Business Spotlight: Designer Creates Unique Veils, Wedding Accessories

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Alisa Koysman.

Business: Alisa Brides
Owners: Alisa Koysman
Website: Www.alisabrides.com alisabrides.etsy.com
Address: Online only

How did you come up with the name?

It sounds like a simple name, but to me it means that each design is half me and half the bride. I always keep the bride in mind when I develop designs, whether it’s a specific bride’s custom order, or my experiences with every bride, as in what they are looking for, when I design the collection. The other half is my personal touch.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

I work from home, but we chose Chappaqua to grow as a family!

Briefly, what business are you in?

Bridal veils and accessories

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The hardest part of my job is the constant legal battles with overseas factories knocking off my designs and using my copyrighted photos.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

My first year in business was incredibly challenging because I was struggling to grow the business and I was overworked. I was working full time as a fashion planner and sewing late into the night daily. It took a while a name for myself so I could earn enough for a living.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Every time that I receive a kind review from a bride, telling me how much she loved the veil, is a celebration.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

A bride asked me to make a garter with rhinestones two years ago. Now it’s my best selling product!

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I take a time out! Brides and mothers of the bride are under a lot of stress and they need vendors such as me to help ease their mind. One has to be calm for that.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

As an immigrant, it makes me very proud to pay salaries and generate sales tax income! I also hope to start a program in the near future of providing custom designed veils to low income brides and military brides.