We are back with another Thrifty Entrepreneur feature! This series covers amazing secondhand businesses of all facets. We dive into more about the business, resell tips, thrifting tips, and more! There’s something so interesting about an entrepreneur’s journey – especially when they are prioritizing sustainability. I hope you enjoy this interview and click here to see more of this series.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah, the owner of Loved Twice Bridal, the resale bridal shop based in Beverly Hills, California. She has a beautiful selection of preloved wedding dresses ranging from $2,000 to $15,000. Let’s dive into this interview!
1. Please introduce yourself and your business to the T&T community.
My name is Sarah Ghabbour and I am the owner of Loved Twice Bridal, a luxury bridal consignment boutique. While we have a physical showroom space in Beverly Hills, CA, we have been assisting buyers and sellers from all over the country through our website, www.lovedtwicebridal.com.
2. What inspired you to create your business?
In early 2020, I was the store director at major flagship in Beverly Hills. During the height of the pandemic, I had several brides who had their weddings canceled or postponed meaning there would be several gowns that would never be worn. Sadly, the bridal industry adheres to an “all sales are final policy” and brides asked me how they can go about reselling their gowns. After offering multiple peer to peer websites, I recognized a void in the market where a bride can pass off gown to a tenured bridal professional who can do the work for her.
3. How would you describe the items you curate for your store?
There are a few requirements of the gowns that we take in. 4 years or newer, retail price point of $4,000 or more, and the item should be in ready to wear condition. This ensures that we are taking in gowns that are made in a sustainable way and are relevant to the market. Outside of these requirements, a quick search online will showcase the gown and we will compare this to what we know brides are currently looking for. This is based on feedback in the showroom along with comparing it to the newest collections from designers.
4. Pricing is something a lot of entrepreneurs struggle with. Would you mind sharing your pricing strategy?
We have found a unique niche in the bridal resale market with our pricing. Our starting price point is around $2,000 and has gone up to $15,000. We understand this is not the typical for second hand, but what we can offer with that is value & experience. A $2,000 secondhand gown was likely originally $4,000 and is made with finer materials. Our local brides are provided with a private one on one appointment to mirror the traditional bridal experience. Our online brides can chat with a tenured stylists about the gowns on our website so they are able to make an informed decision.
5. What’s the key to a successful thrift business?
We have found our success in being discerning with what we take in. While all wedding gowns are beautiful, we truly do curate our collection for what the Loved Twice Bride is looking for. She is a modern bride with luxury taste but choses to make a sustainable choice when purchasing her designer gown.
6. What has been your best thrift find personally and/or for the shop?
What a great question! Personally, I have found a few closet staples while shopping, but the one that brings me the most joy is a gold metal watch case that I turned into an evening clutch. I get so many compliments when I wear it. I’ve had it now for over 10 years. For the shop, I came across an Oscar De Le Renta gown on Facebook marketplace from a mother of the bride in New York! I reached out and asked if we could help her sell it. I learned that she had tried selling it on her own for a few months but had no luck. She agreed to give it to us, and we sold it in one month; funny enough, to a bride in New York.
7. What’s your thrifting secret?
I wouldn’t say it’s a secret, but patience is key. You will not find much each time and it shouldn’t be the goal too. Instead, learn to enjoy the hunt because those finds are really what make shopping secondhand so fun!
8. Any tips for aspiring resellers?
The resale market is so tough because of the number of options. Find the thing that sets you apart and do that well. It’s okay to not carry it all. Your buyers will come to expect a standard from you so do your best to honor that trust.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us! Be sure to check out Loved Twice Bridal!
