Every Queen Deserves a Crown : Interview with Cayla Couture
You are an absolute queen. Radiant ! Divine ! Wouldn’t you like to lean into that even a little bit more ? Well with Cayla Couture you can ! Imagine a crown beyond the traditional sense. Far more artistic, creative & elevated - like an artist piece. We had the pleasure of interviewing Aileen Fitzpatrick (the woman behind Cayla Couture ) & now we’d like to share that with you.
1. Can you tell us a little about you, your business and how it started?
Contrary to the name of the business, my name is actually Aileen! I started my venture into bridal accessories when I immigrated to the US from Ireland in 2020. Since my husband was an essential worker, I spent most of my days alone with no real way to settle in with the lockdowns & curfews in place. I have always been creative and yearned for the opportunity and time to make a living from what I do best. So I seized the opportunity & put everything into Cayla Couture to give myself a purpose and fulfill my creative dream!
2. What is your goal/vision/pillar as to why you wanted to create such unique hair pieces?
When I was getting married, I couldn't really find accessories that fit the vibe I was going for. I wanted classic, sophisticated glamour but with a unique twist that suited my personality. Everything I saw was beautiful, but it felt like they were made for someone else- nothing was quite "me" enough. So I decided to make contemporary accessories for future brides who wanted an unusual style that still looked bridal- I'm just sorry I didn't make them on time for my own wedding!
3. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Photo by Sarah Lindhold Photography
As strange as it sounds, I often dream of my designs. They are usually abstract colours and shapes, so I run to the studio first thing when I wake to try and turn them into something tangible. In my waking hours of inspiration(which is definitely more common), I picture all the different aesthetics I was drawn to around my own wedding and try to create what I envisioned for myself but couldn't find! A midnight Autumnal wedding was definitely a dream that never was for me, so you can see that throughout the permanent collection of my store.
4. How does the process work?
The process is honestly just me in my home studio trying to make pretty things for pretty women, and chasing my tail trying to deal with the business side of things. I'm definitely still learning as I go, so for now I take each day as it comes & hope inspiration keeps finding me and people keep liking my work.
5. Can a couple request a custom piece? How does that work?
Yes, absolutely! I generally customize pieces that I already make, e.g. colour or sizing. I can make additions or take details away depending on what will suit the bride and the wedding aesthetic. Since custom requests can be so different, the best thing to do is message me on Etsy & we can discuss the details there. I have made matching pieces for bridesmaids, boutonnières for groomsmen, tie clips for the groom, & of course custom floral halos to match the wedding bouquet. I also made a Harry Potter inspired Halo which was my absolute favourite, I loved it so much I bought supplies to make a whole Harry Potter collection but never got around to it!
6. As a small business owners our lives are filled with ups & downs; hurdles & wins. Can you share with us your view point on being a small business owner ( a struggle you've over come? a win you're really proud of?)
It's simultaneously more rewarding and more of a struggle than I ever imagined. I thought I was ready for going "viral" and I definitely was not! It's very hard to explain to someone who doesn't know how much there is to do when you run a business alone, no matter how big or small. The biggest struggle has probably been working through the carpal tunnel I developed in both hands, it breaks my heart having my processing time be as long as it is but unfortunately my hands just won't move any quicker! The last thing I want is to give anything less than perfection for the biggest day of someone's life, but I've been so fortunate to have only encountered the most beautiful, kind souls that have been nothing but patient and understanding with me. I'm still waiting for the horror customer everyone on Tik Tok talks about, but I only see angels & goddesses at Cayla Couture!
7. What advice do you have for anyone planning their wedding?
The most important thing to me is to be yourself and don't alter your style for fear of people judging you. Wear that second dress, ditch the veil for a halo & wear whatever shoes feel comfiest. The last thing you want is to regret not being true to yourself. Be dramatic, be over the top, enjoy the attention and give them something to look at!
8. What advice do you have for any small business owners?
Take the small wins, be patient with yourself & realize that you are already living your younger self's dream just by doing the damn thing. And yes, imposter syndrome is a thing for everyone, but don't get in your own way. Now, if only I could take my own advice....
9. What is your favorite part of your business/brings you the most joy?
By far my favourite part is getting photos from real brides on their wedding days. I ALWAYS do a happy dance, it never gets old! I still can't believe such stunning women are wearing my halos on the biggest day of their lives. It's so surreal seeing positive reviews and knowing people actually like what I've made enough to wear it on their wedding day. It's definitely what keeps me going!
Interested in her items ? You can purchase them HERE. Also make sure to see her latest work & real clients wearing them in action on Cayla Couture Instagram feed. Everyone deserves to sparkle & this is just one additional twinkle to your look.
