ABOUT US

It all started with eight dresses in my closet.  I needed a gown for my upcoming Mardi Gras ball.  After having no success in finding anything stylish in my size (plus size at the time), I turned to Facebook groups. I posted my gowns for sale and searched for one to buy.  I encountered the problem of meeting up with ladies to try on dresses, where to meet, people running late or not showing up at all. I decided to put a stop to the madness and made a space in my scrapbook building behind my home, to facilitate buying and selling in February 2015.  After 2 1/2 years I was able to grow my business with tremendous support from our community and move into the location I am currently at.  I love what I do and enjoy helping women find the perfect dress.

I worked full time as an Office Manager in the healthcare field during the day, then would open in the evening and weekends.  Once I moved to my current location, I was able to hire several girls who worked part time and would open at 1:00 after college classes and I would arrive after my job at 5:15.  (we had some wonky hours, open late and weekends) until I hired a full time person to normalize the hours.

When hurricane Laura hit in 8/26/2020 the healthcare facility I was working at sustained substantial damage and was closed.  All employees were layed off.  My husband and I had often spoke of me quitting and doing the dress shop full time.  So we looked at the hurricane tragedy as my opportunity to make the move to full time dress shop employment.  My building sustained heavy damage as well from the hurricane, we lost the roof and most of the inventory.  Thankfully I had great insurance and was able to reopen in February 2021.

One of the things that makes Bayou A Dress For Less standout is that we carry true plus size dresses up to size 40, that actually fit a 40 thanks to my account with Sydney’s Closet.  We also take in gently used gowns on consignment so that we have a dress for every budget.

I am a graduate of our local university, McNeese State University with a BS in Business Administration.