Matina’s Rauzan: Personalized Dress Consultations, Service

Julie Rauzan-Possage of North Lima, owner of Matina’s Bridal in Beachwood, is coming back strong. You can read more about Matina’s at its website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your organization, and how is it rebounding?

Matina’s Bridal was closed for seven weeks. All of our March–June weddings were postponed; more than 40 percent of our July–September weddings were postponed. This was a massive blow to our alterations department and accessories sales that we count on at this time of year. However, we’ve rebounded nicely with many new customers now buying wedding gowns off the sample sales rack and making quicker buying decisions than in years past.

How has the outbreak affected your personal life? 

I learned a lot about myself and who/what I wanted in my life both personally and professionally.  I have never been more organized at home, like so many others have said too. I’ve made a lot of changes with the new normal in place that will keep me happy going forward. I never expected to get a multiple-week break as an adult to step back from the chaotic life I was living and make some very necessary changes. As uncertain as it was, for me, a lot of good came from the break. I’m grateful.

What steps are you taking to come back strong?  

With all the safety protocols in place, we’re finding that our brides and their families are really enjoying the personal one-on-one service Matina’s Bridal has always been known for. Sadly, these wedding dress TV shows have influenced young ladies to think it’s a good idea to turn their dress shopping appointment into somewhat of an event or party with way too many guests coming along to shop. With the limited guest allowance per bride, only allowing one consultation to happen at a time in the boutique, and the rearranging of furniture and such to accommodate social distancing, EVERYONE has commented on how much more of a special experience it feels like than they expected. Of course, the moms love it and, frankly, so do we!

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?  

Be grateful. Other than the financial devastation of the stay-at-home order requiring Matina’s to close temporarily, I haven’t been personally affected by COVID-19. All of my family and friends are healthy and safe. Although I don’t agree with a lot of the politics and decisions surrounding the virus, I’m thrilled with the kindness that has emerged from all walks of life. We all need to hold on to that kindness moving forward and maybe step away from mainstream media and social media a little more to spend our precious time with those we love.

Matina’s Bridal is located in Beachwood. What’s your valley connection?

Matina’s Bridal opened in Warren in 1974. Always specializing in designer wedding gowns and accessories, previous ownership expanded to a second location in the Cleveland market in the mid-1980s to accommodate the massive influx of brides from there who were driving to the Youngstown area. We purchased the sole-remaining location of Matina’s in 2013 when the ladies who had built this amazing brand were ready to retire from ownership. Having worked with Matina’s off and on for over 20 years, it was a dream come true when I had the opportunity to make it mine. But I’m a Youngstown girl and always will be. I don’t mind the commute because my life is here. My family, my friends, my lifestyle. I shop local, I live local and offer ANY bride who comes from Youngstown to see us in Beachwood a discount on her wedding gown purchase. I even sometimes deliver wedding gowns to my Youngstown brides when I can save them the trip to our store.