Shante Crockett, Owner
Rogers, Arkansas
After a career as an executive director of a non-profit community aid center, Shante Crockett was ready to exercise her creative muscle. Crockett saw the Wedding Library in Fayetteville as the perfect outlet for her creativity, so she purchased the business early last year. After restructuring the company, Crockett contacted Sara Allen, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville SBTDC Business Consultant for assistance in pursuing an expansion loan. Allen worked with Crockett to develop a business plan and financial projections in preparation for an SBA LowDoc Loan application. In the meantime, Crockett changed the business name to The Wedding Gallery and secured a location in village on the Creeks, an upscale shopping district in Rogers.
Arkansas National Bank in Springdale approved Crockett's loan last July. The loan enabled Crockett to update furniture, fixtures and complete leasehold improvements in the new location and provided her with working capital during the transition. The Wedding Gallery offers clients wedding planning assistance and recommendations for local vendors such as caterers, dress shops, photographers, travel agencies and more. Crockett's innovative business idea resulted in a convenient, efficient way to plan a wedding - a service that goes over well with harried brides-to-be!
