bella novaPhoto by Lyndsey Taylor

Owner Jessie Johnson said she could not have asked for a better year for her store.

Elegant gown business expands its store

When Aaron and Jessie Johnson saw a need for an elegant gown store in Austin, the couple packed up their belongings and moved from their hometown of Norman, Okla., to open bella nova, their first fashion venture.

"I could not have asked for a better first year [of business]," Jessie said. "Basically, we dove in head first."

The Johnsons opened their 7,000-square-foot store in January 2012 in the McNeil Crossing shopping center and have more than 1,000 dresses for sale at any given time. The store carries four different designers, including Sherri Hill, La Femme and Tony Bowls, and sells a variety of evening and prom gowns, shoes, purses and accessories. Each January, the store mails out a catalog, with the latest issue featuring seasonal fashions by Sherri Hill.

This year brings new changes to the business, including the expansion of the dressing rooms and adding couches to the seating area, she said. Because January through June is the busiest season of the year, the store will not be closing for construction.

Jessie said that bella nova plans on participating in several high school prom fashion shows this year. Last year, the store's gowns were featured in Pflugerville High School's prom fashion show.

"We've really exploded in the Pflugerville area," she said.