We had the good fortune of connecting with Derelya Webster Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derelya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I decided to start this business after prom dress shopping with my oldest daughter. Our experience was very disheartening. Subpar customer service, being overlooked and brushed off just made us feel like crap. I wondered how many others felt the same way I did. I really didn’t have many other places in our area to go to. It was almost like buy here or you won’t have a dress. We changed that

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve acquired my 3rd location for After Five Prom & Bridal. The new location located within the same shopping mall as the second store but will host my signature and personal designs of Ella Noire Couture. It’s definitely going to be After Five Exclusives. Third location grand opening is set for January 6th 2023.  We pride ourselves on delivering great customer service 100 % of the time. This is definitely what sets us apart from others. We value our clients because we know they have choices. They come here for “The After Five Experience” Its unmatched and takes us over the top every single time. Obstacles surely came soon after we opened. Only in business 3 months, Covid struck our nation and we suffered a tremendous loss. I prayed that God would see us through it. While the world was closed I took that time to focus on adjustments to help scale this new business to the next level. I flew to California, Florida, Texas, anywhere I could to get in the faces of designers I wanted to carry in the store. I managed to open a second location January 2022. The After Five Brand is one that services everyone but caters to minorities. I wanted to create a space where there’ endless selections of what we like to see ourselves in. I’m rewarded when clients come in and just can’t decide because they have so many options.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband James, best friend Elisha, and my immediate family. They’ve literally been through thick and thin with me. Absolutely having my back, being 1000% supportive in every venture I’ve ever decided to pursue.

Website: www.afpab.com

Instagram: afterfiveprombridal

Facebook: After Five Prom & Bridal

Yelp: After Five Prom & Bridal

Image Credits
Teddy Panda Chris Jarrod Victor Cole Photography Kerry Varner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.