Photo courtesy Eesh Formals
Photo courtesy Eesh Formals
Photo courtesy Eesh Formals
Photo by Shawn ArrajjFor Ranjan and Renee Kapoor, owners of Eesh Formals, running their business has been based on the concept of give and take—give love to others, and they will give love back.
This tradeoff has proven beneficial for the husband and wife duo, who say the positive reactions and word-of-mouth recommendations that came as a result have helped keep them in business for more than 15 years.
The Cy-Fair-based Eesh Formals specializes in formal wear for proms, homecomings, pageants and other special events. Dresses are the shop's calling card, but it also stocks shoes and accessories to go along with various dress styles and provides tuxedos for rent. The business offers layaway for people who cannot pay the entire cost upfront.
Ranjan stressed the importance of treating each customer on an individual basis.
"In this business, it is critical to understand what each customer wants," he said. "There is no room for 'almost perfect.'"
Ranjan and Renee said they view their relationships with their patrons as more than a store transaction. They often keep in touch after customers graduate and move on to college or other pursuits.
"We treat them like our own kids and follow them on their journeys," Renee said. "Girls tell us we need to start going into bridal so they can come back for that next milestone."
The Kapoors said they are grateful for the opportunity, not only to help people with formal wear, but also to serve as a positive influence in their lives in whatever way they can. They describe the work they do at Eesh Formals as a passion, and they said the challenge of getting the right dress keeps them motivated.
"We are the wealthiest people when we can put a smile on their faces," Ranjan said. "When they leave happy, we sleep better at night. It's just something that's in our nature."
Pageant queens
Eesh Formals has sold dresses to a number of different pageant queens in the Houston area—Kyndal Irwin, crowned Miss Cy-Fair in 2012, Rachael Shah, crowned Miss Tomball in 2013, Carly McCaslin, crowned Miss Teen Cy-Fair in 2012—as well as several winners from the Miss Texas and Miss America junior teen pageants, including Shannon Smith, Katelyn Marak and Kelsea Russo.
"It's not just proms that people come to us for," owner Ranjan Kapoor said. "Girls will start coming to us in eighth grade, but they come back every year, whether they do pageants or just want a dress for any kind of celebration."
Designer dresses
Ranjan and Renee Kapoor, owners of Eesh Formals, carry a variety of dress styles, but they recognize the importance of stocking their store with top quality designers. Some of the designers they buy from include:
- Jovani
- Sherri Hill
- La Femme Fashions
- Terani Couture
- Alyce Paris
- Evenings by Allure
- Flirt
- Mori Lee
- Tonybowls
Prom 2014
With prom season upcoming, Eesh Formals is anticipating shipments of new dresses from its favored designers listed above. The owners work with their customers on finding and bringing in dresses as well.
"Sometimes they try on eight different dresses, but we don't stop until they find the perfect one," owner Ranjan Kapoor said.
Eesh Formals
15440 Ridge Park Drive
Houston 281-855-3377
Mon.–Sat. 1–5 p.m.
Closed Sunday
