Meet Karen Bullen, the creative mind behind Wedding Gown Cleaning Company and her newest venture, Second Chance Gowns. With more than 20 years of experience running a local dry cleaners in Billinge, Karen found herself at a crossroads when COVID-19 hit.

Time to shake things up

As people’s lives changed due to the pandemic, Karen decided to shake things up. Using her years of know-how in dry cleaning, she decided to focus solely on cleaning wedding, bridesmaids gowns and holy communion dresses. But Karen didn’t stop there. She also started offering customers a special packaging service to keep their cleaned gowns safe and sound for the future.

Little did Karen know that securing a room in the Secret Warehouse would be just the beginning of her journey. Within a year, she found herself outgrowing the space and moving to a new, self-contained unit at Element the Quarter in Low Hill, Liverpool.

Digital Skills Bootcamp

As Karen’s specialised cleaning business took off, her online presence grew too. Understanding the power of social media in reaching customers, she decided to improve her online promotional skills by joining the Mode Digital Skills Bootcamp for Self-Employed. Funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Thanks to the course, Karen learned how to promote her business online like a pro. Posting  before-and-after pictures of the amazing gowns she cleans every day. Her followers loved seeing Karen in action, traveling across the North West to Wedding Fayres, where she showcased her special services with excitement and passion.

Passion for sustainability

But Karen’s journey didn’t stop there. With her passion for sustainability and a desire to offer brides more options, Second Chance Gowns was born. Utilising her network of local bridal boutiques, Karen curated a collection of pre-loved wedding gowns, offering brides a chance to find their dream dress while reducing their environmental footprint.

The response was overwhelming. Within months, Second Chance Gowns became a sought-after destination for eco-conscious brides, with a waiting list forming for gown listings. To ensure every bride’s experience is perfect, there is an in-house seamstress to handle any alterations needed.

The gowns are listed for six months for a nominal monthly fee, and a commission is earned for any gowns that are sold.

Debbie Carney Mode Managing Director said “What Karen has achieved with her passion and determination shows how with vision and hard work, you really can make a difference. We all wish her the very best of luck in her new venture.”

For more information, you can contact Karen on 07834 475 455 or follow on Instagram @wedding_gown_cleaning_company_  @secondchancegownsuk