Women’s History Month: Why We’re Proud to Be a Women Led & Women Owned Business

It’s Women’s History Month, and as a women owned business we are so excited to celebrate the amazing women in our company, our industry partners, and our brides! One of the main pillars of our company is that it is for women, by women and we proudly have mothers and daughters running the show at Maggie.

We are constantly inspired by the amazing, diverse group of women that make up the Maggie Family. We’re friends, collaborators, dreamers, creatives, leaders, risk-takers, trend-setters, and most importantly, we’re each beautifully and uniquely ourselves. Read on to hear from a few of the faces at Maggie, and our history as a women-led and women owned business and make sure to sign up for our exclusive Maggie text messages below for more insight into our family!

Our History as a Women Owned Business

Female leadership is a key part of our company’s success! We’ve been a women-led and women owned business from our very beginning. Twenty-six years ago, we started as a boutique in Sydney, Australia. Our brand grew, and Lesley Margaret (“Maggie”) Webster assumed the name of “Maggie Sottero” in honor of her great-grandmother.

Now, Lesley’s daughter, Kelly Midgley, followed in her footsteps and assumed the role of CEO this past year. Learn more about the legacy of our company from our Our Love Story page.

But the female leadership doesn’t end there!

We have women in leadership positions across the company, spanning a multitude of departments. Our cohort of female employees is what makes Maggie Sottero the brand you see today! You can meet a few of these amazing women down below!

We sat down with a few of the women behind Maggie to chat about career advice, what it’s been like to be in a leadership role as a woman, and how they got their start in the industry!

Read on to learn more from Kelly Midgley, CEO, Anita Dowden, Head Seamstress, Christina Blanchette, VP of Sales and Marketing, and Suzanne Robbins, Director of Sales and Customer Programs! Their leadership is such a value to our women-led company!

Before you dive into reading the rich stories of these incredible women, watch our YouTube video below to learn everything you need to know about bridal gowns and Maggie from our CEO.

Kelly Midgley, CEO

How did you get your start in the bridal business?

“My family has been in the bridal business for about over 46 years now. Growing up in the bridal business was such a joy. As a little kid, I would hide in the racks of our bridal boutique and scare our customers. I would always have conversations with our staff and our vendors, and they were always so kind to me. They made me feel like family. It was such a wonderful experience growing up in that environment.”

Who has been your greatest influence?

“Throughout my life, my mother and grandmother have been my greatest influence. They were such strong ladies in business and taught me that there are no barriers. If you want something and work hard, you will find a way to make things happen.”

What do your daughters think of the family business?

“I’m so excited to start introducing my twin girls to Maggie. I recently took one of my girls to Florida, where we just shot the campaign for our next collection. It was so much fun having her tag along. Everyone there was so nice and welcoming, which made it even more special. She was in absolute awe of our gorgeous models. She loved it!”

“Sometimes she was our Art Director, choosing which images she liked, and once she was bored with that, she was off making little habitats for the lizards scampering around. It brought back so many memories of when I was little and tagging along with my mom. I truly feel so fortunate to have these experiences as a leader in a women owned business, as well as a mom.”

Learn more about Kelly and her creative role by watching the YouTube video below on how she was influential in styling our 25^th Anniversary Collection:

Anita Dowden, Head Seamstress

What is it like working for a women-owned business-like Maggie Sottero?

“I was working as a contracted seamstress at a local bridal shop, in Utah, when Maggie Sottero first opened its doors in the US. I remember having a conversation with the bridal shop’s owner about this new line of wedding gowns from an unknown company — this was in 1997.”

“I was thrilled to see the two-piece ensemble that is iconic in Maggie Sottero’s history. Not only would this help with alterations, but the corseted back also lends itself to a very fitted look. The waistband of the skirt had multiple hooks and eye positions for a better fit. I loved this concept of fewer alterations for the brides, and some wiggle room for bodies to fluctuate. I later found out upon joining the Maggie family and meeting the founder, Lesley Webster, that she had sewing skills, and that news made me love this company even more! This revelation helped to instill in me a greater respect for my own sewing talents and abilities.”

“Seeing Lesley and now her daughter Kelly’s passion for this industry has empowered me to follow my dreams and utilize these gifts to further reach my fullest potential. By working with so many women I hope to instill in them the courage to think big and make and follow their goals.”

Can you share an important career insight? And who has been your greatest influence?

