T. Carolyn Fashions

“We’re really a cross between a specialty store and a department store, because we have more dresses than most department stores—at least several—combined,” Martin said.

The store carries formal dresses for evening wear as well as those that can be worn to a gala, quinceanera, luncheon or even on a cruise.

“We’ve sold dresses that went to the inaugurations of President [George W.] Bush and President [Barack] Obama,” Tibbetts said.

Tibbetts said the store’s success is based on the fact that she and her daughter have a passion for helping women find dresses that make them look and feel beautiful.

“We try to elevate mothers to feel good about themselves because, very often, mothers aren’t all that secure when it comes time to be mother of the bride at the wedding. They don’t like their shape, and they’re going to see all of those people that they haven’t seen in a very long time—sometimes even ex-husbands,” Tibbett said.

The duo does not settle for merchandise it believes is less than perfect, seeking out dresses that are unique in design and color and that fit a woman of any size.

“Department stores don’t have buyers anymore—they don’t know exactly why a dress sold,” Martin said. “But because we are in the dressing rooms with these women, we know which sizes, styles and colors to buy. And we are very particular.”

The store also appeals to younger clientele and sells a variety of dresses that are worn by students to prom or by bridesmaids.

The store owners also pay close attention to price so that dresses, which range in size from zero to 28, appeal to any budget.

“These aren’t your typical, frumpy, mother-of-the-bride dresses,” Tibbetts said.