Kamryn Hesington with Gracie’s Bridal

Gracie’s Bridal (2724 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO, 417-866-1808) has been open for 18 years, and Kamryn Hesington and her husband, Jacob, bought the business in 2021 after she had been working there for several years. “I absolutely fell in love with the bridal business and knew there was nothing else I ever wanted to do with my life,” she says.

In February, she expanded her vision by launching Something Blue & Co., Gracie’s Bridal’s sister brand, which carries all kinds of fun bridal accessories. Through both businesses, Kamryn leads with an encouraging and uplifting style, and she is grateful for the opportunity to empower and uplift women in the community. “I have a heart for brides and for the 417 community,” she says. “It drives me daily to come up with new and innovative ways to serve them.”