Bridal seamstress fights to save business during pandemic
Knowing what you want is only half the battle.
“I would take the bus across town to the Singer store, because that was the only place that would give sewing lessons," said Teresa Ashmore, owner of Brides by Elizabeth.
Getting it is the other.
“So as a ten year old, I would get on the bus from O’Connor and Nacogdoches, track through down town and end up at McCreless Mall," said Ashmore.
Ashmore spent her entire summer trying for the latter.
“It came naturally to me," she said.
She got it.
Her talents with a needle and thread came in handy all around the world.
“With my husband in the military, we traveled around the world, and people always needed help. And I said I know how to sew," said Ashmore.
In 2016, she opened Brides by Elizabeth.
Her custom alterations and gowns have been worn by brides around the globe, but she still makes time to give back to the community.
“Every year, we do a wedding gown giveaway with a non-profit group called Brides Across America," she said.
She said this store is her ministry. A way to give back.
That’s important, because she once had something very precious nearly taken away.
“I was hit head on by a drunk driver when I was 21 years old and my heart stopped on the way to the hospital, so I’m here by the grace of God," said Ashmore.
She knows how to make a good comeback.
Even during the pandemic when the store was closed for nearly two months.
“We didn’t get any discounts on our rent, all the bills were due and the designers were still working and sending things, and they were still charging my cards," said Ashmore.
She’s still standing.
Ready to find you that perfect dress.
Ready to keep giving back to the community she loves.
“It’s all about having faith. And that’s all there is to it," she said.
