Hamilton’s new bridal boutique Chantilly Lace opens its doors
- Michael Kras
- 03 Oct 2020
With the grand opening of Chantilly Lace, Hamilton’s newest bridal boutique, local entrepreneur Chantel Powley is seeing a long-time dream finally realized.
“I’ve been obsessed with fashion and bridal my entire life but never really thought I could make a career out of it,” she says.
In fact, Powley’s career initially began in hospitality, working in the industry for 17 years and cutting her teeth with numerous restaurants; all while building her skills and knowledge in the world of business.
But once Powley started volunteering at The Brides’ Project in Toronto – a not-for-profit retailer for donated bridal gowns, with all profits going to cancer charities – she felt a persistent push to pursue her passion.
“I was hooked,” she explains. “I knew instantly that this passion was an itch that I needed to scratch, and the dream of Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique was born.”
Today, just a few days after the boutique’s official grand opening in Hamilton on September 30th, Chantilly Lace has become a true part of the local small business scene; one that pays loving homage to the city it’s rooted in.
Not only does Chantilly Lace sell as much Canadian-made product as possible – including local bridal wear made by Julia Cork Bridal – but Powley went out of her way to incorporate Hamilton into the design of the boutique itself, even commissioning Hamilton mural artist Richard Mace to recreate his stunning mural from the building’s exterior at 140 Caroline Street South on the walls of the boutique’s interior.
Equally important to this Hamilton representation for Powley was capturing as much of herself and her loved ones as possible into the boutique; even down to its name.
“It’s called Chantilly Lace because that’s what my family called me as a kid, and sometimes still do,” says Powley. “The song [of the same name] was a big feature in our house and you might hear it at the boutique when you’re here.”
“My twin brother built our bridal pedestals and you can find pictures of all of my nieces and nephews underneath them. I named many dresses in the store after my family and the main jewelry line we sell is by a beautiful friend of mine – Lobe Love by Lisa.”
It’s clear that endless amounts of love and care have gone into the opening of Chantilly Lace here in Hamilton, and Powley wants that same spirit to carry into how brides-to-be experience this special local boutique.
“We are passionate about providing a laidback but still hospitable experience for our brides. We want everyone who comes in to try on a dress to feel special and beautiful and have fun while they are here,” she says.
Check out Chantilly Lace Bridal Boutique’s website for more information!
Lead image courtesy of @chantillylacebridalboutique
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