Business notebook: Jackson bridal shop offers personal touch

Though her new bridal shop, Ann-Louise Bridal, has been open less than a month and by appointment only for the most part, owner Kelsie Birk has reported it to be a successful venture so far.

Her first appointment ended with a bride-to-be selecting her dress, setting the tone for the weeks that followed.

Her shop on Main Street in Jackson offers a personalized shopping experience and dresses not found elsewhere in the region.

"I have really focused on finding designers that are not carried in this area," Birk said. "I searched for unique ones that are not readily available."

Emmaline Bridal, Eddy K and Mia Solano line the walls of her uptown Jackson boutique, as well as dresses from Callista Bridal, which specializes in plus sizes.

"So many girls get discouraged because they can't try anything on," Birk said of the sample sizes in many bridal shops. "I wanted to offer a line that was plus-size-specific. And I would like to expand on that area more so people can have that option and don't get discouraged."

Ann-Louise Bridal also offers tuxedo rentals, bridesmaid and flower-girl dresses and bridal accessories.

In the future, she would like to expand to "mothers-of-the-wedding" dresses as well.

Her offerings will change with the seasons. Dresses for the spring are on the way, she said.

"So it's a constantly revolving thing," she said.

Though she has plans for the store, which is named as an homage to her grandmothers, it is a long leap from Birk's other career ventures.

She graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in agriculture and works as a tobacco sales representative during the day. She also spent some time in event planning.

But she always has been interested in bridal fashion, she said, and has had her eye on the goal of making it a part of her life.

"It's taken a while to get here," she said, "but we're finally here."

Ultimately, she would like to see her bridal store grow into something that can operate on a full-time schedule. But for now, the by-appointment model is working well for her and her customers.

"Of all the people who have called, no one asked for a daytime appointment," she said.

Brides and their family and friends tend to shop together, and scheduling can be difficult, "so I'm doing a lot of night appointments," she said.

Ann-Louise Bridal offers walk-in hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Birk said her goal is to give brides an individualized shopping experience, and the by-appointment model allows her to do so.

"It's a very personalized experience ... a very simple feel," Birk said. "I know wedding planning can be kind of hectic, and I wanted to create a calming, simple space to just focus on the bride."

Police, fire salutes in ads earn an award

Brandy McIntire

Brandy McIntire, integrated marketing specialist from FOX 23/My49, was awarded second place in a nationwide contest, the Noll & Associates Award of Excellence.

She was honored for her broadcast-media ideas for the station's "Police and Fire Labor Day Salutes" campaign.

The project included four 30-second videos filmed and edited with the participation of the Cape Girardeau police and fire departments. It was aired with the support of local businesses and organizations who sponsored the project.

Noll & Associates made the award announcement in October. The organization serves more than 150 broadcast clients across a range of media, offering programs in effective leadership, sales coaching and new business-revenue development nationwide.

Pharmacist gets HIV certification

Shannon Neal

Shannon Neal, a pharmacist at Broadway Prescription Shop, recently received an HIV Pharmacist professional certification from the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

This distinction recognizes her extra level of understanding in HIV medicine and ability to care better for those with HIV within the local community.

Neal completed extensive coursework and continuing education in the field of HIV pharmacology and patient care and completed a comprehensive exam.

According to a news release, the American Academy of HIV Medicine's certifications are the first and only credentials offered in the United States and internationally to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and pharmacists specializing in advanced-level HIV care.

"I saw a need locally to better serve patients taking medications to manage HIV," Neal said. "The certification will allow Broadway Prescription Shop and me to better care for those patients, helping them manage the complexities of their disease and medication requirements to live healthier lives."

"We already provide specialty services to HIV patients and their health-care providers," Broadway Prescription Shop owner Kevin Wood said in the release. "Shannon's certification allows us to take that to the next level."

Port Cape Girardeau serving breakfast

For decades, Port Cape Girardeau has served lunch, dinner and drinks to hungry Southeast Missourians.

But on Friday, it rolled out a new breakfast menu and began serving customers at 7:30 a.m.

Owner Doc Cain said this change was a long time coming. When it recently remodeled its kitchen, it did so with expanded hours and offerings in mind.

Cain said the new menu reflects a traditional breakfast concept. Bacon and eggs, corned-beef hash, biscuits and gravy, home fries, pancakes and breakfast pizza are among the breakfast options at Port Cape.

Breakfast is served each day from 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Business licenses

• Black Dragon Karate, 10 N. Sprigg, is a business owned by Nathaniel Henderson. According to the business license, Black Dragon Karate will specialize in parties.
• BryceLynn Enterprises LLC, 766 S. Kingshighway, specializes in pre-owned car sales. Owned by Bruce Lynn Morris, it has an anticipated opening date of Dec. 1.
• Kinks Cleaning is a home-based business owned by Larry Kenkel, specializing in commercial cleaning services.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

121 W. Main, Jackson MO