Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Duerr
Hi Carmen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in a family where seamstresses were a constant presence, and a sewing machine often took pride of place on our dining room table. My passion for creation took root early on. By 2012, I had been designing custom wedding dresses for a couple years, when the idea to open a bridal shop began to take shape. At that time, bridal boutiques were few and far between in Minneapolis / St Paul, particularly those offering modern, with design forward aesthetics and quality materials. There were countless talented and adventurous designers whose work, I felt, deserved to be showcased in our community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has certainly been enjoyable, though “smooth” may not be the most fitting word to describe it.
As a woman-owned business, securing funding and obtaining loans for growth has proven to be a challenge.
The pandemic was an especially tough period, marked by heartbroken brides and families facing overwhelming disappointment. We spent countless hours on the phone, doing our best to accommodate their needs in ways we
could not do in person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This is where The White Room truly stands out, and it’s a subject I speak about with great pride. My incredible team of women is what makes it all possible. From my managers and stylists to our talented seamstresses, each one brings their heart and soul to creating a warm, supportive, and skillful environment for our clients. Their dedication and passion are what make The White Room so special.
We want our brides to feel confident and fully express their unique creativity on their wedding day. Our goal is to bring their vision to life, from the moment they say “yes” to the dress and beyond, long after the wedding day has passed.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like how diverse a community we have and also definitely the nature element.
I do not like all the potholes. 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewhiteroommpls.com
- Instagram: @thewhiteroommpls
