Small Business Spotlight: The Dress by Nicole

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Submitted by: Nicole Kurz, president/owner

Your Business Name: The Dress by Nicole

Email Address: nicole@shopthedress.com

Phone Number: 630-653-3737

Business Address: 131 W. Wesley St., Wheaton

When and how did your business get started?

The Dress by Nicole opening in 2009 and we are looking forward to celebrating our 5th anniversary in February 2014! The owner, Nicole Kalteux Kurz, has had a lifelong passion for bridal fashion. At age 4 she was already drawing wedding gowns, and by age 9 she had learned to sew custom gowns for her Barbie dolls. Not long after that, she decided she wanted to open a bridal boutique. She never gave up on that dream, gaining valuable experience working in bridal salons while in high school and college, and eventually earning a degree in Fashion Design and Patternmaking.

Nicole has worked as a Patternmaker in Disney World's Creative Costuming and Cosmetology department, and as both a Fashion Designer and Director of Product Development for a women's sportswear company in downtown Chicago. She understands fit and construction and has a keen eye for style and trends. That knowledge has helped her select a handful of unique designers, each with a distinctive style and impeccable quality.

With the help of her husband, Brad, a retail designer, and the support of her family, Nicole has transformed her vision of a stylish, modern dress boutique into a reality. Now, she's excited to help you find THE dress!

What is your business best known for?

We specialize in hard-to-find and up-and-coming designers with lots of style and amazing quality. Our selection includes chic gowns starting around $1000, posh 100% silk couture dresses, and everything in between. Nicole has carefully handpicked each and every gown in our collection to ensure that we have something for all tastes, shapes, and budgets.

How can people contact your business? 630-653-3737

What is your business website address? www.shopthedress.com

Share your business Facebook URL, if you have one. https://www.facebook.com/TheDressByNicole

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?

At The Dress by Nicole, we have recently expanded! We are now double the space and are able to service double the customers, just in time for the busy spring bridal/prom season. We have also recently added tuxedo rental to our offerings. Another thing customers may not know is that Nicole is usually there, helping our customers. Whenever customers find out that the young lady helping them is named Nicole, they always reply with, "Nicole? Do you mean THE Nicole?" They love that when they find out!

Why did you choose the town you did to open your business?  

We chose Wheaton because we wanted a small town feel with a charming, historical downtown and Wheaton was perfect! The community has been very supportive over the years and we thank them for their support!