THE START
The beginning of Whisper Bridal Boutique.
Having had ‘Everything happens for a reason’ drilled into me from a young age, I’ve been able to let go and accept what isn’t meant for me while enjoying the courage of trying new things and exploring my options. I have always had a deep-rooted interest in fashion and this manifested itself into a degree in Design.
Throughout my degree, bridal wasn’t really valued or offered so I focused all of my energy into sustainability and how that can be represented in the industry. I was extremely interested in the properties of fabric and how each one had different care needs and qualities that individually benefitted the environment. This is something that I made a b-line for when choosing which dresses and designers to stock.
Back in 2016, I stumbled across a lady that wore the coolest lace bridal 2-piece by no other than E&W Couture. I was obsessed and followed the brand from that moment onwards. Fast forward to 2019 and I was pondering over a placement year at university. I just knew I had to give bridal a go and did nothing short of spamming E&W’s inbox until they gave in and offered me an internship! 3 years later, I was still there and my position had covered pretty much every department and job description you can imagine, but finally ended as Sales Consultant! I never pictured myself as a ‘sales woman’. I’m far from pushy and I’m not the best with words… However, I was bizarrely good at it! Forget that, I LOVED IT. For the first time in my life I felt truly good at something and I knew that this was my calling.
So this led to a Pinterest board named ‘Whisper’, a spin on ‘secret’ to represent this new secret dream of mine! From bridalwear to shop decor, I saved it all while dreaming of what eventually would become Whisper Bridal Boutique. I knew a bridal boutique was the end-goal, but I needed to experience more. I was 24 and still living with my parents so brave little Jenny decided to move to London and leave the dream job at E&W! This was a huge learning curve for me in so many ways and was the start of my universal calling…
Surgery to get rid of my Endometriosis (again)
2022
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1 day post op - find out I’ve landed a role as PA and Studio Manager for one of my favourite designers in London with 2 weeks to plan and move
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Lost my job after 1 month with a weeks notice
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Found what was meant to be a temporary job replacement at The Blogger Agent (I'm still there part-time ha)
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Heart break - end of a 6 year relationship
To say I was struggling was an understatement but I was determined to not let this shitty year hold me back. I continued saving to my Pinterest board, I started writing a draft business plan and I was even looking for shop furniture - rather prematurely considering this was a 5-year plan HA!.
“The hardest thing about "everything happens for a reason" is waiting for that reason to show up.”
Now this is where things started to change. While visiting home, I met up with the E&W team for a catch up where they confided in me about the closure of Rachel Burgess Bridal Boutique. Rachel was off on an adventure of a lifetime with her husband after reaching her 10 year milestone with the Boutique and it was time for her next chapter. A week later, I was sat back in my London flat-share feeling homesick and this overwhelming urge came over me and before I knew it - it was sent.
I poured my heart out to Rachel explaining my long-term dream and my undeniable passion for helping brides find their perfect dress. I didn’t really know what exactly I was asking for or if Rachel would even consider me ‘taking over', but the next thing I knew, she had replied. We spoke on the phone and exchanged emails for a couple of weeks before crunch time came and the decision had to be made. Rachel was clear that her journey was ending and my journey was beginning . A whole new business - just the same 4 walls. With nothing but my savings to lose, I did it.
"They say that good things come to those who wait but actually they come to those who get off their backside and go and get it" - Rachel Burgess
I had waited for my reason as to why 2022 had been so hard, so grueling and life changing and here it was. I worked full time in London while setting up a business in Cardiff and it was so hard but so worth it. I got off my backside and 'went for it' - just as Rachel said. It became apparent to me that opportunities are all around us you just have to look for them!
So now, still in my what was meant to be a temporary job at The Blogger Agent (but now part-time) I have achieved my dream at 25! I can advocate for women’s rights, sustainability, inclusivity and all of the topics that I am passionate about through my business all while helping you gorgeous bride-to-be’s find your dream dress!!!!
