Meet Lundyn Carter | CEO & Co-founder, Laine London

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lundyn Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lundyn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Laine London with my co-founder Tiffany, not as an expert in the bridal industry, but as a woman who didn’t want others to spend thousands on their wedding dress like I did. The more Tiffany and I focused on the pressure that comes with the bridal shopping experience, the more determined we were to upend it. Unfortunately, buying the dress of your dreams can be a nightmare for many brides, especially when you’re not a size 4 or willing to spend four- figures!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Besides the rental component, what sets us apart from other bridal retailers, is that we pay really close attention to customer segments that have traditionally been seen as undesirable or unprofitable like plus sizes and brides with a budget under five-thousand dollars. Not to humblebrag, but one of the keys to our success is our bravery. We knew we wouldn’t be able to make change in an extremely traditional industry by sitting on the sidelines, so we embraced the challenge head-on and got to work. But, what keeps us going, is the look on a bride’s face when she walks in our door realizing that bridal gown shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or costly—she can have the dress of her dreams at the price of her dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Atlanta because of its world-class mash-up of food, culture, and people. I’d definitely invite my peeps out for the Music Midtown Festival and hit up the Trap Museum (I mean, what other museum in the world teaches you about trap music…and has a bar). Friday Night Jazz at The High Museum followed by a leisurely stroll through the latest art exhibit is a must! There are so many amazing things to do in Atlanta, but of course, no visit to “The A” is complete without a day on the beltline. We’d start off with a “Peaches & Cream” iced tea from Just Add Honey Tea Co., followed by renting a couple bikes next door from Atlanta Bicycle Bar. Making a pit stop at Ponce City Market to do a little shopping at The Village Market (a curated collection of premium black-owned businesses), we’d hop back on the beltline and head to our dinner reservation at Two Urban Licks. We’d end the day with a night cap down the street at Bantam Pub.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Just like a bride who has to choose her wedding party, I’d run out of spots so quickly! First and foremost, I have to shout out my amazing husband, Elliot. Without his unconditional support, love and encouragement, I don’t know what I’d do. A few others who have been instrumental in Laine London’s success when we were just a hope and a dream, are: Amelia Schaffner, from my alma mater, Emory (Goizueta Business School), David Lightburn (Atlanta Tech Village), Sean O’Brien (Overline VC) and Jewel Burks Solomon (Google).

Website: https://www.lainelondon.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/laine_london

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lundyncarter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaineLondonCompany

Other: http://www.pinterest.com/laine_london