Cental Louisiana Unique Business

A unique internet-based business in Central Louisiana - Camo Formal

Update to this article written the end of 2010: Somehow country singer Brad Paisley's staff ran across the web site for this business in preparation for his music video entitled "Camoflage." They contacted the business owners, and guess what, some of their formals are featured in the video! The sellers were also invited (and went) to the premiere event marking the release of the video complete with backstage passes, and when Brad was being interviewed for the TODAY show, they also contacted the sellers to be present in New York. As luck would have it, Judy was in New York at the time and attended! Isn't that great!

Central Louisiana is home to a unique business that is actually marketed exclusively on the internet and brings orders from all over the United States. This business is a bridal and formal attire business, but is meant to appeal to the sportsman or anyone who likes camoflage. And, what better state to be home to this business than Louisiana, known as the sportsman's paradise?

This business began in the heart of a very talented seamstress, Judy Brimer, who at a very early age learned to sew. By the time she was married in her late teens, Judy made her own wedding dress, her fiance's suit, and all the bridesmaids' dresses. While she originally entered employment in another industry, sewing was calling to her.

Judy and husband, Sam, eventually opened a business operated out of a former residence in Tioga, LA, a small town due north of Alexandria/Pineville. There, those brides who preferred to rent rather their buy their wedding gowns found a business with pretty dresses easily altered to fit for their special day at a far less expense than buying a dress. Their business reputation was quickly established, as prom dresses and other formal dresses could be found for rental--thus the name of the business, which still exists today: Formals, Etc.

Eventually, when a local Alexandria bridal business, Aileen's (where I bought my own wedding dress), was put up for sale, Sam and Judy bought it. Not only did they rent bridal dresses, but now they also offered dresses ordered from major bridal suppliers. Eventually, as the business grew, they franchised it to other Louisiana cities and even a couple of neighboring states.

Through the years, Judy and Sam tired of the travel and problems associated with distant franchised stores and scaled back by selling or closing. Now, they have the local store, but let's get to the unique business aspect.

With Louisiana having an avid sportsman population, inevitably some wanted to celebrate vows weaving camoflage into the tapestry of their weddings or proms. Thus, Camo Formals came along. With a son-in-law who is good at web site design as well as photography to market Judy's design ideas, this business has taken off big time. Visit their web site, but leave the "s"off formal--camoformal.com. You will be surprised at the selection currently available from formals to wedding gowns, attire for the entire wedding party, shoes, decorations, etc. It's quite inclusive!

With orders coming in from all over the United States, a decision was made this year (2010) to rent a building for the manufacturing aspect of the business. Back to Tioga, they went. They bought a pattern-cutting machine, rented a large space that formerly housed a dress business, and they're in high production!

Knowing Judy, Sam, and their family personally, I'm so proud of their success. By the way, they have a Camo Formal Facebook page as well. A short bio is on their profile page. Send them a friend request.

Visit my Facebook business page: Margaret Hickman, REALTOR @ Keller Williams Realty - Cenla Partners.

Visit my web site: http://margarethickman.clb.mlxchange.com