Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Zaun.
Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a modest home in South Minneapolis. My parents, who were very young at the
time, stayed at home with my older sister and me. My dad worked on cars, doing auto body
work, and my mom kept very busy taking care of us kids. While my sister was off at school and I
was still too young to attend, I would sit by my mom’s sewing machine and watch as she cut out
patterns. She would make matching dresses, pajamas, and skirts for both of us. We always
looked amazing because of her.
Later, I attended the Academy of Holy Angels, a private Catholic school, where I wore uniforms
every day. I was shy and very tall. I would panic on our “out of uniform” days. All the other girls
would have super cute, trendy clothes, and I didn’t. My dad offered to pay for fabric if I made my
own clothes. So, like clockwork, I ran to the fabric store to make something to wear for those
days. I would make my own skirts so that they were long enough and fit me perfectly, unlike the
ones that could be bought in stores. I also made dresses for our high school dances, with the
help of my mom. When everyone found out I could sew, they would ask me to help them, their
sisters, and their friends. That started my love for formal wear. Remember my older sister?
When she would go to dances, I would take hand-me-downs and redesign them for her. That
sparked my beginning in redesigning gowns.
After high school, I attended the University of Minnesota, where I majored in Clothing Design. I
learned a great deal in school, participated in the fashion show, and had the opportunity to
showcase my designs. During that time, I also made bridesmaid dresses for my sister and her
friends. I landed an internship at Schafer’s Bridal downtown and learned how to alter bridal
gowns. This was the beginning of my career in bridal and vintage redesign.
I got married and had two beautiful kids. I continued to sew for people by word of mouth. I would
make the kids Halloween costumes, and of course, carry on the tradition of making dresses for
my own daughter, just like my mom. I would go to thrift stores and pick up vintage sheets to
make her sundresses, and would of course make her Christmas and Easter dresses. When the
recession hit, I went back to work full-time as an alterations manager after my husband was laid
off from his job. During that time, I missed a lot of things with my kids, as my son was very
involved in school. After years of working for the big company I was at, I chose to leave to work
for a different company downtown, where I still did bridal work, but also had the opportunity to
work more with vintage gowns and redesign them for brides.
Covid hit, and things changed. I no longer wanted to work for someone else. I had always
dreamed of working for myself. In February of 2021, with a little push from my family, I quit my
job and started Before the Ball Designs. It was a scary move, but I loved what I did and knew I
could make it work. I wanted to be the reason that women had their “Happily Ever After”
moment! I work out of my home in Apple Valley. I offer alterations for Bridal, bridesmaid, mother
of the bride, mother of the groom, and prom. I had the opportunity to help Miss Teen Minnesota
this year.
I still love vintage, and I work closely with Andrea’s Vintage, based in Minneapolis. I also take on
redesigning vintage gowns from women’s mothers/grandmothers. I have had the opportunity to
meet so many fun and fabulous brides. While most people are local, I have had people fly in
from all across the country. I have also made reception dresses, getting ready robes, purses,
and christening gowns out of vintage gowns.
With the support of my daughter, son, husband, and my family, I have been a very busy and
happy owner! Four years in, and I can honestly say I love what I do. More than anything, I love
making gowns fit for the special day and helping brides have their “Happily Ever After!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Confidence in myself was always a struggle, not with my work but in believing that I could make a living on my own. There was a time that I was working a full time job and then took on a second job bartending, just to pay bills and keep food in the house. It was a rough time, I did that for about 6 years.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is geared toward Bridal alterations and Vintage redesign. I also include bridesmaids prom mother of the bride and homecoming dresses for the high schools. With my Clothing design background, I am able to make sleeves or capelets, as long as you show me a picture of what you want I can easily make it a reality. But my heart really enjoys redoing vintage, I get the creative side of my brain an outlet.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My father was a very patient man and instilled that quality on to me. I really listen to brides and their goals and help them find their storybook ending.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Beforetheballdesigns.com
- Instagram: Before_the_ball
- Facebook: Before the ball
