As Jennifer Grubbs carefully places each pair of earrings in the appropriate packaging for her bride-to-be’s wedding party, she notices people slowly driving by her new location at 500 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez (Suite 103), and peering through the window. Hands on their steering wheel, they attempt, through squinted eyes, to read the signage on the door about the upcoming grand opening of Lace & Veil Bridal Boutique.
“That happens all the time,” says Jennifer. “In fact, I’ve had this building for months and kept paper on the walls so no one could see inside. I just recently took them down because I wanted people to see a well-put-together business when people came. I told God I wanted to open a bridal shop five years ago, but He said now is the time to do it.”
Lace & Veil in the Petersburg Shoppes Plaza is one of two brick-and-mortars the Augusta native owns. She’s a degreed healthcare professional and pharmacy technician by trade, but she took her love for event planning, something she’s done for 11 years through Grovetown’s The Event Suite, and branched out to focus on primarily making upcoming brides’ dreams come true. “We wanna bring a big city feel to a little town,” Jennifer says. “Not saying that Augusta is a small town, but we want to bring a big city feel. It will be a different vibe and a whole experience.” That experience, for example, may include a lavish, $250, two-and-a-half-hour VIP lunch and shopping spree for the bride and her squad, complete with champagne.
From humble beginnings of decorating for her aunt and uncle’s wedding vow renewal party to specialized customer service and treatment to signature monogram ‘bride squad socks’ and other accessories to a nearly six-figure income, the 38-year-old says none of it would be possible without her faith. She even had to go back to working at a local pharmacy for nine months when the pandemic shut down event venues. “I’ll tell anyone I am who I am because of Him,” she exclaims. “I have a phenomenal support system. My parents have been married for 46 years, and they support me in any and everything I do. I believe in being obedient, patient, doing my part and trusting in God. People have asked me why I am opening a bridal boutique in the middle of a pandemic. People are still going to get married so I’m never going to rob anyone of that experience.” She and her business partner, Jessica Baskette, have already secured the first contract to provide gowns for the Rosa T. Beard Debutante Club, and they haven’t officially flipped to the “Open” side yet. “How many businesses can say they have money coming in a month and a half prior to opening their doors? Never once did I say I wouldn’t trust God.”
The grand opening for Lace & Veil Bridal Boutique is Sunday, November 7, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Check out the business’s Facebook page, www.laceandveilbridal.com or call 706-945-0711.
