Bridal Shop Bounces Back From Pandemic, Cuts Ribbon In Herndon

HERNDON, VA — Luzette Njweipi has been providing bridal consultations since 2019, helping brides pick out their wedding dresses and plan their ceremonies. Most of her business came from bridal shows in the area, which presented a problem.

"I had an issue with not having a place for the brides to try their dresses," Njweipi said. "You can do a one-on-one consultation on the phone, but it feels good to have a location where they can actually come see the dresses, they can try them on, and I can get measurements."

On Friday afternoon, Njweipi was able to fix that problem by cutting the ribbon on Lulu Bridal Shop and Global Events. The shop is located on the second floor of a building at 731 Elden St. in the heart of Old Town Herndon and serves as an oasis where Njweipi can serve her customers in comfort.

"I sell bridal dresses," she said. "Most of them are custom-made, so you have to come in and get a measurement and things like that. I get them made for you and I sell tiaras, the hairbands, all the accessories for brides. I also do event makeup, decor, and planning."

A friend who owns a business in town introduced Njweipi to Herndon, which she fell in love with.

"I came here because of the location," she said. "I love intimate communities. I just love the friendliness and the warmth."

Local government and business leaders turned out Friday for the ribbon cutting and to welcome Njweipi's shop to Herndon. They all agreed having a new business establish itself in the town was a positive sign the community was bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's been a year and a half of hell for all businesses, small, medium, and large sized businesses," said Christopher M. Grady, vice president of member engagement and strategic alliances with the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. "For them to open up and get their staffs back, this is absolutely huge for business community here."

After a successful bridal show in Tysons connected Njweipi with a number of solid clients, she thought 2020 was going to be a good year.

"I had so many brides that were supposed to get married," Njweipi said. "They had booked. I had the emails and everything. Then it was March, then everything went down. It's been hard."

Last year, Njweipi was able to provide services for two brides. While one had an intimate, virtual ceremony, the other's wedding was a little more involved.

"I had a bride that was all the way in Texas," she said. "They did do a little church wedding and I did all of her costume. But apart from that, it was really slow, so I didn't do much last year."

Grady acknowledged the pandemic was extremely tough on businesses like Njweipi's.

"The hospitality industry has taken a nosedive over the last couple of years," he said. "But now we're just starting to see that come back. So, small businesses coming into the community, starting to open up, getting their staff back together, it's been a blessing in disguise for us."

Denis Holste Jr., Herndon's economic development manager, said the opening of a new business shows the vibrancy of the town and the community.

"Out of this pandemic some positive things are happening and people are taking opportunities to start businesses and grow them," he said.

In addition to running a bridal business, Njweipi provides accounting services out of an office in the same building.

A native of Cameroon, Njweipi has been in the U.S. for about 10 years. In addition to offering regular accounting services, she makes it a point to encourage others in the West African community to start and grow their own small businesses.

"I am a motivator. I am an instigator. I like to get people going and to get them strong," she said. "For people in the community who are just starting a business or thinking about starting a business, I am able to guide you through the process."

Njweipi exhibited the same passion when talking about her bridal business.

"I just want to serve as many brides as I can," she said. "We customize each look and we customize each package for the bride."