UCLA Anderson MBA’s Wedding Fashion Startup Receives Major Funding
UCLA Anderson School of Management MBA alum Kelsey Doorey (2013) decided to even the gender gap in wedding fashion, citing what she calls the ’27 Dresses’ problem.
Doorey’s company Vow to be Chic is a breakthrough wedding fashion startup that provides customers with rentals of designer bridesmaids dresses. The company recently received $5 million in Series A funding.
Anderson Venture Comp. Helps Start Alumni Business
UCLA Anderson School of Management alumnus Kelsey Doorey had plans to go in to the corporate retail industry after completing business school. It wasn’t until she entered the 2013 Knapp Venture Competition, that she thought about pursuing a different idea. Doorey won the competition and the $15,000 prize with her idea for an e-commerce rental service for designer bridesmaid dresses. Two of the competition’s judges also offered additional funding for the start up. “The competition literally changed my life in one night,” said Doorey.
“Vow to be Chic” is the fusion of Doorey’s retail and entrepreneurial dreams. Customers can rent designer bridesmaids dresses and Little White Dresses online starting at $50. The company’s website calls it, “An affordable, convenient, and stylish alternative to the status quo. Bringing an age-old tradition into the 21st century.” After the event is over, customers simply send the dress back in the provided prepaid packaging.