“Never stop learning! Always take the opportunities that are given to you to expand your knowledge. These opportunities to learn that are placed before you are sometimes not fully understood until afterward. If there is something that comes your way that excites you, grab hold and learn as much as you can about the concept. Your enthusiasm will be contagious, others will follow, synergy will happen, growth will occur and THAT is where the magic gels.”

“When I think of influential people, I would first say my parents, who instilled a good work ethic and a positive attitude on life’s ups and downs. My father had heart surgery when I was 10 and he was recovering for several months at home. I saw my mom pick up the reins and go back to work to provide for our family while my dad was mending. She loved her job and found joy in her new role as a full-time working parent. As I grew and experienced my own journey in jobs, I have been richly blessed with women that have shown kindness and strength in overcoming obstacles such as immigrating to the US, not knowing the English language, and showing a positive attitude even when they can’t communicate with the ease that I have always had. They helped me to pause and notice how the mundane can turn extraordinary if you have a different perspective.”

What does Women’s History Month mean to you as a woman leading in your field?

“Humbling. This has been an amazing life’s journey and I’ve not yet reached the finish line! I look at those around me and want to encourage them to be the best they can be. They will need to replace you and me someday and the world needs to be better because of our influence.”

“I include you, the reader because those that read this are my peers, and together we lift each other! I started out my journey in a bridal shop, went to school, got married, and moved away from family. Life was great, I worked full-time in a dept. store’s alteration/ tailor shop and was on the fast track to management. My husband and I started our family, and I decided that I could do the same work at home while raising our two daughters.”

“Raising kids is challenging for all that take on this role. Just because I was home did not make my dual role as mother and dressmaker any easier. There were plenty of late nights for sewing and kids. The work-life balance gets a bit blurry in the frenzy of the demands of life. But I still had the influences of so many women in my life that I had seen how much they had overcome. Always showing gratitude for their skills and the opportunity that they had to earn a living with them.”

“My mother once said to me as I was home for a visit when I was just starting out in life and counting every penny that came my way; all the ‘things’ you see in this house did not come overnight. Bit by bit we acquire our ‘things’ that we hold dear. That advice is true with our treasures and our career. Blaze your path and be kind not to burn the edges of the path as you travel. If you are gracious and kind to those around you, they will remember you and your influence.”

Christina Blanchette, VP of Sales and Marketing

Do you have any advice on getting into the fashion industry?

“I have to say, I never had my heart set on the fashion/bridal space in terms of my professional journey. But life always has a funny way of working out, right? I had always had a personal love for fashion, bridal, and that world. I mean, how could you not?

We’re an industry full of LOVE and cutting-edge designs. I started my career in a completely different industry. My heart energy and skill set led me to where I am now. And I could not be more grateful for the universe working its magic to get me here.

My advice for those who would like to get into this industry is that there is no secret point of entry into bridal fashion. I believe it’s more about establishing a skill set that truly speaks to your heart and letting that lead you to find what you love to do.

Maybe your entry point is right into bridal, or maybe you break into a different industry as I did and use your time in that space to perfect your skills and master your craft. If your passion aligns with your skills, I really think that’s the ticket to getting where you want to go.

There is no right or wrong path. Lean on those around you to help find your way. I always tell my team that we must navigate this journey together. When the time is right, the opportunity will present itself.

Trust the process and trust yourself that you will get there!”

Can you share an important career insight?

“As a woman and mother in the professional world, I’m always asked, ‘How do you balance your family and your career?’ It’s the tale as old as time- how can a woman be a mother AND a professional force at the same time?

There are many layers to my insight on this. As a woman, you’re taught you have to choose between family and career- but you don’t. It is a juggling act, and I would be lying if I said it comes effortlessly. I’ve learned that it takes focus, time, and setting priorities. I can lead a team AND tuck the kiddos into bed with a nighttime story.

It’s important to me as a mother to be a role model in this way and many others to my daughter. I want to show her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to, and to be gentle with herself on that journey to getting there.

If something needs my attention at work, I take care of it. But if my kids need something, I’m going to make sure I step up as their mother. It’s a constant balance, and it’s important for women to know that it is OK if it isn’t done perfectly. I mean, we have to give each other some slack, it’s not as if men are asked how they’re VP of their department and a father.

There’s this stereotype that we all have to be superwomen, but in reality, that’s not possible. So, it’s crucial that you take time for yourself. I may be a leader and a mother, but I’m also just me. And I need to take care of myself.

