A stylish way to end the year

Amsha Bridal wins at HiStyle Awards

Christmas came early for Michelle Cullivan as she picked up a Hi Style Award for her Amsha Bridal business.

The renowned one-woman business based at Ricehill, Crossdoney, was nominated for Best Bijou Bridal 2022, and was also a finalist for the overall Most Stylish Bridal Boutique award.

Michelle deservedly picked up the prestigious award at the gala event hosted at Clayton Silver Springs Hotel in Cork earlier this month.

“I was stunned to be honest because I wasn’t expecting it. I got word a couple of weeks before it happened that I was nominated. It was a great night, and I was stunned that I actually won.”

It’s a significant achievement, particularly when you consider she is a one woman operator. In the short time operating from her purpose built premises, Michelle’s client focussed service, insistence on quality, and attention to detail, already saw her draw customers from the furthest reaches of the country. A cursory glance at Amsha’s Facebook page reveals countless customer reviews confirming why the Hi Style judges were right to give Michelle the award. The award cements Amsha Bridal’s reputation amongst the finest dress suppliers - specialising in wedding dresses in sizes 8-30, and similarly for Debs and Communions - in the country.

“It’s huge exposure for me, on social media and in terms of really getting my name out there. It means a lot because I’m only four years in business, and two years of that was Covid.”

With countless weddings and communions postponed the dress supply sector was very seriously hit through the pandemic restrictions. Removal of restrictions then led to a whole new set of challenges as all the postponed events were rescheduled into every possible date.

“The first year after opening up was obviously a bit manic,” recalls a very contented Michelle, “but it’s evened out now and it’s going really well.”

While Michelle looks back on 2022 with satisfaction, she’s also looking to the future with confidence.

Michelle has the business just as she wants and expanding it would only detract from the service.

“I like to keep it they way it is. It’s private, intimate and personal and that’s the way I want to keep it.” Clearly it’s also how her customers and Hi Style judges want her to keep it too.