Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in clothing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Franco Salerno, CEO of Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo, located in Warrington, PA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My wife and I founded and owned Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. We dress brides, grooms, groomsmen, bridesmaids, mothers, fathers, ring bearers, prom-goers, and gala attendees. We started this business with absolutely no experience in formal wear or retail, and now we have quite a large family business. We love serving the community!

Tell us about yourself

Ten years ago, my wife was driving our daughter all over the Philadelphia region to find prom dresses for the many proms she was invited to. Out of frustration, my wife said, "has no one thought of opening a store in our area that sells prom dresses"?! We essentially wrote the business plan on a napkin on a return trip from a wedding in Mexico. Less than five months later, Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo opened. Our store is named after our two daughters: Daria and Deanna. What motivates us is 1) taking care of our wonderful employees and 2) serving other families with kindness and respect.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment was quickly scaling a business with no experience in the industry and becoming known as a respected and honest brand in the Philadelphia region.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo is open seven days a week. The time commitment is challenging when trying to balance work and family life.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't do what your competitors are doing be different.
  2. Read a lot and obtain ideas to implement in your business from anywhere you can find them. Be creative.
  3. Take time for yourself and your family.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

In March 2020, right before the COVID shut down, my wife had a devastating accident. She was not supposed to survive, according to the medical advice we were receiving at the time. Two weeks later, COVID shut the world down, including Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo. I thought I was going to lose both my spouse and our family business. Fast forward two years, and fortunately, my wife survived. However, she can no longer work in the company due to her disability. Our daughter, Daria, stepped in. Now, with 19 employees, we are stronger than ever as a family, business, and community member. My advice to anyone is don't sweat the small stuff and do what makes you happy. Don't hesitate to try or do something in your life. It can be all gone tomorrow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dariannabridal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DariannaBridal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariannabridal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dariannabridal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/darianna-bridal/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.