HMS Interview: Deata Sexton Gregory, The Wedding Center Inc.

 Motivating, Business Savvy, Loves All Things Glamorous! 

Pictured here with her daughter

The Wedding Center Inc
258 Plaza Drive off Southland Drive at Regency Road
859.278.3765

Deata Sexton Gregory is one seriously motivated hautemomma! She recently took on a job involving lots of glamour and hardwork all rolled into one.  Having attended fashion school in Altanta and cosmetology school, Deata finally decided to take her fashion and beauty experience and open her own boutique.  A boutique that would also incorporate wardrobe assistance, pageant coaching and hair and cosmetic makeovers.  Not only did she open a boutique, and totally revive 258 Plaza Drive, but she also started three other businesses in the same building….like I said…one motivated hautemomma!  

258 Plaza Drive offers more than just an impressive selection of wedding gowns, it offers Tres Chic Boutique, Salon Plaza and Party Princess.  Tres Chic carries brands such as La Femme, Jovani and Faviana…just to name a few! Salon Plaza is a full service salon offering complimentary hand treatments, a refreshment bar, relaxing pedicure room and top of the line hair, skin and cosmetic lines.  Party Princess offers a variety of specialty birthday parties, celebrations and events for every little girl. They offer a wide varitey of themed party parckages that are all inclusive….meaning Party Princess does everything from organizing the party, setting up, entertaining and cleaning up after the fun is done!

So you can see this Hautemomma is always thinking, always creating opportunities and definitely staying focused on all things glamorous!….HMS loves that!  Read the HMS HauteSpot interview below to find out more about Deata!
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Favorite vacation spot?
I would have to say the beach….anywhere, but we seem to find ourselves at St Simons Island or Amelia Island  the most with good friends!

Favorite restaurant?
Any restaurant is my favorite if it means I don’t have to cook and clean up!
 
Cocktail of choice?
First choice would be a top shelf margarita on the rocks with salt and grand marnier , but….I love a good bottle of red wine….I guess it would depend upon the event!

Favorite gift to give?
A gift that has special meaning to that person or touches their heart!

Style Icon?
I would have to be Coco Channel or Audrey Hepburn, I love the clean, simple lines!

Favorite designer?
I love Ralph Lauren designs for the more casual side…..

 Top of your style / wardrobe wish list?
At the moment it would be a new pair of boots, new leather anything and a winter coat! Hate the winter weather…but I love coats!

What is in your beauty bag?
Don’t you mean suitcase? everything! From top to bottom ….I have it! Have to be ready for a photo shoot or pageant  at any moment!
 
Listening to at the moment?
What ever the kids are listening too, however I have an appreciation for all kinds of music!

Reading at the moment?
Really? I am so embarrased, but a salon client just brought me “Are Your Hormones Making You Sick” ….I really wanted to find out about the control they have on us!

How did you become so focused on wedding, formal, pagent wear?
Many years ago…. After fashion school in Atlanta and cosmetology school, I  opened a hair salon, taught fashion classes on “what not to wear”, consulted and styled on photo shoots  and 20 years later still felt the need to merge the two concepts  together for the complete look. Each area compliments the other…..A total package so to speak!

What motivates you the most? Who inspires you?
Great question….my motivation is the feeling you get when someone feels good about themselves! Making a difference to someone! Really, there are so many people each day that inspire me….but, closer to home it would be my unwaviering family support sysytem!

What do you love most about what you do?
It is immediate gratification to see the change in someone! Changing, hair, cosmetics, and then gowning. Body types play an important role and when dressed correctly can reduce many pounds and flaws! Being able to change someones look to make them feel better about themselves is total satisfaction!
 
What are some of your favorite formal / wedding fashion trends for fall/winter 09? What trend can easily go without?
Strapless necklines and skirts with pick-ups are still to be found everywhere, but the newest gowns on the runway are softer and more romantic. The silhouettes coming up are super feminine and are showing a return to simpler more classic shapes. You will find interesting necklines and options for straps and sleeves. Also hot right now is adding a shrug or matching jacket for the ceremony.  Fabrics are getting softer and construction is getting softer. On the runway are loads of layers and sheer overlays.  The laces to look for are soft and sheer. Pleating is big on the bodice, it  is smooth and lies nicely flat.  The Grecian silhouette and the Jane Austin look are giving us a nice selection of empire waistlines with attention to details with beads, pearls and stones.
 
I really appreciate every trend…the most important concept is pairing the trend with the correct client and the needs/body type! That is what consulting is all about!