Meet Megan Dinnerstein | Owner of Camelia Bridal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Dinnerstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Especially in the USA, the land of endless choices for consumers, starting any business is a huge risk. However, the way I think about risk might not be the same that other people do. Instead of “what if this goes wrong?”, I operate with a “there is nothing better I could be doing right now, so why not try?” mentality. There are never any guarantees in life, work, or business, so you might as well take the leap towards what you believe in!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started this business in early 2021 as an online & pop-up hobby, because I love bridal fashion and have a passion for sustainability. I had little resources except for my few connections from working in the bridal industry in NYC, and have had the challenge of starting this venture during the pandemic, and by funding it entirely with my day job. Now, I have the added factor of making a name and growing a customer base in Phoenix as a newcomer, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! This city is so unique and special, and I want to help it thrive.

My brand is here to give beautiful works of art (wedding gowns) a second life, to save garments from landfills, while providing brides with unique & more affordable dresses than they might find elsewhere. I also have made it a mission to partner with small, independent designers to offer their pieces so that we can all grow together as a community of (mostly) women small business owners. I’ve learned that we are truly stronger when we all work together and promote each other, rather than viewing each other as competition. I have also embraced the philosophy that your wedding is a big deal, of course, but you don’t have to follow the trends or succumb to the pressures of the Big Wedding industry. I always encourage brides to take a step back and remember what’s really important to them for their day.

I hope to be able to give back to the Phoenix community in many ways going forward, and am so excited to become a trusted bridal resource here.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to my favorite cafes, Songbird and Cha Chas, first! For lunch, I am a fan of the vegan spots The Coronado and Goji Berry/Earth Cafe! I think that the Botanic Garden and the Heard Museum are awesome places to get a feel for the dome of the natural and cultural histories of Phoenix, and the spa at the Andaz in Scottsdale is the most tranquil place to relax here! In the evening, I definitely enjoy the bars & nightlife of Roosevelt Row, Downtown, and Grand Avenue—there’s a spot to suit everyone’s tastes! For dinner, I am a big fan of the Farish House and Cibo, and would definitely check our Chilte and Bacanora with any out-of-towners, as well!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The business owners of Desert Sun Plaza & Historic Grand Avenue, for welcoming me with open arms and providing a hand when I was all alone starting my life in Phoenix!

Website: Www.cameliabridal.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/cameliabridal

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/camelia-bridal-phoenix