Follow your dream: Wedding Gowns

I love featuring women who have taken the risk to follow their dream. A few months ago, I met Saukok Chu Tiampo. She told me she left corporate America (she was a banker) to start her own wedding gown business. I loved her spirit so much and just really enjoyed listening to how she focuses herself for this brand new career. I thought you all would like to read about her as well. So here goes:

1. Tell me a bit about your background. Where did you grow up?

Most of the childhood I remember was spent in Westchester county, a suburb outside New York City.  I did spend a few years in Asia as a young child, so Hong Kong feels like a second home.

2. You followed your dream to leave corporate America and go into the business of wedding gowns. How did that happen? What prompted the change?

While other girls were dreaming of princesses and ballgowns, I was dreaming of being a banker. I loved being a banker for the first ten plus years of my career. Never thought of myself as a startup type.  My husband, on the other hand, worked at a string of startups and I watched him change careers and chase his dream of being in the food industry.  When you see someone you love and respect start a company from scratch, it demystifies it.  I started hatching ideas for companies, but it wasn’t until my husband very suddenly and unexpectedly lost his vision that I decided to strike out on my own.  Luckily, Jamie is recovered now, but the suddenness of how he lost vision then gave me a real “seize the day” impetus.

3. If you had to make the same decision over again, would you?

Absolutely.  I am a voracious learner, and you learn a LOT starting your own business.  No matter what I pursue, even if I were to go back into corporate America, having started and run a company makes me a much more well rounded person.  When you work under the shield of a big company, it’s almost impossible to appreciate the things that a small company battles with, and small companies are the lifeblood of the American economy!

4. What was your biggest fear when you started this?

I only fear cockroaches and mediocre food.

5. What has been your biggest motivator?

Making women feel great about themselves.  I love breaking the mold and bringing good, thoughtful design at an accessible price.  At the mid to lower price range, things get more functional, and aesthetics can become an afterthought.  Our dresses are not only in unconventional cuts and colors, they also have features like strategic pleats below the waist so you can enjoy a great dinner and still look svelte.

6. I really enjoyed meeting you in person and love your spirit – what is your personal mantra? I think you radiate warmth!

You are too kind!  It has been wonderful meeting you too.  I love meeting another woman who has made it in the professional world and chosen a less traditional path.

I’ll offer up some lyrics from my favorite rapper, the Notorious BIG, for my personal mantra:

Stay far from timid

Only make moves when your heart’s in it

Live the phrase, the sky’s the limit
-The Notorious BIG

7. Tell my readers a bit about your lovely gowns and where they can get them.

My company, 57Grand, a bridal and bridesmaid collection, is known for its clean, modern, New York City-inspired designs.  Sophisticated, edgy, practical.  57Grand is designed in New York, and made in New York – our dresses are named after New York City streets and landmarks.  We’ve been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, the Knot, BRIDES and, Time Out.

Our bridal line includes luxurious silk and silk cotton fabrics, geometric French tulle, abstract rhinestone pins, and clear-beaded tulle belts. Dresses retail at $500 to $1500.  Our bridesmaid dresses are designed around four fabric families in  8 to 13 colors, retailing at $155 to $295.  Our gowns are available at over 30 stores across the US, and online via our  sample program.  Visit www.57grand.com.