MSU SBDC helps launch new bridal boutique

Pikeville has a new upscale bridal boutique thanks to support from Morehead State’s Small Business Development Center.  

Looking to make a better life for their children, Len Tan and her husband, Dr. Max Tan, traveled from the Philippines to Eastern Kentucky in 2006.  After the passing of her husband, in 2015, Len moved to Pikeville with her two children.

The Tans owned multiple businesses in the Philippines. Operating and successfully running a business was not new to Tan but how to do so in America was. Tan was referred to the Morehead State University Small Business Development Center in Prestonsburg by Helena Syck with Community Trust Bank.  

In Aug. 2018, she met with Michelle Spriggs, management consultant, to discuss her business idea, what it would entail, funding, licensing, possible locations, business structure and more as it related to her business.

“I did not know where to turn when I wanted to open my boutique in Pikeville. Michelle with the SBDC was there and helped with me with everything. She continues to be there for all my questions and business needs. I’m not sure I could have done this without her. I am grateful that God led me to her,” said Tan.  

This past summer, Tan attended the School of Fashion and Art (SOFA) in the Philippines for two months. She has always had a talent for and interest in fashion. She spent the past year designing and making children’s recital dresses in her home.  

When asked why Tan wanted to start this business she replied, “I wanted to start this business for my children. To show them that they should never give up on their dreams. I always want to be the best role model for my kids.”   

“It has been such a pleasure to work with Len and to see her dream of owning and operating her own boutique come true,” Spriggs said. “She is a remarkable woman and her boutique represents this. Her and her business will be a significant asset to downtown Pikeville.”  

Len Tan’s Bridal Boutique held its grand opening and ribbon cutting with a host of family, friends, and community leaders on Nov. 5.  Tan’s boutique sells upscale bridal gowns, children’s clothing, prom dresses, party dresses, women’s formal attire, accessories and much more. The shop can special order items and provides in-house alterations.  

Len Tan’s Bridal Boutique is located at 180 Town Mountain Road in Pikeville. It is opened from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Contact 606-422-6919 to schedule a bridal session.  

 The Prestonsburg SBDC office serves Breathitt, Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Magoffin, Martin, Owsley, Pike and Wolfe counties.

For further details on SBDC services, contact MSU SBDC at Prestonsburg by calling 1-800-648-5372 ext. 2681, 606-783-2681, or emailing m.spriggs@moreheadstate.edu or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/sbdc.