Meet Noor Alkhalili | Designer and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Noor Alkhalili and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noor, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Inspired by our parents background in business and accounting along with our passion for fashion, my sisters and I decided to open a bridal shop that targets a variety of different tastes and needs of wedding dresses. Our thought process initiated by selecting dresses that were unique and up to trends. We took the risk by introducing styles that were a bit different than what has been already saturated in the market, this sparked the curiosity of people to come view our collections and purchase designs that they felt comfortable and happy in. A few years into the business, we really focused on studying the potential of creating our own brand for wedding dresses. I decided to use my architecture background and design wedding dresses that are comfortable, affordable, unique and targeting the market. During covid we took the opportunity to market our affordable brand further, since weddings got smaller and budgets were tighter. We were able to provide the customer with beautiful and unique designs that they can comfortably afford! This allowed us to make more and more sales and finally decide to open the first flagship store for my brand Chic Bridals and Candy Prom and Evening in Toronto, ON, Canada. The opening of the store will happen in January 2023.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My wedding and special occasions brands are all about loving who you are, feeling good and comfortable, and being able to afford the luxury. It is difficult always seeing a clear divide between luxury and affordability, but I have made it my mission to make that happen. In architecture we called it designing for the 99% and I’m taking that further to design for the 99% in dresses!

Its really not easy building businesses, I have had to work everyday after my 9to5. I had to validate the market in multiple ways, constantly putting myself out there and creating connections. Like buildings, building a business require strong foundations and engineered decisions. Opening a big flagship store was the biggest and most exciting part that I had to make recently. Its been absolutely exciting but also tiring! I can’t wait to see what people think and go further from there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am currently in Toronto, my favourite spot to take my bestfriend would be first we go for a quick take out breakfast from Eggbae, then walk the streets of Kensington Market, down to the CN tower and the Harbourfront waterfront. We’d visit some of my favourite architecture sports like the ROM, then head to Zaad for an amazing Shawerma! We’d then go for bubble tea because the day can’t end without my favourite drink, One Zo would be the place to go for me! Then we’d go to Dundas Square for an exciting night activity!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest and most important mentors have been my parents Osama and Ola as well as my eldest sister Sireen! I couldn’t be more thankful for their immaculate support and guidance, it truly would have been super hard to do all of this without them.

My friend and business partner Anne! The support and love that I get from Anne is absolutely priceless. Together we have decided to solve a need in the wedding industry by creating an Wedding Rental App, “luest”! Stay tuned for the launch in the US and Canada in January 2023 🙂

I would also like to give a shoutout to my professors in Architecture especially Professor. Ted Kesik and my former architecture boss Lisa D’abbondanza. Architecture really opened my eyes and abilities in creativity and it constantly pushes me to make better and more creative dress designs. Architecture is truly everywhere and in everything.

Website: www.chicbridals.com

Instagram: @chic,bridals

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-alkhalili/

Facebook: @chicbridalsca

Other: www.candyprom.com @candyprom tiktok: @chicbridals, @candyprom www.luest.ca @rent.luest

Image Credits
Charlotte Van Amelsvoort , Michele Rose Beauty Lisa Vigliotta , Allyssa Helm, Styled by Nadia , BnM Models Shotlife studio, Makeup by Adrienne, Alexis Ibero, Ciotti Models