Meet Stacie A. | Owner of Sparkle & Sass by Stacie & Designer of the Stacie A. Atelier Collection

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

Hi Stacie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As the founder of Sparkle & Sass by Stacie, I’ve always been drawn to the world of bridal and evening gowns. Ever since my college days, the idea of owning my own store filled with elegant dresses and making dreams come true has been a dream of mine.

Starting the business out of the basement of my home was both exhilarating and challenging. It was a labor of love, fueled by my passion for design and making women feel truly special on their big day or special occasion.

As I immersed myself in the intricacies of the industry, I found myself falling deeper in love with the art of designing. Each gown became not just a piece of clothing, but a manifestation of someone’s hopes and dreams. It was this realization that drove me to take the leap and turn my passion into a full-fledged business.

My thought process behind starting Sparkle & Sass by Stacie was rooted in a desire to create a space where every woman could feel like royalty, where every gown was not just beautiful, but a reflection of her unique personality and style. I wanted to bring joy and sparkle into people’s lives during some of their most memorable moments.

Through dedication, hard work, and a sprinkle of sparkle, I’ve been able to turn that dream into a reality. And with each gown that leaves our store, I’m reminded of why I started this journey in the first place – to make dreams come true, one dress at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a reflection of my journey, a fusion of passion, perseverance, and a dedication to elevating elegance through timeless silhouettes and master craftsmanship. What sets me apart as a designer is not just my aesthetic, but the resilience and determination that define my path in an industry where expectations and stereotypes can be stifling.

As a Black designer, carving out my niche wasn’t easy. I faced challenges in setting myself apart and overcoming societal norms. But I found my lane, my unique voice, and I’ve embraced it with fervor. Despite the obstacles, I’ve remained steadfast in my mission to create a brand that not only stands out but also celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

The road to building Sparkle & Sass by Stacie and the Stacie A. Atelier collection wasn’t smooth. Financial hurdles, personal loss, and health struggles tested my resolve. The loss of my father, brother, and a child during pregnancy were devastating blows that could have derailed me. But I refused to let adversity define me. Instead, I used those experiences as fuel to propel me forward, channeling my grief into creativity and determination.

Through it all, my mission remained clear – to provide a welcoming environment where every woman feels nurtured and celebrated. My brand is more than just dresses; it’s about making meaningful connections and uplifting others through joyous experiences.

My journey has taught me invaluable lessons – resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the power of perseverance. I want the world to know that my story is one of triumph over adversity, of turning pain into purpose. And I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to chase their dreams relentlessly, no matter the obstacles they may face.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best the city has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary for an unforgettable trip:

Day 1:
– Brunch at Southern Porch in Alpharetta to kickstart the trip with some Southern comfort food.
– Massages and Spa Day at the St Regis to follow
– Dinner at Le Bibloquet for an unforgettable dining experience at the Shops at Buckhead.

Day 2:
– Start the day with a homemade breakfast
– Head to the Georgia Aquarium likely with our kids to marvel at the underwater wonders and catch a dolphin show.
– Lunch at The Varsity for a taste of classic Atlanta fast food.
– Spend the afternoon at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, exploring the lush gardens and vibrant exhibitions.
– Order in for dinner that night from my favorite sushi & pho spot in Sandy Springs Nam Kitchen

Day 3:
– Brunch at West Egg Café for their delicious Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.
– Visit the Children’s Museum downtown with the kis for an afternoon of fun learning
– Lunch at Busy Bee Café for some traditional Southern soul food.
– Explore the exhibits at the High Museum of Art, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks.

Day 4:
–
– Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room for a taste of classic Southern comfort food.
– Afternoon at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with the kiddos
– Dinner at The Select in Sandy Springs, one of my absolute favorite spots

Day 5:

– Brunch at HobKnob
– Afternoon at the Halycon in Alphretta/Milton lots of great boutique shopping and green space for the kids
– Pizza in Downtown Alpharetta at Sammies the best pizza I’ve had in Atl

Day 6:
– Downtown Alpharetta Shopping & Green Space
– Grab lunch at one of the restaurants around downtown there’s so many good spots to chose from

Day 7:
– I always like to leave one day open to just go with the flow and if we decide to venuture out great if not also grea

With this itinerary, my best friend would get a taste of Atlanta’s and the surrounding suburbs vibrant culture, delicious food scene, ensuring she and the kids have the best time ever in the city!

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?
Absolutely! My shoutout goes straight to my son, Dallas. He’s not only my reason for everything I do but has also been an incredible source of inspiration and learning along the way. From the very beginning, his unwavering support and love have fueled my determination to pursue my dreams, even when the road seemed challenging.

Dallas has been there through every step of this journey, cheering me on during the highs and offering encouragement and snuggles during the lows. He reminds me daily of the importance of perseverance and resilience, qualities that have been instrumental in building Sparkle & Sass by Stacie into what it is today.

His unconditional love and belief in me have pushed me to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally.

So, here’s to Dallas – my greatest cheerleader, my source of strength, and the true inspiration behind Sparkle & Sass by Stacie.

Website: sparkleandsass.net

Instagram: @sparkleandsassme; @mzsas

Other: @mzsas on TikTok @sparkleandsassme on TikTok