Chantilly Lace is a destination bridal boutique in Hamilton
- Michael Kras
- 09 Jun 2023
Opening a bridal boutique in the middle of a pandemic whirlwind is a proposition as terrifying as getting down on one knee and popping the question.
But for local entrepreneur Chantel Powley – the passionate owner of Hamilton’s own Chantilly Lace – the high risk eventually came with high reward.
“We opened our doors right after the first lockdown and spent more days closed than open for the first two years of business,” says Powley of her family-owned, women-operated small business. “Now, weddings are back in full swing and we are busier than ever.”
Open at 140 Caroline Street South, Unit 4 since late September 2020, Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique draws the eye before you even enter the shop. The exterior is wrapped in a gorgeous mural of black and white birds by Hamilton artist Richard Mace, who Powley also commissioned to recreate the mural’s aesthetic on the interior walls of her shop.
Once setting foot inside, Powley and her team welcome guests and bridal parties into an intimate, laid back-yet-beautiful boutique that has become one of Hamilton’s premiere shops for an ever-expanding range of contemporary wedding dresses, jewelry, and other wedding day accessories.
What makes Chantilly Lace stand out amongst other bridal boutiques is Powley’s commitment to carrying pieces sourced largely from Canadian designers like Julia Cork, Toronto-based And for Love, Catherine Langlois, Calla Blanche, and Tempete from Vancouver among others; a choice that allows brides-to-be to directly support the work of local, regional, and national designers and creators, while finding a dress that will make them look amazing on their big day.
While these designers bring their own singular creative visions to their work, there’s a theme that ties them all together. The dresses are contemporary, sleek, and eye-catching without being over-the-top; something Powley deliberately aims for as she curates pieces for the “cool, modern bride.”
Of course, Chantilly Lace’s collection is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to running a successful bridal boutique. Powley – with 20 years in the hospitality industry – understands that wedding celebrations begin far before the wedding day itself, and she tries to make her boutique a meaningful and positive part of the experience.
“You never know what someone is going through when they walk into our doors and planning a wedding can be so stressful,” she says.
“It’s so important to make this experience a good one, and there are so many moments over the last two and a half years that have been just as special for me as for our brides. I cry every time a bride cries, it’s such a special job; I’m so lucky to get to do this.”
Those personal touches don’t go unnoticed, and they’re something Powley prioritizes for every guest that comes through.
“Even if someone doesn’t buy a dress from us, they’ll probably remember this experience forever; we take that very seriously, and it is such an honor to be even a small part of this special part in their lives.”
Powley’s hard work and attention to detail have certainly paid off. Through weathering the pandemic storm and emerging stronger than ever – including winning Best Bridal Boutique honours from The Hamilton Spectator Reader’s Choice and the Quality Business Awards – Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique has quickly become a standout shopping experience for brides from Hamilton and well beyond as they get ready for their dream wedding.
See more about Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique on their website, and visit them at 140 Caroline Street South, Unit 4 in Hamilton. Follow them on social media here.
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