Story-Tell: Sitting Down with Haley Guiette, Founder of Be-In Bridal
Welcome back to EL’s “Story-tell” series! Our goal is to provide our readers with perspective on company culture, brand growth and overall experience as an entrepreneur. From scrappy beginnings to today — it’s time to be inspired!
Our team is so excited to be chatting with Haley Guiette, founder of the newly opened Be-In Bridal - an ethical bridal studio in Atlantic Beach, Fla. We’re so grateful to have had the chance to feature her story with this Q + A. Let’s get to it!
Haley Guiette, Founder Be-In Bridal Thistle Photo Co
Q: Can you tell us how Be-In Bridal came to be?
A: The passion for this industry hit me like a wave the minute I sat down for my first show in New York at Bridal Fashion Week 2014. I was inspired by industry leaders and I knew that I wanted to have a seat at this table one day. Be-In was conceptualized in 2020 when I had too much time to think and not enough to do with my hands. What started as dabbling in market research quickly turned into placing inventory orders and picking out paint colors for the studio. It’s a spiritual experience bringing an idea to life.
Q: What sets your bridal boutique apart from others?
A: I think maybe the word in itself. I think that a lot of shops and brands aim for that exclusive “boutique” feel – which is totally cool, that’s just not what you’ll find here. Be-In is a studio where art, fashion, and self discovery are created and nurtured. Your wedding dress should be a representation of who you are, not who the fashion industry tells you to be.
Q: Why do you choose to prioritize sustainability? What does being a sustainable bride mean to you?
A: Sustainability essentially means longevity. I want Earth to survive us. There are essentials to keeping the human race alive and thriving that are inevitably going to do harm, yes – but when there are alternatives to decrease that harm and make less of a negative impact, I’ll choose those.
Being a sustainable bride means spending your dollars with the people that care about these things. Choose designers and businesses that prioritize an ethical supply chain and work with the best quality materials that will last the test of time. Rent when you can, borrow from friends, and ditch the single use items.
Q: What criteria do you look for when choosing dress designers?
A: This is definitely the category in which I’ve learned the most so far. Relationships are everything. It’s important to me to work with independent designers that are in the studio with a hand in each step of the process. I’m on a texting basis with most of who I currently carry and definitely with who I will carry in the future. Direct communication is key when bringing a bride’s vision to life, especially a custom gown, nothing gets lost in translation. My pieces are hand crafted with intention, not 10 of the same size being pumped out in a factory. My assortment is ever changing and ever evolving to meet the needs of my brides.
Q: What other accessories do you carry currently for the brides-to-be?
A: Lots! Elizabeth Sarah Collections is a beautiful maker local to Atlantic Beach. You might know her best for her shark teeth necklaces sourced right here at our beaches. Beth has curated a special collection for Be-In brides as well as some of her staple pieces.
VEILS. A tradition I will never be too progressive for. They add the most perfect touch to any bridal fit. I carry veils from most of my dress designers, plus Hushed Commotion. They’re doing amazing things over there in their North Carolina studio.
We can’t forget the iconic Gigi Pip hats “for the woman who wears many hats”. It was my sister who inspired the bridal hat moment for me.
Everyone has something to shop for, bride or not.
Q: We’re so excited for your first brick and mortar store to open and to have been part of your real estate journey as one of our clients! Can you tell us how it’s been going since opening? What led you to choose this particular location and what was a take-a-way, or two, you learned through the real estate process?
A: Megan is a shark with cute outfits and beautiful hair. Her sweet personality makes her amazing to work with, but there is no shortage of drive and determination that got me the best deal during every part of the negotiation process. She asked all the right questions that I didn’t know I needed answers to. Commercial real estate is a male dominated industry. Megan made her voice heard in the room and also gave me room for mine. We set the tone together. I walked into an old appliance store covered in dust and heinous tiling and Megan helped me see the vision. I look back at photos and laugh because if I would have walked into this space alone back then, I would have turned right back around. Megan’s direction was a pivotal point in the start of my business coming to life that I’ll never forget.
Q: How will bridal appointments be structured? What can brides-to-be expect when visiting your boutique?
A: Brides visiting for the first time can expect 2 hours in a space entirely their own. I run private appointments because I want you to feel at home. Touch things, drink champagne (or beer), take pictures, jam out, ask me questions, don’t be rushed. Let’s have some fun!
Q: How do you stay motivated as an entrepreneur when you’re feeling overwhelmed or exhausted?
A: Trust the process. What will be, will come. There’s power in positive energy. Are there days I want to crawl under my desk with a bottle of champagne to the brain? Sure. I make a to-do list and have a snack instead.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a passion project and open a business?
A: Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. Ask questions. Make lists. If you’re in it to make a difference, solve a problem or make a situation better, do it. If you’re in it only for the money, maybe don’t. We don’t need any more of those kinds of entrepreneurs.
Q: Can you give our readers a few quick tips on how to take baby steps towards shopping sustainable fashion?
A: Really learn about a brand. Don’t be fooled by green font colors and marketing words like “eco” and even “sustainable”. Look at what they’re doing to enact change within their own systems. Sustainable shopping is going to your local clothing store, thrifting, and borrowing clothes from your friends. There are so many sweet finds already out there.
Q: Any future Be-In Bridal events or collaborations our readers should know about through the end of 2022 and into the future?
A: Grand Opening party on Friday, December 16th! I want to celebrate with the community for all that’s been accomplished and for what’s to come. You can expect to enjoy champagne, vino, local brews, bites from Olive Grazing, permanent jewelry by Texas Sun, and art for sale by Olivia Stafne, Philip Bennett Walker, and Sara Lear. 6-9pm. See you there!
Q: Entwine is a lifestyle + retail-focused Commercial Real Estate Company. Our jam is to make authentic connections + undo the ordinary. What are some specific ways you strive to “undo the ordinary”?
A: Not every woman is a size 4. Not every bride wants to wear a dress. I have a long way to go, but I strive with each decision to take into consideration how beautifully different we all are.
QUICKFIRE Q’s
Q: What’s one of your favorite ways to spend your free time?
Reading a book with a glass of Chianti.
Q: What are three of your favorite sustainable fashion brands?
Shopping second-hand all the time can be tough. If we’re talking big brands I would say Reformation, Patagonia, and Levi’s, but nobody's perfect. We have so many local thrifters that have all the goods (check out IG handles @rorothreads and @discodollythreads)!
Q: In another life if you weren’t running Be-In Bridal, what might your job be?
I would be in the woods somewhere with the Southeast Conversation Corp.
Q: Are there any resources (podcasts, documentaries, books, etc.) you would recommend for someone who wants to learn more about sustainability?
A: Follow IG @anactglobal! Bri is a Jacksonville native doing cool things for sustainability. Watch The True Cost and read The Story of More by Hope Jahren, Inconspicuous Consumption by Tatiana Schlossberg, and my favorite Give a Sh*t by Aslee Piper.
Q: Where can our readers find you?!
A: 20 Seminole Rd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
IG: @beinbridal
Sharing Haley’s entrepreneurial journey is a proud moment for our Entwine team, as she’s showed us that anything is possible!