We visited Blye’s Bridal Loft to hear from owner Heather Duncan about carrying forward a business that has been part of Kokomo since 1948. After more than 20 years working in healthcare, Heather stepped into a new industry, starting slowly and building momentum while honoring the store’s legacy.
Beyond bridal gowns, Blye’s offers prom and formalwear, mother-of-the-bride dresses, suit and tuxedo rentals, and spray tanning. Heather shared how seasonal purchasing requires looking ahead—hand-selecting dresses and anticipating the styles customers will want months later.
One of Heather’s biggest messages: “Use your resources.” She shared how the Blye’s Beauties Ambassadorship Program creates opportunities for high school young women to represent the brand in their schools and communities while celebrating their individuality. Through the program, Heather also learns from their perspectives on trends and social media—a great example of how connecting with younger voices can help a business grow.
Our conversation explored a question many business owners face: How do we help more people discover what we offer? Heather’s emphasis on community involvement, building relationships, and listening to younger voices gave our students plenty to consider as they prepare to build businesses of their own.
