Your Perfect Day/The Kraft Shack – Interview December 15, 2021
Sandra Hopkins
www.yourperefectdaybridal.com
KnC had a great time meeting with Sandy Hopkins to talk about her adventure in opening, managing, and creating not one, but two incredible businesses here in Sodus, NY. We have worked with Sandy with our business, as her and her husband John, have been instrumental in helping us with our own business. We have also been blessed with having them as our neighbors. However, we never knew just how talented she is and the amount of energy, work and love she pours into her businesses.
Sandy owns Your Perfect Day – a beautiful bridal shop that, we must say, is so incredible to tour. She has made the feeling in this shop so comfortable and home-like that as you gaze at all the amazing gowns everywhere makes you feel like you are visiting a piece of heaven.
What we did not know is everything that she personally does to make this day for you – THE perfect day!
Now, on the other side of the store, is miles of craft accessories and magic. Anything and everything you could possible need is there!
So, let’s get started.
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How and why did you decide to go into this business?
I opened the Kraft Shack in 1988 because I was doing the Farmers’ Markets selling wreaths that I had made. Every wreath I would make I would need something to complete it, so I thought I would open a small craft store and it just grew and grew. Back in the 90s’ we would have classes as crafting was becoming popular, but as the internet grew, the crafting slowed down, and the business was declining.
It got to a point where it was do or die – create a new business or retire. My daughter was getting married and as we travelled out of this area to try on many dresses, I thought I could do this and give the customer what they really wanted for better prices!
I started Your Perfect Day, and it grew! I had to have more space, so we expanded and built an addition.
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What is the most important thing that you would like people to know about your business?
I want to make people happy. For me, this is not about the bottom line. This is about one day in your life that if I can make the customer feel good, relax, and feel beautiful, I have done my job.
I don’t just sell dresses here. This is about me taking this day for you and making it perfect. I consider that once you are here to allow me to help you with your wedding day, you are hiring me. We do everything for you here. We have all the bridesmaid dresses, the dresses for the mothers, the tuxedos – everything you need. I am not here to be the biggest – I am here to be the best. I am here for you 24/7. When you are here for your appointment, I literally close my shop and lock the doors.
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How did you come up with the name of your business?
The Kraft Shack – was just that when I started – it was a little shack.
When I was considering Your Perfect Day, it really was because I wanted it to be your perfect day! It is funny because I answer the phone – “Kraft Shack and Your Perfect Day” and there are people that don’t know there are two businesses here. They will say – “why yes! It IS a perfect day!”
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What is unique about your business?
I care – A lot! I will do anything and everything to get what my customer wants and what they need done. I jump hurdles. I come up with solutions. When they hire me I am theirs for up until the wedding. I treat them special because they are to me.
When you go to wedding stores and you add things to your dress, or you need things done to your dress, many people will up the prices for every little thing. For me, it is just not about the money. If I can do this myself, and after the years that I have done this, I can do things that most cannot even imagine, I will do it to save the customer money.
I know my people. I grew up here, got married here, had my family here. I’m Dutch! I know how to create solutions! My customers will never pay more for the things that are needed to make this day the day that they have dreamed of.
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What makes you most excited about your business?
New dresses! Going to the shows and seeing what I can do different. What is new coming out. I think one of the things that really makes me excited is the kids that I have really known form kindergarten to the 6th grade coming in for me to help them with their wedding. I love the connection I have with the families. The comfort they feel when they are here in my store for such a special occasion, and I get to share that with them. Helping people to make this day really the perfect day. There have been many times when the woman comes out and starts crying, the mothers start crying, everyone is crying. I want you to know that I am a group crier – I will cry with you too! I love the joy of making people happy.
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What is it that you most want people to know about your business?
I want people to know that you can get this service here – in Sodus! I am here. I am here for you! Just come in and see what we have and what we can do for you. I have worked for 33 years doing this – I have done this every single day. I can help you get what you dream of and do it for less! Just come in and try out what we have here, and I promise it will be worth your time!
Here is some info from her website:
The Bridal Store where you can expect more. You will find everything you need for your wedding or special event.
We believe shopping for the perfect dress should be an exciting and memorable experience. We want you to feel relaxed, beautiful, and right at home. From finding your dress to dressing your bridal party, we are committed to making you feel special and loved right from the start. Because we want to preserve this special time, we do our best to only book one to two bridal appointments at a time.
We want to earn your business by providing excellent service and great prices. We feature a tremendous selection of wedding gowns in all sizes. We have a huge selection of mother’s dresses, bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dresses, prom gowns, quinceanera dresses, jewelry, accessories, and invitations.
We also offer tuxedo rentals and sales for that man in your life! Save yourself time and money! Stop in and meet us.
After you’ve said, “I Do”. Let us clean and preserve your beautiful gown for future memories. Your gown, and accessories will be cleaned and placed in an airtight box. Simply bring your gown into the store and allow us to do the rest.