Having started by making dresses for friends, Jacqui is now fulfilling her childhood dream of bridal dress designing. We recently met Jacqui at the launch party for her new brand, JACQUI JAMES, to find out more…

Read more about bridal designer Raishma Islam and the selfless act she committed that gained her the title of one of our first ever Wonder Women.

What inspired you to start designing bridal gowns?

I started designing and making dresses for friends and family as a freelancer around eight years ago and I gradually built a clientele through recommendations and word of mouth, but I first started designing bridal gowns in 2016. I love it because it gives me the opportunity to experiment and create a one of a kind dress. Bridalwear has been my ultimate goal since I was very young although I didn’t know it back then. I just wanted to design something that would make the women feel special.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting Jacqui James?

Confirm with the client and then reconfirm again! I can’t tell you the amount of times clients change their mind and then ask if it’s possible to start again when the dress has already been made!

Who are your most inspirational women?

I admire strong, ambitious but most importantly, kind women. Women who do ‘it all’ (whatever ‘it all’ may be for them). As you can imagine, that’s a long list but one of my new favorites is Hedy Lamarr. I only found out about her recently but she was the brains behind Wi-Fi, not only was she dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful women in her day, she was responsible for something I literally cannot live without! She’s up there in my book with the Oprah’s Winfrey’s of the world.

What’s your greatest achievement so far?

I think my greatest achievement so far is launching JACQUI JAMES Bridal. I have been wanting to do it for so long now and I am really grateful for all those who have supported me on this journey. I think my next milestone will be to make my mark on the bridal industry. Wish me luck!

Similarly, entrepreneur Karen Dornellie and bridal shop owner Abi Neill’s greatest achievements are growing their own businesses.

What does your typical working day look like?

Fortunately, I don’t have a typical working day- that’s one of the things I love about my Job. One day I could be sourcing fabrics and the other I could spend the whole day, and sometimes all night hand sewing applique on to a gown. I love the variety and rush that it brings but I always start my day with a prayer. It is really important to me constantly be in a state of gratitude. I usually follow that straight after with checking my emails in bed for at least an hour.

5 Interesting Facts About Jacqui:

1. I am a Sagittarius but my moon sign is an Aquarius; apparently that’s an interesting combination because it means I am a social lone wolf.
2. I have made a point to eat desserts when I get stressed because stressed is just desserts spelt backwards.
3. I play Toon Blast to break up long tasks because I always have to be doing something (I am quite the connoisseur).
4. I am gluten intolerant which makes finding desserts a little tricky.
5. I designed Kelly Rowland’s X-factor performance outfit back in 2011.

If you loved hearing about Jacqui’s background in dress designing, read up on dress designer Diana Elizabeth here.

If you know a Wonder Woman within or external to our industry, then get in touch with Bridal Buyer’s Content Assistant, Sophie, at sophie.braybrook@oceanmedia.co.uk.