When LaToria Brent was laid off from her job after coming back from maternity leave, what seemed like a serious kick in the pants actually was a blessing in disguise.
“I had thought about NextBrides in 2008 around the time I got married, but I was working, busy – life happened,” she said. “I just put the idea on the back burner. When I got laid off, I felt like it was now or never. I can always go back into corporate America. I had been sitting on the idea for 3 years, so I figured, let me just try it and see if it works.”
UberStories: In 140 characters or less, what does your startup do?
LaToria Brent: NextBrides is a site for new and pre-owned wedding attire and accessories.
US: I totally understand why your startup is useful for bridal parties – I wish this existed when I got married! How is it useful for the overall bridal industry?
LB: The bridal industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. With our economy just recovering, if you’re a small business and want to grow your current wedding business, this is a great site for you. If you don’t want to take a plunge and spend all this money starting a bridal business, this would be the site you could test your idea out on. Plus, the rental industry is a huge industry.
US: What is your business model?
LB: I have 3 membership options, and as the site grows, obviously, we’ll make more money. I am providing a platform and network, not just listings, so there’s a lot of added value.
US: What do you need, and what do you want?
LB: I want to make this an international eBay for brides. For now, I’m trying to increase sales on the site 15-20% and increase users by 10-20% so I can start pitching to investors.
US: What will you use funding for?
LB: Marketing, advertising, and building a team that puts us in place to grow internationally.
US: Who is your biggest competitor, and why are you better?
LB: It used to be Recycled Brides, but they have changed their focus. There are a few smaller companies who do buy-sell, but no one who does buy-sell-rent. We are better because our prices are lower, and I work to build relationships with members.
Here’s a peek at one of their Pinterest boards:
The post Founder Spotlight on LaToria Brent of NextBrides: “I Provide A Platform and Network, Not Just Listings” appeared first on ÜberStories.