Consider this my official endorsement for whoever is reading this to enjoy a nice glass of wine and a moment to yourself tonight.”

Who has been a great influence in your life and career?

“Not any one particular person has been the defining influence in my life and career. But instead, the culmination of leaders I’ve had over the years has shaped my perspective. Watching others, especially fellow women, succeed in their own career path caused me to think, ‘I want to become that.’ I’ve had many amazing mentors over my career, so it’s difficult to pinpoint just one!

On the flip side, there are great leaders, and not so great, and I’ve worked with both throughout the years. This has allowed me to pull the best pieces from these experiences and learn how I want to be a leader for my team and how I can inspire others to do the same in women led businesses.

I have learned from others how I want to personally lead. Additionally, I’ve learned from others’ fumbles, and it’s taught me how I would like to show up differently. So, my advice is, seek the opportunities to learn and grow from others, in whatever way that may be, even if it’s not evident at first that it’s a lesson to be learned.”

Suzanne Robbins, Director of Sales and Customer Programs

How did you get into the bridal fashion industry?

“I chose to get into this career because I have always loved fashion and clothing. Even as young as the age of five, my mom taught me how to sew. I remember getting in trouble one time because I wanted to make a dress for my doll, and my mom had laid out this fabric on her cutting table to make me a dress. But I wanted my doll to have a matching dress, so I cut out some pieces smack-dab in the middle of that fabric.

Needless to say, my mom had to artfully place some faux pockets in the dress so that she could still use the fabric. I walked down the runway at a community fashion show, wearing that dress and holding the doll with the matching outfit so proudly. I have always loved fashion, and that’s why my mom decided that she better teach me exactly what to do and how to layout a pattern properly.”

What is it like working for Maggie Sottero, a women owned business?

“It’s incredible working for a women owned business. I love working for Maggie Sottero because we really make brides’ dreams a reality every day. These dresses are so gorgeous on a bride! When I have an opportunity to visit a special in-store event, it’s so personally rewarding for me to guide brides and help them find the dress of their dreams.

When they’re wearing that dress and they know that they look so beautiful and confident inside and out, that’s what makes me happy about helping them through this journey.”

Who has been the most influential in your life?

“The person who has been the most influential in my life has been my mom. She is so phenomenal. I just can’t say enough good things about my mom. Growing up, all my friends had stay-at-home moms. But my mom was a career, working woman. I was always so impressed with her because she made everything look effortless. She never missed an important event in my life, from dance recitals to performances, and she was even involved in PTA, planning class parties through my time in elementary school.

So, today, I just look at her in awe because she made it look so effortless, and I try to be like her. I feel so blessed to work for a company that is run by women and owned by women. We all understand that while we’re passionate about our jobs, as I love what I do at Maggie every single day, my family also comes first.

I am also so happy about the balance I have been able to strike between my personal life and my professional life and how it works so beautifully for me and my family. Everyday, I am so grateful for that, and to be a part of a women led business.”

How to Support Other Women Owned Businesses

Throughout Women’s History Month (and every month of the year) it’s important to support women owned businesses and women in general! Take a peek at our list below for some ways you can lend your support:

• Buy from small businesses run and owned by women.  
• Share businesses owned by and run by women with your friends through social media.
• Write positive reviews for the business.
• Be intentional with how you shop – don’t only buy from women owned businesses during this month! Buy from them every month.
• Support legislation that helps women all over the world.
• Support resources dedicated to helping small businesses grow.

Happy Women’s History Month from all of us at Maggie! We are constantly inspired by the powerful, amazing, courageous, and strong brides we are proud to have in the Maggie Family.

No matter who you love, your skin tone, your religion, etc. – know that Maggie will ALWAYS be in your corner. We can’t celebrate fully until we’re all at the top of the mountain! Let’s work together to get to that peak- the view will be amazing

As women, we have to look out for each other, always offer a helping hand, and lift each other to greatness! We love doing this through our Instagram and Blog, so make sure to check both out to learn more about the amazing women in our Maggie Family.

In the meantime, make an appointment at one of our Authorized Retailers to start supporting some women led businesses today!

Other Blogs Like This:

Celebrating Black History Month: 7 Black Owned Businesses For Brides To Support

Maintaining Body Positivity In Your Bridal Appointment

Finding a Wedding Dress for Your Body Type to Promote Body Positivity