Tell us a little about your business. – HoneyBee Bridal (HoneyBeeBridalne.com) is a bridal store built on the passion and dreams of two bridal consultants that wanted to change the industry. We strive to be the most inclusive store in Lincoln, catering to every bride, size and dream. The designers we choose are smaller businesses, usually women owned, and have flexible custom options as well as inclusive sizing. When we research designers, we made sure that they not only carried a great range of sizes, but could also accommodate different and more subtle customizations because we know every dress isn’t going to be every person’s perfect outfit. We also wanted to get creative color options in-store so any option that a bride could think of would be available. HoneyBee Bridal also recently acquired a tuxedo partner, so we can truly help every kind of bride looking for their perfect wedding day look!

How did you get started in the business? – I started out as a tuxedo consultant while going to UNL for my business degree. I was later promoted to assistant manager and it was a dual store so I was able to learn both tuxedo and bridal rentals. I quickly fell in love with the bridal side as well and that is where I met my business partner. We noticed that there was not a lot of inclusivity in bridal sizing, or availability for non-traditional brides, and we wanted to change that.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I think trying to make a name for ourselves when most people have a certain assumptions in regards to the bridal industry. There are expectations that people can have about the look and feel of bridal salons. We focus on the connections with people and we like to have fun in our appointments. Our shop is full of color and light and we reflect that in the way we treat every person.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My pride and joy professionally is this store. It took years of perseverance and commitment while I was working one or sometimes two jobs. It is my happy place and I am grateful everyday that we were able to make our dream come to life and help anyone anyway we can.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When I do slow down I like to find crafts that I started and never finished.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – When I find the time, I really enjoy crocheting chunky blankets for my friends and their pets. I have made a little under 20, so not a professional, but I did make the one that we have in our store!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Teleportation. I am always running late.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Winslow’s Wardrobe is a great one. Max is really invested in what he does. He provides safe options for the local trans community to utilize.

What is your favorite movie? – Phantom of the Opera.

What is your favorite TV show? – I like my comfort shows because I know how they end, but I can still be surprised by each episode rewatch.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Audrey Hepurn. She was a fashion icon and a philanthropist later in life.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You visit our website at HoneyBeeBridalne.com, call us at (531) 350-5164, email at HoneyBeeBridalne@gmail.com, or on instagram @HoneyBeeBridal.ne.