Meet Angie Montero | Custom Bridal Designer & Bridal Alterations Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie Montero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business very much started as a side hustle. I had just come back from working in New York and began a design job for a western company here in Fort Worth. Although I love design, I knew my heart was in creating. I needed to be creating with my hands. So when a few friends started asking me to do alterations on their wedding dresses, I quickly said yes. What really got me off my feet was when a friend asked me to create a custom wedding dress for her. It took six months, and a lot of sleepless nights since I was still working a full-time job. Once it was done and I saw her walk down the aisle in one of my pieces, I was hooked. Pretty soon I found myself at work, wishing I was at home working on one of the dresses on my rack. Once I had enough clients lined up, I made the leap and left my full time job to start Herrera Custom Bridal, where I specialize in custom bridal gowns and bridal alterations.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own Herrera Custom Bridal where I specialize in custom bridal gowns and bridal alterations. In addition to that I create custom veils, jackets, accessories and anything and everything a bride might need to achieve the perfect look on her wedding day. My focus on custom work is what sets me apart from other seamstresses. Whether a bride is bringing in an already purchased gown and wants it to be tailored to perfection, or a bride has an idea in her head for a custom dress, I work with the bride to bring that vision to life. I pride myself in my ability to execute pieces that some brides may see as a loss cause, whether the dress is multiple sizes to big or too small, or it is an heirloom piece that has been passed down to them and may not be the exact style they were wanting.

Ive always been a creative person, ever since I was little. When my sister was outside playing basketball, I was outside painting rocks. Instead of trying on prom dresses, I was at home making mine. So when college came around it was no surprise when I majored in Fashion Design. I studied sewing, pattern making, draping and design at the University of North Texas for five years and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design in 2012. After graduation I took an internship in New York City to work for Nicole Miller, where I stayed for a year. Knowing my heart was back in Texas, I made the decision to come back home. I was working for western design company when a friend asked if I would make her wedding dress. I had always known my passion was in creating, so I jumped one the opportunity. From that moment on I knew what I wanted to do. Its been 8 years since I started my business and to watch it grow into what it has become has been really special.

It has definitely not been easy, but it has all been worth it. I started this business before I was married and before I had children. In the beginning my focus was building my clientele and making sure the work I was putting out was nothing short of exceptional. Now, I am married with a 3 yr old and a 1 yr old. My focus has very much changed. My main goal is to still bring each clients wedding dress to life, whatever that may be. But now, I do it knowing that I am a mom first. That means I may have to turn away clients when I’m at my limit or the days Im with my kids, there is no working, not even emails. And because of that, when I do have my work days, It might be a 12+ hr day working in order to finish everything for that week. This business allows me to be home with my children all while doing something I love, so with that comes its challenges, but Im grateful because of the time it gives me with my kids.

Ive learned that running a business isn’t easy. Its harder than having normal 9-5. A lot of people think its so nice to make your own schedule and be your own boss, but with that I am not just the seamstress and designer, I am also the assistant and the receptionist and the book keeper and the social media manager. I do everything, its a lot of hats to wear, but I don’t do it because its easy, I do it because it makes me happy and it allows me to be with my family.

I want everyone to know that you don’t have to be unhappy with your career. If you have a dream or a goal it is 100% achievable. It won’t be easy, it will seem really scary and risky at first, but if you truly put your heart into, you will not fail. You don’t have to create this huge business to be successful. All you have to do is pursue something that makes you happy, no matter how out of the ordinary it is, if it makes you happy, that is success.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well you cant come to DFW without getting some barbecue so I think the first place I’d take them would be to Hurtado BBQ. Hands down the best BBQ in DFW. I’d want to take them around Fort Worth and show them all the cool places that we have here. Definitley hit up magnolia ave. and stop by Maggies R&R for some live music and drinks. If we wanted dessert, we’d have to stop by Melt for a scoop of the salt lick ice cream. If it was cool enough outside, maybe take a walk through trinity park or even ride bikes along the trail.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents and my husband for supporting me from the very beginning. For never doubting my skill and always encouraging me to pursue my dreams. I also want to shout out my friend Ashlee, who was my very first client. She came to me asking if I would make her wedding dress, only seeing the work I had done in college. She saw talent in me before I saw it in myself. Her faith in my work is what opened the door to my business and I will forever be grateful.

Website: www.herreracustombridal.com

Instagram: @HerreraCustomBridal

Facebook: Facebook.com/HerreraCustomBridal

Image Credits
Misty Dawn Photography Organic Bliss Photography Heart Box Wedding Photography