Designer, Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Dallas, Texas, USA

Elizabeth is a calm force. I was intrigued about what the path is like to start a boutique business in the heart of the country. What mix of passion and talent (and some luck?) is needed? Elizabeth has such a wonderful professionalism about her, you simultaneously trust her and feel inspired by her. It also feels like you're in the presence of a meticulous craftswoman, who takes pride in her work. It is absolutely refreshing to see alternative (to an expected "wedding norm") designs of wedding dresses on her site. She inspires us to find ways to get the dream tailored into a reality. Her designs speak for themselves.

1. Name.

Elizabeth Hendershot.

2.  Where is your hometown?

Andrews, Texas.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

Wedding Dress Designer, Wife, Addison, Texas.

4. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

I fell in love with fashion but I always wanted to be able to do something meaningful with it. The fashion business can be toxic and I found it discouraging that many businesses in the industry operated unethically and that quality seemed to be dying out. The desire to serve others with my passion ultimately led me to the bridal industry.

I interned for a designer in college and was later hired on in their custom department. It was a dream job, no doubt, but it became increasingly difficult to work toward someone else’s goals when I had so many of my own. Newly married and fresh out of college, I left the company and started my business. It was a risky decision, but so rewarding.

5. What did you study in school?

I have a BFA in Fashion Design.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I daresay I might be exactly where I hoped to be!

7. What was your biggest disappointment and plan to overcome it?

I had a quite unfortunate experience with a company and ended up losing an investment. It was devastating and set me back quite a bit. I was told to fight for what was mine and I was encouraged to take action, but after months of conflict, I walked away. To get my way was not worth defying my belief that we should be peacemakers. It was a hard and humbling decision, but one I’m happy to have learned from.

 8. Advice for other women?

Be kind to people. It applies to everyone!

9. Knowing what we know now in current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it for "feminist values"?

We’ll never be all we can be, we are human. But I think that’s why we keep  trying, and we keep getting better.

When I think about moving forward and women being all they can be, I think about it at the ground level. I don’t think so much about marches and signs, but rather, treating the women we see every day with respect, and strangers alike. I’ve worked in environments where women working toward the same goal will stop at nothing to tear each other down. My hope is that we can treat each other with respect, lift each other up, and encourage one another. That is how change is made!

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

There is no place like my studio. I love getting to share my space with my brides; each client brings a new, positive energy to my space and I thrive on it. Creating in the studio every day and leaving exhausted is just so satisfying!

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love photography, running but nothing beats the long walks I take with my husband and our pug. It’s simple, but sometimes it’s all I need.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

Taking my brand to a national level would mean great things for my reaching more women and the ability to touch their lives! Meanwhile, I am very happy with the intimacy of my custom design label because I get to know brides on a personal level.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Sometimes I can’t imagine what I could achieve if I just got out of my own way. I started my business ready to risk everything and I hope to never start playing things too safe.

14. Anything you'd do differently if you had another go at life?

Of course, I would like change a hundred things! But I believe God can use any decision, mistake, or situation for good. The hundred things I would change are what made me who I am- I am thankful for that!

16. What are you hopeful about?

I am hopeful every day that my job will allow me to cross paths with beautiful people and even some that challenge me.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

My ingredient to a happy life is thankfulness. Being thankful causes you to stop and look at your life, and opens your eyes to your many blessings.

18. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

19. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I just finished rereading the Harry Potter series and I’m looking forward to diving into a new genre. I think a Malcom Gladwell is up on que. One of my favorite books to read and recommended is Love Does by Bob Goff; it’s all about how to love others in all walks of life!

20. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description?

My mom is a WOW WOMAN. I admire her quiet spirit and her amazing artistic brain. She taught me to work hard and it made me who I am.  

I worked with a woman named Luz Lopez at my previous design job. She is without a doubt one of the wisest, funniest, humblest, most inspiring women I know. She doesn’t like the spotlight but I’m hoping one day she’ll write a book.

My best friend Nicole has been my biggest fan and cheerleader. When you meet her, you never forget the way she made you feel. She is a teacher, an encourager, and a friend to all.

21. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?