FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A former Miss Washington USA competitor is opening a new formal gown boutique in South King County
The Empress Suite is located at 32020 1st Ave. S., Suite 102, Federal Way.
Business owner Amber Bruce, graduated from Seattle's Cleveland High School in 2011 before moving on to explore the beauty industry and starting her pageant journey in 2012.
“I have spent over a decade competing in pageants with in-person shopping options being few and far between in the Pacific Northwest for the designer gowns that are popular in pageantry," Bruce said. "Sprinkle that I am a size 16/18 on top and those options dwindle even further.”
Bruce said she remembers how hard it was even to shop for her prom dress coupled with online shopping that resulted in disappointment with fit, style, or color.
It was that experience and others that inspired The Empress Suite's mission to cater to all sizes and needs.
“The boutique is giving me the opportunity to support the community I love so much," Bruce said.
As a woman of color, Bruce said she hopes that launching her store inspires people to go after their dreams.
“I had been waiting for everything to fall perfectly in place before I left the comfort of my corporate job," Bruce said. "The longer I waited, the further and further away I felt from my dream. I decided to lean on something my grandpa use to say - 'Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today.?' With that, I leaped out on faith, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
The store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. It will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
The grand opening is set for 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8.
It includes snacks and a complimentary headshot with celebrity artist Jennifer E. Lloyd Artistry who is Mrs. Queen of the World and Dress for Success Brand Ambassador.
When Lloyd heard about the grand opening of Bruce’s boutique, she wanted to know how she could help.
“Economic sustainability for a Black woman-owned business is everyone’s responsibility," Llyod said. "Helping young women who are passionate about entrepreneurship and who aspire to start businesses truly gives her a path for economic independence.”
Anyone interested in having a headshot done at the June 8 grand opening should email shop@theempresssuite.com to book their shoot and the person must be "camera ready" with their hair and makeup ready to go.