Beautifying Brides: Behind The Counter At Genesis Bridal & Formal

On a recent weekday, Ama Amponsah couldn’t find a moment’s rest. Between running from bridal appointment to bridal appointment to fitting models for an upcoming fashion show, Amponsah could barely schedule enough time to think.

Yet she dropped everything to give an interview to Patch.com to share her thoughts on working with brides (even the crazy ones), to what it’s like owning her own store. An energetic woman with a singsong voice, she says she’s living out her dreams as the co-owner of Genesis Bridal & Formal on Laurel’s Main Street.

Here is what she had to say on what it’s like to work in the business of brides.

Name: Ama Amponsah

Title: Co-owner, fashion designer

Name of business: Genesis Bridal & Formal

Fast fact: Amoponsah is originally from Ghana, East Africa but has been in the United States for 26 years.

Fun Fact: Her favorite bridal designer is Maggie Sottero.

On opening her bridal shop: It’s always been a dream. My background is in fashion design. I had been working in bridal shops for over 20 years so I decided to meet the brides needs according to what I dealt with on a daily basis.

Tell me about your designs: My designs are mostly designs that are unique from the mainstream. I do custom cut as well. If a bride is unable to find a dress of her dreams—I will custom design in from scratch. Although I do sell other designers as well; I sometimes end up enhancing it to make the bride happy.

What do you love about fashion design?: The challenge. Pleasing brides and meeting their needs…Most will come here not finding what they want out there and I’m able to solve their problems. I enjoy that.

What are the trends in bridal these days?: It just switched. The trend is basically the trumpet fit, ruching, semi-ball gown, the one strap is still ruling…Also more of a flower detail with embellishment. Just within a couple of weeks it’s been more of the covered shoulders; it’s no longer strapless anymore ever since the princess wedding.

How do you get bigger girls to feel good in a dress?: I recommend corset dresses for most full figured brides. I do like ruching a lot because it’s very flattering for them. I also recommend to some extent, depending on their build, with height I would recommend the mermaid starting at the hip…If not I would settle with the a-line with the ruching—it’s my favorite.

How do you deal with a bride who doesn’t feel comfortable in a dress?: It depends on the self-esteem. And sometimes they come in here for you to build them up. They just want to know you are on their side and understand their needs and what makes them feel like a pretty bride.

Have you ever had a bridezilla? Yes. (laughs) Most of the time if they wait until the last minute to come in they are already stressed and frustrated. No matter what you do, sometimes in the end they are not quite pleased although you do the best that you can.

What’s your favorite thing about working in bridal?: I think the part where I get to answer their questions and I’m able to please them and see them happy.

Have you ever been invited to a client’s wedding?: All the time. This year I’ve been to three so far.

What’s the worst part of your job?: Working too many long hours. Getting home too late.

What’s your dream job?:  Well right now I’m really living my dream. This is a dream I had some 25 years ago and I’m fulfilling it right now. I will probably say before I retire I would probably like to see maybe another store open up. Genesis somewhere maybe in another state.

What do you think has been the key to your success so far?:  I think my husband has been very supportive. In areas where I find myself slacking or inadequate, he kind of picks it up from that point. We’re a great team.

What’s something people might not know about you?: I’m very religious.

319 Main St. 301-490-9966. genesisgowns.com