Novias la Princesa moves to downtown corner
A custom dressmaker in downtown Hollister recently became more
visible, with a move to the corner of Fourth and San Benito
streets.
Novias la Princesa
–
”
Princess Brides
”
in English
– moved into the space at 355 San Benito St. after an antique
shop at that location closed.
Novias la Princesa moves to downtown corner
A custom dressmaker in downtown Hollister recently became more visible, with a move to the corner of Fourth and San Benito streets.
Novias la Princesa – “Princess Brides” in English – moved into the space at 355 San Benito St. after an antique shop at that location closed.
“It’s not that much bigger,” said Erica Elias, a partner in the business with her sister, Margarita Gonzalez. “But this space is totally open. We get the Fourth Street corner but we also get San Benito. With the dresses, we count on people at the stoplight looking over at the beautiful dresses.
And beautiful they are, like something out of fairy tales. Pastel colors, ruffles, ribbons and intricate handwork vie for space in the display windows.
Novias la Princesa has been in business in Hollister for four years. Gonzalez came to Hollister to establish the shop after operating a similar one in Aguas Calientes, Mexico, a store she continues to own.
Elias, a 10-year Highway Patrol employee, pitched in to get her sister started in Hollister.
They both appreciated the support that the Hollister Masonic Lodge gave them in the move. The local lodge owns the building where Novias la Princesa is located.
“They actually wanted us to move to the corner,” Elias said. “They’ve been so nice to us.”
The two recently retained a longtime employee of Dick Bruhn’s to assist with alterations.
The shop handles dresses and men’s formal wear rentals as well. Eventually, they hope to add portrait photography services as well.
“We’d like to make it a one-stop experience,” Elias said.
The sisters came into business ownership naturally. Their father operated a local service station for many years.
Most of the clientele visiting the shop are looking for clothes for big occasions – baptisms, first communions, quinceaneras, weddings or formal galas.
“Margarita has built it from nothing to what it is now,” Elias said. “I’m very excited for her. We’re just hoping that people in Hollister continue to support us. Right now is the crucial time, but we just keep focusing on customer service.”
Novias la Princesa is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or by appointment. The store’s phone number is 638-1924.
