Southern California, along with the rest of the world is full of community temples, churches, synagogues, youth organizations and professional societies who want modest wear for their events. Clothing stores focused more on profits and trends than the needs of this segment of their community make it difficult for customers to find appropriate dress for their events.
Keeping a Prom Modest, Bride and Bridesmaid Modest = Community Service
Corporate social responsibilities generally are incubated over the boardroom table of well established companies that have already built their base of revenue. When a business is started and founded on the idea of bringing positive influences to a community their effort needs to be recognized.
Ann's Classic Affairs, locally serving Menifee, Perris, Murrieta, Temecula, Hemet, Moreno Valley and Riverside is an example of a company driven by the community minded passion of its owner and founder. Carla Williams who saw the struggle customers where having finding appropriate dresses and clothing for their formal events decided to step forward and make a change by opening a unique clothing store. .
Suite101: What was the spark that started you on this quest?
Williams: "I was compelled to provide modest clothing. They were nearly impossible to find. I also just LOVE weddings."
Suite101: Do customers come specifically for modesty reasons?
Williams: "Because we are visible from the freeway, some customers come into the store because of signage. However, many come in specifically because of our focus on modest gowns. Even our more contemporary gowns are classic rather than trendy. Our passion for providing customers with what they want is evident in our high quality customer service. Many of our customers come to us because of the poor service they had received at other clothing stores who don't share the same passion."
Suite101: How far will customers drive for modest apparel?
Williams: "Customers will drive as far as necessary to find modest gowns. We have customers from as far West as Whittier and as far South as San Diego." [In traffic this drive is up to two hours long, one way]
Beyond Modest Gowns and Classic Clothing
Providing needed modest clothing to her area is just part of Williams' way of serving her community. Ann's Classic Affairs has often conducted free modesty training sessions for local church groups. Girls come to her shop and receive modesty education and the opportunity to wear one of the dresses for a professional photo shoot. It is a highlight event for these youth to get 'all dolled-up' for pictures that will remind them of the modest education they gained.
Williams has sponsored modesty themed fashion shows and provided decorations and tuxedos for the local middle school jazz night and other events. This dedication to social culture and standards is seen by her very loyal customers and recognized by her community. Not only because of her gowns, dresses and tuxedos, but also through her genuine love for her customers and for her passion toward modesty.
One of her satisfied customers commented by saying, "This is our second purchase from Anne's Classic Affair. We have shopped the competition. Both times we have found the perfect dress right here. As, with formal wear, some alteration needed to be made to the dress; While at the tailor his remarks to me were how well-made the dresses are that she sells at her store. Quality is something we rarely see these days. The service we receive surpasses any other store." - Teri & Hayley Stayner
Example for Other Business Community Responsibility
As entrepreneurs make a decision to start or purchase a business early consideration should be made to how the community will benefit from the organization. The word 'company' is derived from two Latin words, cum and panis, which means breaking bread together. Taking this intention to heart during the early formation of an organization will help to encourage the building of a genuine community service attribute to the entire business model and purpose.
W Denis Nurmela - - Built multi-million $ companies from scratch - Church & Non-Profit Leader - Educated & Avid Reader - Coach, Consultant, ...
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