Ok girls, we love dresses right? Right.
And we love looking our best right? Right.
I'd like to introduce you to some people who also love dresses and who make it their priority to help you look your best, whether its for you BIG day, a friends' big day, or a special occasion!
I'm talking about MAKS occasions. MAKS occasions is a lovely dress shop in Kissimmee, FL. I did an interview with Ashley, who works there, and I think you might be interested- especially if you're looking for a bridal gown, or a special occasions dress.
Brittany: What kind of dresses does MAKS specialize in?
Ashley: We sell wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, quincenera/sweet sixteen dresses, mother of the bride dresses, flower girl dresses, dresses for formal occasions and first communion/confirmation dresses.
Brittany: Why do you love working at the store?
Ashley: I like working at the store because I like seeing the joy on the girls' faces when they find their perfect dress. It gives us a chance to know them and help them with their special day.
Brittany: Do you have any advice for someone looking for a dress?
Ashley: My first piece of advice would be to get the dress at the least, 3 months in advance. We have had several peopl come in, wanting a dress but neither myself or the dress designer have it in stock. So they have to they have to pick a dress that wasn't their first choice. My second piece of advice is to do homework on the dress you want. The process of getting a dress is made much easier when you know the dress style that you would like to have.
Brittany: As far as wedding dresses go, why should someone come to your store verses a larger chain store?
Ashley: I believe going to our store is better than going to a place like David's bridal because we carry one of their major designers. Not only do we carry the dresses at a very much reduced price, we offer more dresses. After some homework, we discovered that David's Bridal will only have a couple of dress designs in the store (like 4-6) and just carry every color and every size of it to make it seem like they have many dresses. Although we may not carry every design due to size constraint in the store, we try to have at least one dress of every desgin to help the customer feel safer with the dress they have picked.
Plus, we carry 3 major designers: Da Vinci, Mary's Bridal, and Allure. And we carry other dresses from distributers so that we can cater to someone's budget for the dress.
Brittany: Same question, but for party/quincinera dresses.
Ashley: I would pick our store for the quince dresses because we also have a big selection to chose from. Like the wedding dresses, we have 3 major designers and smaller distributers. But to address both as to why people should come to our store, not only do we offer dresses, we offer all sorts of accessories such as the petticoat, corsets, shoes, jewelry, crowns, veils, gloves and hair accessories all in one place. As one who went to 4 different stores to buy those things, we thought it would be beneficial to the customers if all their needs where met in one place. Also, our Head Manager, Suyapa, is all about customer satisfaction. If we don't have the item you need, she will try to find it for you if it is possible to attain. Also, we know caterers, bakers, DJs, Photographers (such as Brittany Long) and other things that might be needed on that special day.
Brittany: Do YOU have a favorite dress at the store? Which is it ? (Picture if possible)
Ashley: It is nearly impossible to have a favorite dress in the store, with new dresses coming and leaving. My favorite prom dress is an Allure dress that is one shouldered and is blue and brown. My favorite wedding dress is one that we haven't received yet in the shop but it is so much fun to look at in the catalog. And my favorite quince dress is one that I don't have anymore. My reason is, that everytime I have a favorite dress, it is sold almost as soon as it comes in.
Brittany: When is the best time to come visit your store for someone looking for a dress?
Ashley: If someone is just looking for a dress, the best time would be any time really. But if you are looking to buy, the best time would probably be Friday afternoons or any weekday evenings. We are busy on Saturday's in the afternoon which can make it difficult to handle customers with only 3 people running the store at one time.
Brittany: Should a person set up an appointment or just come in?
Ashley: If you are looking for a bridal gown, we ask that you set up an appointment due to the amount of work that goes into getting you ready in the dress. That, and we would like to make sure that you will have one employee helping you out at all times. Also, if you are looking for bridesmaid dresses and have more that 3 in mind, we also ask you to make an appointment for the same reason. Other than that, feel free to stop by any time!
'Brittany: How long have you all been in business?
Ashley: We have been running the store since December of 2009. But, my mom, who began the store, has planned many weddings within the family. She was able to plan my quince in two months and plan 3 of my cousins weddings.
Brittany: Anything else you'd like to share about MAKS!
Ashley: One of the things I love about MAKS Occasions is that we try to be more than just sellers, but in some ways, a friend. We have had many of our old customers come back to show us pictures of their occasions or just to stop by and say hi. We love to see people return and we love to know that we helped make that smile on their face on that day.
Hope this helps all you looking for a dress, shoes, accessories or etc, etc, etc! I would strongly suggest to stop by and find out what they're all about. I've been there, and the dresses, etc and just lovely! I saw a few prom dresses that I wish I could go back in time and wear! Enjoy your dress, accessory, etc shopping!
Until next time,
Brittany Long
