Oakbrook Terrace bridal boutique is a family business

An interview with Natalie Bauer and Melissa Russell, owners of Bella Bianca Bridal Couture.

Q: Describe your business. What do you do?

Natalie: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture is bridal boutique with locations in Oakbrook Terrace and Chicago's Gold Coast. I started this business with my sister, Melissa, nearly six years ago with our Oakbrook Terrace location. Bella Bianca is a client-focused bridal salon that aims to create an unforgettable and unparalleled experience for every bride that walks into our boutique.

Q: What made you start your business?

Natalie: We grew up in a household of entrepreneurs, which instilled in us the goal of owning our own business at a very young age. Seeing the passion and dedication that goes into being an entrepreneur first hand was extremely inspiring and was something that really stuck with us. Even as we explored professional careers in the corporate field, we knew that we wanted to begin our own business.

Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running a small business?

Melissa: Bella Bianca has two locations, so it is a challenge trying to literally be in two places at once. Luckily, we are able to work together to guarantee that both locations are running smoothly.

Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?

Natalie: We get to live our dream every day while helping others fulfill theirs. Running our own business may not be the easiest task; however, it is exactly what we have always wanted. We are extremely lucky to be able to guide our clients and help them find the perfect gown for one of the biggest days of their lives.

Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young? When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Natalie: We always pictured ourselves operating our own business, and ironically, as small children we used to spend hours setting up a boutique in our mother's closet. Looking back we would spend more time setting up our “perfect boutique” than we would actually playing the game, which perhaps was a precursor of our future careers.

Q: What keeps you up at night?

Melissa: All of the variables that our outside of our control! We know that we do everything in our power to make a bride's gown perfect for her big day, but our nightmares are full of situations like an overzealous guest who is so excited to hug the bride that they pour red wine down the dress. After all, we are ladies too, so what one bride would worry about for herself is magnified by 100 when we worry for our brides.

Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?

Natalie: Don't be afraid to make a change in careers. Both my sister and myself were in completely different fields when we decided to open Bella Bianca. It's never too late to start something new that you are truly passionate about. As long as you apply the experience and drive from your past career to your own business, you will be successful.

Melissa: Perseverance is key in owning your own business. No business is an overnight success, including Bella Bianca, and to flourish, you must have the determination and persistence to overcome the many obstacles that come with being an entrepreneur. You must also be present in your business, as no one is able to run your business like you are.

• Every Monday we feature a small suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.

Bella Bianca Bridal Couture

Address: 17W527 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Year Business Started: 2008

Website: www.bellabianca.com