Joan Pillow……A Legend in Bridal is Bidding Adieu to Our City

Great relationships, whether business or personal, never end…..they just transition! I’ve always believed that and this is certainly the case as my good friend and respected colleague, Joan Pillow of the legendary Joan Pillow Bridal Salon winds down her business of 35 years. You see, Joan has made the decision that the day has come for her to move into retirement. She has run a very successful bridal business, one of the most successful in the country, for three decades, with 11 of those years out of dual cities, Houston and Atlanta. She has resided in both cities for this time and finally decided, to our loss I might add, that Atlanta and the beautiful home that she loves there is where she and hubby Jon, want to be. So the loss to our city is doubled. Certainly there will be a void to be filled in the ‘special gown’ category for Brides and those beautiful young Debutantes that Joan has endeared as she has dressed them for their most memorable days. However, the city will also miss her contributions within the community’s social and philanthropic world where Joan has been an active participant and avid volunteer for American Heart and Animal Protection to name just a couple.

Yesterday, on Joan’s final day of ‘business as usual’ at JPB before her big retirement sale starts today, we sat for a chat and reflection on Joan’s look back at what she has loved, learned and wishes to pass on to young entrepreneurs as they approach “living their dream” as she has done for all of these years.

Some highlights of our chat….

MRG: What is your greatest reflections as you look back?

JP: The many people that have come into my life…..not just the Brides but their Moms and families; it’s such a passage for them and I feel I am with them every step of the way. I especially loved ‘my debs’. I have sold more debutante dresses than anyone in the country because of my dual cities and being in the South!

MRG: Tell me about the Bride of Today? How does she shop? What is she looking for?

JP: Today’s girl is not about designer names as much. They are looking for fashion, for beautiful dresses that reflect their personality and that is what I do……..I find that for them. (Joan pointed out that she is one of the few buyers in this industry that actually sells! She listens to what they want and finds that perfect dress for them!)

Many people do not know that I am an Art major and when they know that they ask me, what is my art? I respond, my dresses are my art!

Joan Pillow

MRG: What in your work history, do you feel led to your success?

JP: The Executive Training Program at Neiman Marcus. From the moment I entered the program in Downtown Dallas I felt that I was ‘home’. I felt like I was getting my Masters in Retailing. It taught me how to make this a business! Mr. Lawrence Marcus was very influential in teaching me much about retail through many one-on-one teaching sessions.

MRG: What are you looking forward to the most?

JP: I just want to enjoy the time. My hubby and I have a great relationship, he’s my best friend and want to do many things together. First on my travel agenda is a Safari which has been on my bucket list for years and also a trip back to Paris……Jon and I spent our first anniversary there and have not been back, so that is a must. I am also getting two new dogs……a beautiful labradoodle and of course, for me always…..a rescue!

MRG: Lastly, what advise would you give to young entrepreneurs just starting or looking to start their own business?

JP: Follow your dream…..this was my dream. I’ve lived and loved it every step of the way!

MRG: So, what about ‘your girls’ that have dresses in the works?

JP: We will be here, at this location until the end of January and then dresses will be available back here throughout the year, as the dates come up for weddings and debutante balls(good news: Joan will still be around and available)…..stay tuned to joanpillowbridal.com.

Following are some pics of the Joan Pillow Bridal Salon as it preps for the Big Retirement Sale beginning January 9…..(pay close attention to these amazing, many brand new, wedding and evening collections that will be 40-60% off

………..and they live happily ever after

photography by Natalie Ariz, The Impeccable Find