilience, sharpened my vision, and deepened my connection with the brides I serve. And that’s why Brides & Tailor is more than just about creating dresses—it’s about empowering women to feel celebrated, confident, and truly themselves on one of the most important days of their lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Brides & Tailor is a woman-owned custom wedding dress business based in Canton, Michigan. We’re an E-commerce business that works with brides in all states. What we do is simple yet powerful—we bring each bride’s vision to life by creating a gown that is completely unique to her story, her style, and her personality.
We specialize in custom-made, size-inclusive gowns and have become especially known for designing dresses that fall outside the “traditional” mold. From elegant black wedding dresses, to colorful themed gowns, to versatile two-in-one overlays, our brides come to us when they want something truly one-of-a-kind. We don’t believe a bride should ever have to compromise on her dream dress because of limited options in a boutique or sample size restrictions.
What sets us apart is our focus on inclusivity, and collaboration. From the very beginning, our brides are part of the design journey—starting with sketches, then choosing fabrics, lace patterns, beadings style and every little detail that will make the gown personal. We believe in clear communication, so our brides always know what to expect at every step.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is how Brides & Tailor has become a safe and empowering space for women. We don’t just create dresses—we create confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging. Every time a bride tells me she finally feels seen, heard, and celebrated and truly herself in the dress, that’s the greatest reward!
At its core, Brides & Tailor is about more than fashion. It’s about empowering women to embrace their individuality and walk into their wedding day not just looking beautiful, but feeling authentically themselves. That’s the heart of our brand, and what I hope every reader takes away from our story.
How do you think about luck?
I believe luck always plays some role in our lives, but for me, it has been less about chance and more about how I responded to circumstances—both good and bad. There were moments of what felt like “bad luck,” such as starting out in an industry dominated by big retailers, or facing the challenges of entrepreneurship as a mother of three, while also managing over-whelm. At the time, those obstacles felt overwhelming, but they ended up shaping my determination and creativity.
On the other hand, I’ve also had “good luck” in crossing paths with the right brides at the right time—brides who believed in me when Brides & Tailor was still building its name. Their trust, referrals, and heartfelt testimonials helped open doors that no marketing budget ever could. The word of mouth is also something that these early days brides have gotten me transitioning better into this field.
With that being said, I strongly believe that education and preparation create their own kind of “luck.” My background—earning an MBA from Wayne State, a Master’s in Education from Murdoch University, and certifications like PMP and CSPO—have all given me the skills to approach this business with strategy, organization, and vision. When unexpected challenges arise, it’s that foundation that allows me to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward.
In the end, luck may open a door, but it’s persistence, resilience, and preparation that determine what you do once you step through it.
Pricing:
- Average is between $2,200 – $3,200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bridesandtailor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridesandtailor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridesandtailor
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bridesandtailor/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bridesandtailor
Image Credits
Manal’s Photo (1): Just A Little Moore Photography
Model’s Photos 2,3,7,8 and 9: Lauren Heath Photography
Model’s Photo ( 6, 12): Steffine Edwards Photography
Photo 10: Kearney Rae Photo
Photo 11: Three Fawns Photography
