Hundreds of soon-to-be brides flocked to a weekend bridal fair at the Bossier Civic Center. They mingled with more than 100 wedding vendors. Many of those vendors are entrepreneurs, including the editor of Bossier City-based Weddings With Style Magazine. Lana Rosalee has organized the bridal fair for 12 years.
“It’s just good for everyone all around," Rosalee said. "The brides meet the vendors, the vendors meet the brides, and everyone’s happy.”
Rosalee started her bridal publication when she recognized an unfilled niche. Now, 12 years later, she’s launched bridal magazines in two other states.
Another entrepreneur, cake maker Shane Morgan, also started his business 12 years ago. Morgan was newly graduated from Bossier Parish Community College’s culinary arts program.
“I was 21 when I opened. Everyone told me you’ll never make it. You don’t know how to run a business. And I didn’t," Morgan said, while handing out samples of his cake at the fair. "But I knew what I wanted to do and it took. I wouldn’t change a thing in the world about it.”
Morgan makes about 160 wedding cakes a year, and he sometimes must turn away business.
Calligrapher Shannon Inman is trying to find brides who appreciate the artfulness of a handwritten note. Inman started her company 15 years ago, but she’s been more focused on it in recent years.
“I’m a stay-at-home mom, and my children are older now," Inman said. "So I’m trying to do more so my business will keep growing.”
Inman said the down economy has cut into her business, since calligraphy is a luxury item. Cake maker Shane Morgan said his business is recession-proof because almost every bride wants a big white cake.
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