Edel became a client of Al Henry at the Small Business Development Center in August of 2014 with the vision of purchasing a bridal shop. After weeks of going through the processes of investigating an established business and working closely with Mr. Henry, it was determined that the business in question was not financially stable. Thankfully, Edel was able to move on and changed her business plan to opening her own bridal boutique from the ground up. Mr. Henry continued to work with Edel in writing a business plan, discussing location options, and financing. Mr. Henry educated Edel on the VOLT Fund in October of 2014 which provides loans to small and minority/women owned businesses around Maryland. By January of 2015, Mr. Henry and Edel were in constant contact and received noticed that Edel was approved for $110,000 from the VOLT Fund. By March of 2015, Edel had received the $110,000 to build her dream business and a Limited Liability Company was formed.
Over the next few months, Edel’s location in Havre de Grace was set and her store front was being built and designed to her specifications. On October 16, 2015, Edel Patterson began her American dream in Havre de Grace, Maryland by hosting the grand opening and ribbon cutting of her business Edel’s Bridal Boutique. Nearly 50 people gathered, including the Mayor of Havre de Grace to welcome Edel to the community. Edel gave Mr. Henry and the Small Business Development Center a special thank you for helping her make it this far. According to edelsbridal.com, “We are a family business that reflects a diverse American and European flair of elegance, trends and styles. Our focus is to cater to the modern bride and her entire bridal party providing a stunning collection of dresses from top designers for any look a bride can imagine, from romantic and ethereal to glamorous and resplendent. Brides and their guests can look forward to superior customer service and a great experience at our full-service bridal salon.”
Edel’s Bridal Boutique features a beautifully lit outdoor walkway that guides guest to a private water-front area perfect for photo opportunities. The boutique is freshly renovated with hints of American and European culture throughout, but yet, Edel kept the historical aspects of downtown Havre de Grace by preserving the exposed wooden ceiling beams. When shopping for wedding apparel in Harford County, Edel’s Bridal Boutique is a spot to visit.
Posted: 05/30/2017