Creating with Care: Liz Spencer’s Innovative Take on Bridal Design
- Dr. Eulanda Sanders
- Mar 24
- 3 min read
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Watching the growth and evolution of Liz Spencer’s career has been one of my greatest joys as an educator. As a former student of mine, Liz always stood out—not only for her creativity and tenacity, but for her unwavering commitment to her craft. Today, she is the founder and visionary behind Bridal by SHL, a Kansas City-based bridal salon redefining what it means to be inclusive, thoughtful, and innovative in the world of wedding fashion.
Finding Her Passion in Fashion
What began as a love for art and creating “something out of nothing” turned into a full-blown passion for fashion design. Liz did not begin sewing until her junior year of high school, but once it clicked during college, there was no turning back. Her apparel design degree and a minor in entrepreneurship laid the foundation for what would become her future business.
Her grandfather's passing in 2019 served as a powerful reminder that life is short. Liz took a bold leap, quitting her retail management job and deciding to pursue her dream of starting a bridal business. By April 2020, she signed a lease on her first storefront—during a pandemic. Despite the odds, Bridal by SHL succeeded from day one, fueled by community support and Liz’s relentless spirit.
Liz’s creative spark was evident early in her career. As a student, she participated in Omaha Fashion Week twice, creating hand-dyed silk eveningwear and later experimenting with natural dyes in a ready-to-wear collection. These experiences allowed her to create without limits, sparking her excitement for the possibilities of a future in fashion.
SHL: More Than a Brand Name
SHL stands for “Single-Handedly Liz,” a powerful name with a double meaning. Not only did she build her brand from the ground up, but she also navigated entrepreneurship with a paralyzed right arm. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, Liz has turned it into a source of strength and motivation, proving daily that determination, creativity, and resilience can achieve incredible things.
At the core of Bridal by SHL is a simple yet powerful philosophy: care. Liz ensures every bride feels seen, celebrated, and comfortable. This includes pre-appointment consultations, personalized style guidance, and inclusivity. After realizing the limitations of standard bridal sizing, Liz consciously decided to carry designers that offer gowns up to size 36. Her boutique ensures that every bride can try dresses that fit—and feel beautiful.
Innovation in Store Layout and Customer Experience
What sets Liz’s boutique apart is its open-concept layout, which merges retail with the design studio. This allows brides to interact directly with alteration specialists and gain confidence in the fit and customization of their gowns. By blending creativity and customer care, Liz and her team have bridged a gap in the traditional bridal industry.
Today, Liz leads a team of seven women, each bringing unique strengths to the business. Whether inventory management, social media strategy, or technical design, everyone contributes to the salon's success. Liz credits her experience in retail management with giving her the tools to create efficient systems, manage people, and build a strong foundation for growth.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Liz’s advice to aspiring business owners is practical and inspiring: just start. Whether carving out 15 minutes daily to pursue your craft or taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, the key is showing up for your passion. She also emphasizes the importance of balance, self-care, and surrounding yourself with a supportive team.
Liz is working on her first in-house bridal collection, which will debut later this year. Her goal is to establish Bridal by SHL as a flagship store and grow her brand into a line other retailers sell. With her vision, leadership, and heart, there is no doubt she is on the path to even greater impact.
When asked how she defines innovation, Liz responded positively: kindness, empathy, and meeting people where they are. She believes innovation is not just about technology—it is about creating inclusive, supportive, and human-centered experiences. And in her world, that begins with making every bride feel beautiful, valued, and cared for.
Keep innovating!
Eulanda
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