The Fleuridian: A Dream Come True
Hello, hello! Welcome to The Fleuridian!
My name is Sloane Henry and The Fleuridian is a long-time “dream come true” of mine. And that dream would’ve remained on the shelf if not for my best friend and The Fleuridian co-owner, Kate Magill.
“Gainesville needs a designer bridal boutique,” I’d quip once a month or so. I’d see a cute building with a “for lease” sign in the window and say “that would be a cute place for a bridal shop.”
While recovering from a surgery, I created a little power point presentation of what a bridal shop in Gainesville could look like: size-inclusive, designer gowns for every budget, a moody funky interior aesthetic and outrageously cool veils. Just a fun thought-exercize. But Kate looked at the power-point presentation and just said “Life’s short. Let’s do it.”
It took me a couple days to realize she was, in fact, serious. And when Kate Magill puts her mind to something, very little will get in her way.
Things that could’ve gotten in her way included:
Kate and I are both lawyers. What the heck are we doing opening a bridal salon?
While I have ten years in the bridal industry, Kate had a steep learning curve to undertake.
A few raised eyebrows from friends and family.
But Kate was determined. Within weeks we were signing a lease, attending New York Bridal Fashion Week and designing a beautiful logo with our dear friend Diana Jarek. And I was pinching myself watching my powerpoint presentation come to life. I got to handle connecting with designers, dress selection, and interior design, while Kate handled the accounting, budgeting and logistics. I had worked in corporate bridal for many years and knew that if I were to dive back into the industry, I would want it to be on my own terms. But I never imagined I’d also have a cheerleader, thought-partner and advocate with me every step of the way.
The Fleuridian has been made possible by a woman with a dream and her best friend who believed in her. And we hope that this foundation of friendship (and girlhood!) is evident in all we do at The Fleuridian.
We cannot wait to welcome you and the friends and family who love you and believe in YOUR DREAMS, to The Fleuridian.
