Wallingford Small Business Spotlight: Dynamite Designs by Kristen

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Dynamite Designs by Kristen
• Owners: Kristen Langan
• Website: www.dynamiteboutique.com
• Address: 1157 North Colony Rd Wallingford, CT 06492

How did you come up with the name?

The name was inherited from the previous owner. New management has been in place since February of 2013. However, it is a fitting name for a specialty retail boutique selling formal wear that has been received as dynamite dress wear!

Why start a business in this town?

Wallingford is a great location for local business. Being centrally located in the state we are able to cater to customers in our local community, as well as assist customers that travel a distance to receive a full service experience when dress wear shopping.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Dynamite Designs is a specialty dress wear boutique. Main categories of business include: bridesmaids, mother of the bride and/or groom, prom and cocktail attire. We are also excited to announce that we will introduce a rental tuxedo business in the near future!

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

E-commerce shopping has been recognized more commonly throughout the past several years. However, especially in the prom sector, many customers have come into the boutique due to being scammed from online shopping. Many people believe that non legitimate websites are selling the same designers that are carried in specialty boutiques, such as myself, at much lower cost to them. When and if they receive the gown it is not the true designer brand that they thought they were purchasing. We strongly urge our customers to not shop online for special occasions due to many disappointing customer experiences.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurs are always challenged with the question of what’s next? The biggest challenge for a local business is finding a product that is needed throughout the market. At Dynamite Designs we have sold many areas of the dress wear and accessory business throughout the years and hope that the tuxedo rental business will be a new and welcoming challenge.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Customer appreciation goes a long way in small businesses. I am proud to help each customer find that perfect dress they are looking for. I especially love when customers take the time to thank me personally for the service they received. It is extremely thoughtful of customers to send or stop in with pictures of themselves in their dynamite gowns at their event. Those small gestures never go unrecognized by the staff at Dynamite Designs.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Coming from a corporate background I was familiar with the business aspect of being an entrepreneur; however, I am very thankful for my staff and all the learnings I have taken from them and understanding the ins and outs of the specialty dress wear business. There are many details that many times go unnoticed when purchasing a gown.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Personalized customer service is a trait that all employees at Dynamite Designs know to be very important in our business model. As a specialty retail boutique we recognize that all customers who come into the store are looking for assistance in the dress buying experience. When dealing with a difficult customer it is necessary to listen and understand what the customer is looking for to ensure that they are satisfied.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We love to support our local community. We have donated gowns to local theater groups as well as been part of several booster club charities. Last year a staff member represented our boutique by chaperoning project graduation for the Wallingford schools.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.