Hannah Balash’s idea gave way to Bridal Maven, a second-hand wedding outlet.
In 2020, Hannah Balash had the idea to give wedding dresses, that are only worn once, a second life. The gowns often cost thousands of dollars. Balash realized this idea was something she could “put [her] own stamp on.”
Balash opened Bridal Maven in Dormont, Pennsylvania. The second-hand wedding outlet gives wedding dresses a second life and allows former brides to recoup some of their money.
Former brides that drop their wedding dresses off with Balash are able to split the profits with her when their gown is sold.
In a recent interview, Balash said, “It just makes a lot of practical sense. And I think people in Pittsburgh are practical people.”
The Pittsburgh area has more than 50 bridal-related stores. Balash does not view these stores as rivals, but rather as “tight knit” collaborators.
Balash found that there are more than 18,000 weddings in the region every year. “Community over competition, every time,” she said.
While living in New York in 2013, Balash found work with a bridal shop as a side hustle. She had no prior experience working in bridal sales but was able to take the knowledge she gained with her as she founded Bridal Maven.
In 2017, Balash moved back to Pittsburgh to be closer to her family. She committed to the bridal industry and worked at another shop in Carrick. Balash’s boss at the time supported her idea to open Bridal Maven and was able to consign her first 20 wedding gowns.
Her business started as a rack of dresses and an Instagram account, she said.
She gained coverage from Burgh Brides, one of the largest local wedding blogs. The coverage gave her “the confidence to go for it.” In 2020, Balash signed a six-month lease to a Dormont storefront with the 75 dresses she collected during the year.
Most of Balash’s dresses sell for $750 to $1,500. Former brides receive about 30% of the sale price back in their pockets.
In 2024, Balash sold 251 second-hand wedding dresses. She had 125 individual consignors and seven store partners.
In the store’s first year, only 75 dresses were sold. Balash does not sell vintage dresses. She stocks dresses that are no more than a few years old to keep up with changing style trends. Unsold dresses are donated to charity after three years on the rack at Bridal Maven.
Balash is involved in the community in Dormont. She lives within walking distance from Bridal Maven. She enjoys supporting the local food pantry and hosts a knitting club that meets at the store during off hours.
