Retailer Spotlight: LaDonna

We spoke to owner Donna Stok-Linders about her one-of-a-kind boutique:

How did LaDonna get started in the bridal industry?

LaDonna is based in the middle of the old and charming city center of Nijmegen, since 2012.  In the years before, Donna gained experience as a shop assistant and then as a branch manager of a bridal shop. In those years, the conviction grew to also start her own business with a contemporary, modern concept. LaDonna operates from a one-stop-shopping concept, by focusing on unburdening bridal customers and providing them with a multitude of services, including make-up and hair styling. LaDonna also works closely with other industry professionals, and has had the pleasure of receiving many wonderful online reviews from satisfied customers!

In 2014, LaDonna was nominated for the Dutch Wedding Bridal Awards in the Business category of the year. The jury praised her personal and involved approach and her store's unique concept in the industry, saying "The total package of services is distinctive and completely contemporary." LaDonna is described as a modern service rathern than a traditional retailer. The jury continued, "The mix and match of brands is noticeable and visible in the store. This makes the selection process easier for customers."

What would you recommend a bride to do before/while shopping for her perfect gown?

First orientate yourself well to see which wedding dresses you like and don’t like. Browse through various magazines to determine what your taste is and what style suits you. Get ideas and be inspired! If you know what you're looking for, it’s easier to find it too. If you're going to try on dresses you should try different models, feel what suits you. Fortunately, it’s possible to adjust gowns to your wishes! If you think the dress is beautiful but you still would prefer a lower back, you can do that with LaDonna. We have many fabrics in stock and have an extensive workshop with very experienced seamstresses who deliver truly customized pieces.
 

What was a particularly memorable or special moment that occurred with you and a bride?
It is always very rewarding to be able to contribute to the best day of someone's life. Couples are living towards the big day for months or sometimes even years! It really feels like a privilege to help realize this dream image of them. I have seen beautiful and moving things over the years and I met amazing people. I wouldn’t name only one moment, because this would nullify all the other moments that aren’t  mentioned. In the store we have a wall of fame with beautiful pictures of brides and bridal couples, and really behind each photo there’s a beautiful story! 
 

Who are the people/staff that make up your store?

The business is managed by me, Donna Stick-Linders. I also work with an extensive group of freelancers, and together we make the LaDonna team. This team consists of seamstresses, beauticians, hairstylists / makeup artists and hostesses / sales representatives. LaDonna is also recognized as training company for retail and accommodates trainees to learn the trade.

What are your plans for the future?

LaDonna is a modern establishment with a contemporary approach to customers where individuality and customer focus is central. That means that LaDonna demands the utmost of herself and of the people in her team. Donna is continuously looking for the best professionals, the best products and creative solutions. In recent years Donna is still busy and looking for motivated professionals who can strengthen her services. So it is a conscious choice of Donna not to hire anyone on a permanent/full-time basis, but only to work with motivated and energetic people with a passion for their profession, and who – just like Donna – want to get the most of it. Cross-selling opportunities are frequently explored and the shop is also used as a base for workshops and singles outings etc. Besides with individual professionals, Donna is also in constant dialogue with studios, agents and suppliers. In addition, she visits trade fairs in The Netherlands and abroad. To stay inspired, she is frequently in conversation with other entrepreneurs, and participates actively in various professional networks. Donna is co-initiator of the ‘Inspiratiebeurs’ (inspiration fair) which is held twice a year and is organized by the entrepreneurs collective ‘Trouwen in the Betuwe.’ Donna is also affiliated with the all-in wedding concept network, Godly Bride.

“In the upcoming years, I will continue to build these networks. And someday I want to be part of a bride's department store, a small shopping center where different disciplines work together. Of course, every store should be a winner in the bridal industry, basically what we do with LaDonna, but then bigger.”
 

What are the things you enjoy about Enzoani?

Enzoani has amazing, beautiful dresses at competitive prices. The current collections have a dress for every bride and every budget. The competitive prices of Beautiful, the wonderful dresses of Blue by Enzoani, and the Enzoani line wherein any customization is possible, make Enzoani so special. They have a very nice collection and the designers of Enzoani respond to the current fashion. Enzoani has the best customer service; they are quick and alert, are available day and night for questions and support. They actively support at fairs and styled shoots. They distinguish themselves really well! The customer service people do what they say and say what they do, are never ambiguous and always honest. We work as a team with the aim of creating beautiful, happy brides!
 

Do you have a favorite gown or style? Collection? Line?

For me, the "Dayton" was definitely love at first sight! Then there followed more like "Isla" and the wonderful "Henderson." But when I saw my friend Else in the dress "Jaime," I was again overwhelmed. How beautiful! I'm very curious about the new collection, and of course the whole new line Belle from Badgley Mischka!

Enzoani, thank you for all the beautiful dresses and great cooperation!!

Pictured Above (Counterclockwise, starting Top Left): Dayton (Blue by Enzoani), Henderson (Blue by Enzoani), Jaime (Enzoani), Isla (Enzoani)

LaDonna | Ganzenheuvel 33, Nijmegen, 6511 WD, The Netherlands | 024.6637244 | www.trouwenmetdonna.nl