Meet Ava Daniels | Bridal Stylist & Event Stylist

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

Hi Ava, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to create space for the people that are not often included in bridal- LGBTQIA+ folks, brides with more alternative or unique style, and those that just feel like other bridal spaces don’t include them. I want to be an advocate for those people and welcome them into bridal- I have had many brides and friends over the years complain that bridal shops and other spaces don’t feel welcoming for them, and I wanted to change that. Bridal is for everyone!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think of myself more as an artist than a business person. I don’t understand all the intricacies of business and while I am naturally good at business, what I do is more of a craft. I’m most proud of the fact that now I often have photographers, models, and other creatives I have never met reach out to me telling me they would love to work with me- that is such a compliment! It took a lot of reaching out the same way when I started to build my portfolio, and to have people now reach out to me instead of the other way around is awesome!! It wasn’t easy, and it still isn’t. I get nervous asking photographers to pay for my art, and I definitely have imposter syndrome; but the continuing support I get from fans of my art keeps me pushing forward! I just leap into my work and hope that others see the time, effort, and dedication that I put into my styling- and maybe then they will see the value of what I’m creating. I want the world to know that my brand is a brand, but it’s also me a whole- ass person who worked hard to build this brand. Bridal Rebel wouldn’t exist without my creativity- even if someone else was able to take over. I’m proud that no one can create just as I do, and that’s what is truly behind the “brand”. It all comes from my love of the craft.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestie came to visit for a weekend long trip, I would take them to a few of my fave spots. I am big into food, so a stop at the Denver Central Market and Milk Market is a must. I love walking my friends around RiNo so we can take photos in front of all the murals. We would stop at Tavernetta and Sunday Vinyl (especially on Sunday to catch a DJ set) for great dinner and service. Walking around the vintage shops on South Broadway is a must, my friends know I love good vintage! Lastly for fun we would probably spend some time at the Denver Botanic Gardens or wander around the Modern Art Museum down town. If shows are finally a thing we can go to, I would absolutely make a stop at red rocks for a concert!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shout out my fiancé Ryan McKinney, owner & founder of Sartoria Denver. He has encouraged me and been there since the beginning of Bridal Rebel, and has been behind the scenes of everything that has gone into my business. Without his encouragement, I would not have taken the leap to start my own styling company.

Website: https://msha.ke/bridalrebel/

Instagram: @bridalrebel

Image Credits
Danielle Tolson Amelia Vilona Jillian Halpak