Since she was a little girl, Anél Pienaar had always dreamed of her wedding day. The decor, the ring, and most importantly… the dress. But when the time finally came, she realised her ideal bridal boutique simply didn’t exist. So, she opened up her own.
Just like any good fairy tale, Anél Pienaar first had to kiss a few frogs to find her one true calling.
“After school, I completed a few courses, but nothing related to fashion or the wedding industry. I then tried out a couple of admin positions, dabbled in real estate and worked in the waste management industry for more than a decade. A far cry from anything bridal.
“But, at the back of my head, I knew these were all stepping stones to get to my dream. Owning a bridal boutique and being my own boss.”
As she was learning to trust the process, all the right doors just seemed to open at all the right times. And, with some blood, sweat and glitter, her wildest dream became a reality. She opened Ella-Sophia Bridal Wear – a tranquil space in the bustling heart of Krugersdorp.
“I named the boutique after my late mom, who sadly passed away after a long illness. She was the strongest woman I have ever known, and I wouldn’t have made it this far if it wasn’t for her. She was so compassionate and had such a soft heart. And so, I’m proud to say her legend lives on through the boutique.”
Anél never wanted it to be another overpriced, run-of-the-mill shop … rather a little serene place where brides can find affordable yet exquisite wedding dress hire options. A place where she could help each bride embrace their inner princess and make them feel special – and not just like another customer.
Today, she assists many wives-to-be with an array of styles … boho, romantic, chic, simplistic. Some light ivory and blush, others champagne and cream. A-lines, mermaid and column style dresses. And everything in between.
This go-getter hasn’t looked back since and can’t imagine life any different from what it is now.
“On top of my dream career, I have the best hubby and three beautiful children … nine-year-old Malan, six-year-old Lieschen and four-year-old Antonie. And I consider myself very lucky to have a job that grants me so much quality time with them. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.”
With a passion for bridal fashion, her fingers on the pulse of the newest trends and a love of helping women look and feel amazing, Anél shares some insights of an enthusiastic boutique owner.
How do you balance being a mommy and business owner? You don’t realise how tough it is until you do it. I’ve had to set boundaries for both my business life and my family life. Sacrifices are made on both ends and mom guilt is a reality. But at the end of the day family comes first. I am so blessed to be able to spend every afternoon during the week with my children. I can attend their sports activities and help them with their homework. Saturdays are tough as those are my busy days. But my husband usually takes care of the kids on those days. Sundays are strictly reserved for my amazing husband and kids.
What sets Ella-Sophia apart? My business is very personal and I am one-on-one involved with all my brides. I just love going the extra mile and making each one of them feel comfortable and special right from the first fitting. My job really is my passion and I take so much pride in what I do.
Fave part of running the boutique? I really enjoy being able to help brides realise their dream dress … whether they choose from my existing range or whether I helped them create their own gown. When they cry tears of joy, I can’t help but cry with them. I also have the privilege of doing styled photo shoots, featuring my dresses, with amazingly talented people in the wedding industry from time to time.
Some of the industry challenges? It will always be challenging to decide which new styles and samples will be popular. I have to keep reminding myself that my personal style will not necessarily be the same as others and I still need to cater to all the different tastes, and in different sizes. It can become somewhat daunting and stressful at times.
Biggest lesson learned? I have made many mistakes by using suppliers and service providers whose standard of quality is not in line with mine. I had to narrow it down to a handful of reliable suppliers who I depend on. The lesson was very costly, but one I most definitely had to learn.
Details: Follow Ella-Sophia Bridal Wear on Facebook and ellasophiabridal on Insta.
Wedding dress shopping 101
• Be realistic with your expectations. Don’t expect a certain dress to look the same way on you as it does on the designer’s model or another bride.
• Don’t feel pressured into taking a large crowd with you to your bridal fitting (your bridesmaids, mother, sisters, mother-in-law, aunts, grannies and the aunt from next door). Often too many opinions can silence your own voice. Either you won’t be able to make a decision at all, or worse, you’ll choose the wrong dress because you’re listening to too many opinions.
• Don’t try to visit multiple boutiques in one day. Trying on too many dresses will leave you confused and by the time you try on dress number 23, you have already forgotten what the first five even looked like. Experts recommend that you shouldn’t try on more than 15 wedding gowns.
• Even if you think you are set on a certain style or look, be open to suggestions from the fitting consultant as well. You might just be surprised how much you like a style you never thought would look good on you.
• If you fall in love with a dress from a specific bridal store, but it falls outside your budget, don’t try to recreate it at the cheapest seamstress you can find. Chances are good that you will be disappointed. Rather speak to the boutique owner or manager and find out whether they can work out a deal for you. They may be able to offer a hire option on a sample or previously worn dress in the same style.
• Don’t be disappointed if dresses don’t fit you 100 percent. Most dresses will require alterations in order to get the perfect fit.
• Don’t choose your dress based on the reactions of your entourage. Your dress should be chosen based on you and what you want, not on how others see you in a dress.
Eight things to keep in mind when planning a wedding
• Decide on a budget and stick to it
• Find a venue first. This will help you decide on your wedding date. From here on, all else will start falling into place.
• Start looking for your dress eight to 12 months ahead of the wedding day (if you have that much time before the wedding). Most bridal shops have a long lead time and you will still want to have time to do final alterations should it be needed.
• When deciding on your make-up artist and hair stylist, study their online portfolios to make sure that their style is in line with your personal style.
• Find your photographer. Many of them will be booked out months in advance.
• Do your homework when it comes to choosing your service providers. Read social media and Google reviews. Unfortunately, there are many scam artists in the wedding industry.
• Many people will offer advice and opinions. Hear them out, but don’t let them drown out your own voice. Follow your heart and do the best you can with what you have.
• This is the one day that will be all about you and your spouse. Don’t feel like you have to make it about other people like parents and guests. Do your wedding your way.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: HILDA MANS. • Make-up and hair: ANTOINETTE DE BEER
