Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Eaton.
Kayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I studied Nonprofit Management at Western Kentucky University, and after graduating, I picked up a part-time job at a bridal shop in Nashville to help pay the bills. About three days in, I had this sudden realization like, uh oh… this is it. This is what I want to do. So I started saving, pinching pennies, and after seven long years, I finally opened my own shop in October 2019, just four months before the world collectively decided to cancel weddings. My vision from day one was to create a cozy, private bridal experience where every bride, no matter her size or style, could feel like the main character.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! I think every small business owner can agree that the road to success comes with plenty of potholes. One of the biggest challenges was opening a bridal shop just a few months before the pandemic… which, of course, shut down weddings. I still get asked if I’m okay, lol. Thankfully, since it was my first year, I had enough savings to keep things afloat, but it was definitely a test of nerves and I had more than a few breakdowns along the way.
Another major hurdle came when I realized we had outgrown our little shop much faster than expected. We needed to move, but trying to get contractors during COVID was nearly impossible. So my shop manager Rebecca and I rolled up our sleeves and decided to do it ourselves, even though neither of us had any experience. We’d take bridal appointments from 10 AM to 5 PM, then head to the new space to lay floors and paint until 1 AM. It was brutal, exhausting, and not something I’d ever want to relive but it got us here, and that’s what matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lavender Park Bridal. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lavender Park Bridal is a size-inclusive bridal boutique in Clarksville, Tennessee, where every bride gets a private, story-driven experience from the moment she walks in the door. We’re known for our cozy-luxurious atmosphere, think soft piano music, champagne, candlelight, and a staff that feels more like your bridal besties than sales associates. Our goal is simple: to help each bride feel genuinely seen, celebrated, and absolutely stunning.
We specialize in thoughtfully curated designer collections like Essense of Australia, Watters, Morilee, Hayley Paige, and Madi Lane, offering styles that range from modern romantic to timeless classic. Every appointment is one-on-one in a private suite, so brides can slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed or crowded.
What sets us apart is our balance of sophistication and soul. We’re not just here to sell dresses, we’re here to tell love stories through fabric, fit, and feeling. Our shop was built on the idea that bridal should feel like stepping into a novel, warm, memorable, and full of heart.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the atmosphere we’ve created. From our branding to our interior design, everything feels intentional and personal, a reflection of our brides, not just the trends. Lavender Park has become known as the shop “where you feel special,” and that’s something I’ll never stop being proud of.
For readers who haven’t visited us yet: we’re not your average bridal shop. We’re the place where laughter and tears mix in the best way, where confidence is custom-fitted, and where every “yes” feels like a little bit of magic
What does success mean to you?
Success can definitely be measured in numbers, but for me, it’s about people. I define success by the strength and happiness of my team and by the kind of experience we create for our brides. If my staff feels valued, supported, and proud of where they work, and if every bride walks out our doors feeling beautiful, loved, and confident, that’s success to me. The financial part is wonderful, but the real reward is knowing we’ve built something that makes people feel good.
Pricing:
- Bridal Gowns: 1300-4000 median is 2,200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavenderparkbridal.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/lavenderparkbridal
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/lavenderparkbridal
